Music is the organization and arrangement of sounds into pleasing or meaningful patterns by humans for human pleasure or meaning, an integral component of all cultures worldwide.
Numerous studies on the functions of music have been undertaken. While several potential applications have been identified, most researchers agree that they can be reduced down to several basic dimensions.
Origins
As human societies have progressed over the centuries, their advancement has been phenomenal in all areas of life–science, technology, politics, philosophy and the arts alike. Music storytelling has evolved alongside these advancements – sometimes even predating them!
Archeological evidence places musical invention around 40,000 years ago, with flutes such as the purported Divje Babe Flute from modern-day Slovenia, the Gudi Bone Flutes from Geissenklosterle and Aurignacian Bone Flutes from Cerkno providing evidence.
Ancient cultures were also the first to formulate an elaborate music theory and aesthetic principles based on physical characteristics of harmony (ratios of pitches).[2] They pioneered research on how musical instruments, combinations and melodies could best express themselves using rhythm, meter, discrete single frequency segments (notes), resonance-enhanced periodic sounds as expression mechanisms.
Functions
Music plays multiple functions in people’s lives. Some theories propose evolutionary speculations regarding its benefits such as mood management, communication and ritualization. On the other hand, anthropological accounts highlight its transcendental meaning creation, mitigating mortality anxiety and cultivating social relatedness as functions that music fulfills.
Many empirical studies have attempted to identify musical functions through questionnaire and survey methodologies. This has included open-ended questions where respondents are asked about their preferred functions of music as well as predefined lists that were selected based on face validity or literature research.
Statistical analyses have been applied to narrow down large lists of functionalities to basic distinct dimensions, including factor analyses and cluster analyses.
Techniques
Musicians use various techniques to ensure that their music sounds its best, including equalization, compression, parallel sound processing and other techniques that enhance tone quality while adding excitement. These strategies allow musicians to make tracks sound as they were intended.
Musical techniques range from basic patterns of intervals, scales and arpeggios to more sophisticated methods such as harmonic modulation, theme and variation and counterpoint – techniques which make great composers such as Bach and Beethoven such adept musicians capable of creating such diverse emotions as joy, despair and consideration.
Vocal musicians utilize musical techniques such as crescendo and decrescendo to add depth and emotion to their performances, such as fortissimo or pianissimo singing dynamics to convey anticipation, tension or release through songs.
Audiences
As a musician, it’s crucial that you understand who your audience is so that you can connect with them and promote your music effectively. Tools like YouTube Analytics, Spotify Artist Insights and Google Analytics can be helpful in gathering this data about their age, gender and region of their listeners.
Understanding your audience is vital to expanding your music business and developing an approach tailored towards meeting their needs. Understanding their needs also enables you to craft strategies tailored specifically for them.
Example: Reach your audience via social media or live performances, using tools such as Spotify’s “Fans Also Like” to see who their listeners enjoy listening to. Having this data at hand will allow you to determine the genres and styles of music your fans enjoy listening to – giving your music its place within the industry.
Artists
Music artists remain true to themselves and view life from an individualistic viewpoint, always searching for new ways to showcase their gifts. Artists should remain their own harshest critics and never succumb to peer pressure to conform or conform.
Music artists frequently collaborate with fellow musicians, producers, and songwriters in order to explore new musical sounds. Additionally, they may expand their professional network by connecting with brands or industry professionals.
Even after reaching some level of success, musicians still often struggle to make a living from music. Some, like Paul Westerberg and Chris Cornell, worked as janitors or waiters prior to entering the music industry; other musicians must rely on wealthy backers or live in poverty (or worse); only a minority manage to reach self-sufficiency as musicians.