Music has long been an integral component of human culture. Anthropologists have observed musical performances among primitive tribes and ancient societies. Modern research indicates its many social, emotional and cognitive uses.
Music can be defined simply as any humanly organized sound structured according to an established set of rules and traditions. Pachelbel’s Canon in D is considered musical composition; so too would be folk songs passed down through generations or pop hits like Take That’s “Hear My Song.”
Origins
Music remains a source of endless fascination. However, we know that early forms were social in nature involving groups and community rituals.
Music provided the backdrop to drama, feasts, private ceremonies, athletic and artistic competitions such as the Pythian Games and public gatherings and festivals; it served an integral part of education, healing efforts and transmitting cultural values.
Early music was often drum-based and created improvised out of what was available (sticks or rocks). By 600 CE, St Isidore had developed notation systems for musical performance allowing him to record vocal music including chants. This eventually gave rise to Western classical music.
Functions
Musical functions refers to the roles that music fulfills in specific contexts, whether they be social, emotional, or cognitive in nature. An element’s place within an entire composition determines its function within that work of music.
Musical function can also be linked to a genre’s history and cultural relevance; for instance, punk rock evolved as an outlet for communities to express themselves while driving social and political change.
Researchers have several theories regarding the functions of music. While some focus on its evolutionary roots – for instance, that music developed as a form of time-passing (see Huron 2001 ) – others propose other functions unrelated to presumed evolutionary roots – including arousal regulation, mood enhancement, communication of emotions or ideas and many others.
Styles
Musical styles vary considerably, reflecting both changing artistic expressions and cultural influences. As technology has advanced, so have musical genres. Genres often blend elements from various different music styles into their sound; heavy metal music, for instance, employs more serious guitar and drum sounds than other pop and rock genres.
Other examples of musical styles include funk jazz, avant-garde music and black metal, which are known for their improvisational nature, unconventional song structures and supernatural lyrics. Dubstep and grime music combine various musical genres into what is commonly referred to as polystylism – polystylism can also include nonmusical elements into a composition as seen with composer Judd Greenstein who was heavily influenced by architecture when creating his works.
Genres
Genres serve to classify different genres of music and are usually defined based on geographical origin or instruments utilized, or even lyrics used in production. As musicians it’s essential that they understand genre conventions so their work meets audience expectations.
Jazz music is an expressive style characterized by intricate piano chord progressions, complex harmonies, improvisation and its signature sound – it conveys emotion like no other genre can!
Pop music is a broad genre that encompasses several contemporary musical styles. Over time, it has gradually transformed and can include songs from any musical genre. Punk rock is a subgenre of rock that often incorporates aggressive anti-establishment themes; its characteristic guitar sounds and fast tempos give this sub-genre its distinct sound.
Composers
Composers of music are the masterminds behind classical symphonies, pop hits, and film scores. Working closely with instrumentalists and vocalists to craft musical pieces that reflect culture, emotions, and ideas of their audiences; music composers also play an essential role in maintaining traditional musical styles by paying homage to them while introducing them to new audiences.
Composers frequently work on commission, creating music at the request of performance groups or arts organizations. This requires great skill, commitment and independence from them.
Many composers split their time between writing music and other activities such as teaching, audio engineering, concert production, orchestral performance or arts administration. Though popular culture portrays day jobs as distracting from an artist’s creative work, these activities may actually provide invaluable experience and connections that aid their success as composers.