The power of music

I forgot to mention that I'm a music-addict. I absolutely love to listen to all sorts of quality music (watch for new music on my right-sidebar Youtube widget, nice stuff over there). And I also love to play it, be it on the guitar or on the piano. I find music fascinating, period. It has a way of transmitting emotions that goes way beyond words, it's universal. It can make you happy just as it can make you feel miserable.

Being simplistic for clarity's sake, often a Major chord is related to a happy mood and a Minor chord to a sad/mysterious mood. (there's a full-fledged rainbow of note-combinations and their respective emotions)

I have now begun to notice how not only do different chords/songs translate into emotions. It also goes the other way.

Observe your current mood. Can you think of a song that matches it? It takes some musical knowledge to do it, but can you imagine a chord that fits your mood? I can, and I feel that there's always a perfect translation from feelings into music and vice-versa. But what's that good for?


Where does the real power of music reside?

It comes up when you observe the consequences of listening to different music. There is music that has a calming, pacifying characteristic. Other music may make people more alert, active, or even anxious. Some bring joy, while others sadness and self-pity.


How can music put into use with a goal?

It can go anywhere ranging from supporting depressed people to calming crying babies. All it takes is to check what any person or gathering of people may need and to provide it to them through music. They'll absorb it through empathy. Can you think of the infinite applications of music?


The downside of it all

Music carries over emotions. It does that with all kinds of emotions, and they all affect everyone who listens to them without some degree of self-awareness and emotional control. Can you see where I'm going? Listening passively to depressing, pitiful or aggressive music will bring you those feelings. They will get you down if you're not aware of what's going on.


Responsible music-making

Creating music for real (not commercially-oriented music) means to translate emotions into sound. It is the composer's responsibility to make sure the songs he creates transmits exactly what he feels. Knowing the impact his music will cause on anyone who listens to it, he must be aware that he will be causing harm to his audience by creating music that drags people down.


In conclusion
 
I'm not saying here that we should all limit ourselves to listening to happy music forever. I'm just trying to make people aware of the real effects music has on all of us and how it can cause harm without us even noticing it.

When listening to music the next time, make an effort to perceive how it makes you feel inside. Happy? Depressed? Energy-drained or plugged into 220V? Learn how to stand back from music that brings you feelings you don't welcome. Listen to it from a distance, don't let it go inside you.

Now, when you feel that music brings you great feeling, feelings that make you feel happy and joyful, then turn up the volume and take the most out of it.


Spread the word!