When you think of music what comes to mind? If you think sound, then you are on course. Music is not some abstract phenomenon in outer space. Look around you; listen around you everything is music! Take a moment and feel your pulse. Does it not have a constant, continuous rhythm? Would you not agree it is musical in some sense? EXACTLY!!
The famous philosopher Nietzsche once quipped: “verbis defectis musica incipit” meaning, where words fail, music starts! Music is a language in itself and like verbal language; it is a form of expression. It is used for communication, it can be read; it can be heard. Sometimes music best expresses what words cannot.
WHAT IS MUSIC, REALLY?
The first most likely thing that comes to mind may be scales, harmony, melody rhythm or even, a combination of audio frequencies and intricate patterns floating through the air and clashing to gather in your ear. That is not technically wrong. But really, what is music?
Let us take this scenario; take any blockbuster movie… try to watch it , without sound; now tell me…how did the movie feel? Did you enjoy it (I am assuming you are watching for the first time?) did you feel that missing element? You couldn’t really express it, right? GOOD! That is the effect of music. It is almost like the music is the emotional carrier of the movie.
The true definition of music is, it is an emotional thing. Yes music is one-hundred percent emotional! How true? Let us refer to a movie you recently watched (probably a Nigerian movie). Now ask yourself how do you know there is some suspense on the next scene? How do you know it is a happy scene? How do you know what to expect when the screen goes dark and bright again? It is all in the music! Yes, it is the music that creates the emotion and atmosphere.
Think about it; when you are in the shower what is the most likely thing you will do when you taking a bath? Sing. Yes. When you are singing it may not be because you know all the lyrics to the song; but you will agree the prominent thing that drew the song to your mind and consequently your lips, was how it makes you feel.
To prove that music is emotional, let me ask you a question; why aren’t hymns played in a nightclub? Is it probably the same reason you cannot play “Someone like you” by Adele at a wedding? Yes!
Because music is an expression of emotions that affects our emotions as individuals, we tend to believe listening to a certain type of music for a certain activity will boost our morale in achieving better results. When jogging we listen to music, when experiencing mild forms of insomnia we play music; when feeling happy we listen to “happy” songs. Beyond being emotional, music is a force.
MUSIC AND LEARNING
Music aids learning to a large extent. Take for example; do you remember “Mary had a little lamb”? Do you know the real reason you remember is because of the music? Take a moment to sing it to yourself. That is the reason the most effective technique to help a child memorize a concept is to teach it musically. You can take a personal trip to any crèche or pre- school and you will observe for yourself.
For some, music helps them to learn effectively but for others, it may be a major distraction to study. If you find out that while studying, you happen to sing the melody or the lyrics of the music, it is more than a clear indication studying with music will not help you. Find what works for you and exploit it.
Music is what make life worth living.
The reality cannot be ignored, we cannot live without music!
BY: K. Nana Obuobi Kwapong