World Music Day is celebrated every year on June 21 to promote music across the world. Originally started in France in 1982, World Music Day has transcended borders and become a global celebration festival. This day is dedicated to all musicians and music lovers.
Spanish cellist, composer and conductor has described music this way. “Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.”
India is home to classical traditions of Hindustani and Carnatic music as well as fusion and contemporary experiments. Music is an approachable art form for people of all ages. We listen to music when we travel or do our household chores.
Origins of music
In 2009, archaeologists found a flute carved from a vulture’s wing bone from a cave in Germany. The delicate artefact is the oldest known musical instrument on earth, indicating that people have been making music for over 40,000 years.
Although we can’t be sure exactly when human beings began listening to music, listening to music benefits us individually and collectively.
One of the most important functions of music is to create a feeling of cohesion or social connectedness. American singer and songwriter Paul Simon has said: “Music brings people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit.”
Music remains a powerful way of uniting people. National anthems connect crowds at sporting events. Protest songs stir a sense of shared purpose during marches. Hymns and chanting build group identity in places of worship.
Music also builds relationships. Love songs help partners bond and lullabies enable parents and infants to develop secure attachments.
Health benefits
Doctors recommend that you listen to music to stimulate your brain. Researchers now know that just the promise of listening to music can make you want to learn more. Music also has a positive effect on your ability to memorise.
While music doesn’t reverse the memory loss experienced by people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, music has been found to slow cognitive decline.
Listening to music triggers the release of several neurochemicals that play a role in brain function and mental health. Music changes moods, lowers anxiety levels and reduces symptoms of depression Music decreases fatigue, can improve heart health, and helps manage pain.
Research confirms that working out with music helps your body exercise more efficiently, and cuts down on your awareness of exertion. Thereby it leads to longer workouts.
Also Read: High-Level Panel To Probe, Guilty Won’t Be Spared: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
