The role and significance of music in human life: arguments of the past and present

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The whole history of mankind is inextricably linked with music. Even primitive people attached great importance to the surrounding sounds - they were considered something sacred. Having learned to extract melodies with the help of the first musical instruments, the ancient representatives of mankind gave rise to a new culture. Since then, the meaning of music in human life has become different - it is tribal meetings, and prayerful ecstasy, and the delight of the soul. It is difficult to overestimate the influence of this aspect on the sphere of human activity. One thing is clear - without music, human life would be bleak. In this article we will talk about the importance of music in human life.

The origins of the first instruments

The first musical instruments were created in the Paleolithic era. Their use was enclosed in the framework of ritual rites. The first wind musical instrument (it was a flute) appeared about 40,000 years ago. The great importance of music in the life of a person of the pasteras is confirmed by information about the conduct of ancient rituals.

The sacred meaning of such works can be traced in the immortal direction of folk. Such music is called "prehistoric". This genre includes the music of native American, African and other indigenous peoples, which originates from time immemorial.

The historical significance of music in human life

Arguments and facts lead us to believe that not a single holiday or ritual in antiquity took place without musical accompaniment in the form of various melodies and all kinds of combinations of sounds. The signal for battle was considered very common, which was performed on the first musical instruments like a drum. The purpose of such compositions was an appeal to the gods for help in battle, raising morale, warning of danger and the start of action. The end of the prehistoric musical period is marked by the emergence of a written musical tradition. The first records were found in Mesopotamia. For ease of reading, cuneiform was used in those days.

The importance of music in human life - past and present

Musical instruments became more diverse, and with them the works became more complicated. As scientists have proven, music is able to accurately reflect the state of development of the worldview and culture at each individual stage of social evolution.

Even the ancient Greeks painted the technique of polyphony. The music of the Middle Ages was quite diverse, but it mainly consisted of secular andchurch works. Religious compositions emphasized the importance of spiritual music in human life, while secular melodies expressed the aesthetic ideals of past centuries.

Contemporary music has reached the peak of its diversity - sometimes it seems that it is simply impossible to come up with something new in this chaos of auditory abundance. But, as practice shows, modern performers will always find a way to surprise a spoiled audience. The fact is that culture does not stand still. And it is thanks to her that we see constant musical progress. These interrelated concepts help us to draw a clear line between human development and ways of expressing oneself.

Confirming the hunches of the past…

The riot of the variety of genres of modern music allows each person to choose a composition to their liking. What is the secret of this craving for a certain sound? It turns out that a person perceives music according to the following factors:

• nationality;
• special features;
• current emotional state.

It has long been noted that each genre is able to influence both the physical and mental state of a person. According to the ancient researchers, the significance of music in human life is really colossal: music affects the body, intellect, and spiritual essence.

Studies in recent years have made it possible to study this effect more thoroughly. Now people have access to information about the impact of the sounds of certain musicalinstruments, traditional melodies, modern trends and the psychological state of a person under their influence. The importance of music in the life of a modern person is undeniable - it penetrates into all spheres of human life and covers entire cultures and ethnic heritages that make people's lives more meaningful.

Impact on the mood and psyche of a person

Mood is a continuous and constant emotional state of a person. It guides our actions and deeds. A specific action or thing cannot affect a person's mood globally - the life situation as such is the shaping factor here.

In modern psychology, the following factors are identified that contribute to mood changes:

1. Words - these can be words spoken to another person or spoken by the person himself.
2. Events - depend on a person or are formed independently of him.
3. The inner world of a person - thoughts, experiences, attitude to certain actions of people around and events.
4. Actions are what a person spends his efforts on.

If a person is not in the spirit, events in life are perceived in gloomy tones and through the prism of negativism. The state of low emotional tone pushes people to listen to their favorite music. There are no exact definitions here - each genre affects people differently depending on personal perception.

Influence factors on the psyche:

• rhythm;
• frequencies;
• volume;
• tonality;
• additional effects.

Classic

This musical genre influences a person, giving him stamina and vitality. Listening to classical music can significantly reduce depression, anxiety, and irritability. It is also very useful to listen to the effect on the assimilation of knowledge, so children are advised to turn on the classics from an early age.

As shown by numerous studies, the significance of classical music in human life, the works of some composers can reveal certain patterns of reactions in a large number of subjects. For example, Bach's "Italian Concerto" can reduce resentment and negative feelings. The masterpieces of Tchaikovsky and Beethoven help to find a he althy sleep and get rid of a headache.

Rock, metal

Everything is ambiguous here. Heavy music can enhance both positive and negative emotions. Thanks to rock (metal), you can get an additional boost of energy, but at the same time, the inner harmony and balance of a person disappear. According to some studies, the influence of rock on the mental sphere of a person often has a negative impact - the monotony and rhythm of many works of this genre are expressed in negative consequences that can be traced in the age group from 11 to 15 years old.

Other destinations

As scientists have proven, pop music has a negative effect on attention and memory due to the influence of the monotony of the rhythm. According tostudies, rap (hip-hop) contributes to the development of aggressiveness. The monotony of the genre leads to irritability, anger, a decrease in mood and overall emotional tone. Blues has a positive effect on emotions, can reduce irritability and calm. Jazz contributes to the violation of internal harmony, so the influence of the genre is considered rather negative.

Reggae is music for a good mood, which can increase emotional tone, eliminate signs of anger and aggression. Modern electronic and club music reduces the ability to learn, and also negatively affects the intellect. May increase tension and irritability. Soul music can be depressing because it reminds you of feelings. Folk (folk music) can cheer you up and increase your overall emotional tone.