Music and Society

Music is a huge aspect of culture. Music is important in mainstream society as well as all the other subcultures and counter cultures. Almost everyone listens to music. There are various types of music; so many different types of people enjoy this music.  In every country there is various types of music listened to by the different types of people. Even in small countries isolated from the rest of the world music is a major aspect that brings the people together. Music has a way of bringing people together. It is played at almost every social event, from small parties to concerts to even sports events. Not everyone likes the same type of music, but almost everyone likes some type of music. Mainstream music of course is dominant and most people like it. Many people come together to listen to the mainstream music. There are many subculture type music as well. Heavy metal is an example of a subculture. There is a large group of people who can relate to this music, and they are devoted fans. There is a specific way to dress in this subculture and act at a concert. Even though heavy metal is not mainstream, this type of music is still able to attract a crowd and bring people together. Hip hop is mainstream, and this type of music uses a specific slang, and attire that devoted fans follow. It all depends on how one identifies his or her and how this person chooses their music, which was discussed in a previous blog. What is most intriguing to me is how people can bond through this music. When people are interested in certain types of music they tend to choose friends with similar interests in music. Music helps shape the groups in society, and the way we interact with each other, which is something that I find very interesting.

Music and the Body

When listening to music we feel the need to move our body. Dancing is the most obvious occasion when we move while listening to music, but there are other instances when music helps our movement.  When exercising music is helpful to have in the background, also music can also be used in physical therapy, when people are having trouble walking, music can help them walk better. According to Levitin, music is involved in motor control. In class we worked on palates, and the music was very soothing.  The music allowed me to relax, and it helped me focus on the exercise. Music is also used in spas, when people are getting facials and misuages. When I got a facial the music allowed me to relax while there was a random stranger working on my face.  My favorite activity involving music and the body is dancing. When music has a more predictable beat it is easier to dance to. Also music that has a faster beat in my opinion is more fun to dance to. When music is slow or the beat is not consistent it is harder for people to dance. Dancing at a social event brings a lot of people together to have fun. Everyone dances with people who are similar to them, and usually people like to dance to music that allows them to express their identity. Some people like techno, some like hip hop, and some people like to dance to Latin music.  Usually the people who like hip hop will dress a certain way, and go to certain clubs that play mainly hip-hop. The people who like techno might go to raves and they have their own way to dress as well. Even there are many differences amongst people music is a great way to bring people together.

Music Performance

                Concerts are a great music experience. A concert is a great way to for the audience to feel connected to the music. The visual aspect of the show makes the show more enjoyable. Listening to music can be a great experience, but being able to watch it also, can make it better. Going to the John Wayne and the Pain concert was very fun. The music was good, but if I were to just listen to it on a radio, I probably wouldn’t be able to enjoy it as much. Music videos can also make certain songs more appealing. I noticed I like some songs better with a music video than just listening to a song on its own. Good performers are able to display the emotions of their music. When visiting the school of rock, one of the teachers said that it is important to teach the students to put on a good show. The kids could do this by manipulating the audience’s emotions. I am not exactly sure how a performer is able to manipulate their audience’s emotions, but I think being able to do this makes the music better. Putting on a good show is a great way to sell the music. There are many great musicians, but if they cannot put on a good show, then their music career might not be as successful, as others who are not as great, but put on a fantastic show.