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Can music be of any worth?

Music can be refered to the artful arrangement of sound across time. Although this definition sounds very vague a simpler one would exclude too much. What is music anyway? It can be a medium to deliver messages, a poetic journey, a fine art, or nothing more than a source of recreation. Even the sound of walking feet is the alternating snare drum,the chirping of the birds, the choo-choo sound of the train, the ringing of telephone can all be considered as music. There are different styles and genres of music, some familiar ones being classical, jazz, blues, rock & roll, rhythm, blues, rap, hip hop, country, bluegrass, folk, house, new age, world, and metal. Music can reflect the society and be a part of ones identity. It can be used as a powerful tool in revolution, education and even in the field of health. When its contributions are itself numerous, on what basis can anyone say that music is not of any worth? The opinion regarding music varies from person to person i.e. music to ones ear may not be the same for another. For centuries, Chinese have been influenced by the philosophy of Confucius that music is not just to entertain but to purify ones thoughts and refine ones soul. From our mothers lullabies to the nurseries rhymes, the school marching band, the church hyms, orchestra or the theatre, music has been and shall always be an idispensible part of our lives. Music can easily appeal to huge masses and is accessible to wider range of people. One does not need a university degree to enjoy the lovely tunes nor is there any age barrier for it. A song may not change the face of a country but it can do as much to bring people together. The national anthem of any country ignites patriotic feelings amongst its citizens. A song taken up by the masses can actually make a statement as loud as violent protest that too without any devastating effect. This has given a true meaning to freedom of speech. For an example, the song we shall overcome propelled the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and was also adopted by Indian movements for regional autonomy in the hindi version hum honge kamiyab. The song Beasts of England was used by George Orwell in his book Animal Farm as the rebellion song. Through centuries, songs have been an effective medium to protest against diverse issues as abortion, fascism, globalization,materialism, nuclear power,terrorism etc. and to raise awareness. The song 21 guns by Greenday which criticizes war is popular amongst many youngsters. Some songs simply oppose injustice and support peace. Beethoven's "Ode to Joy", a song in support of universal brotherhood, is a song of this kind. The contributions of music in the sector of health is also commendable. It helps people to relax and control their stress and anxiety. The psychological effect of music is so great that handicapped individuals, autistic children and adults can achieve a calmness with the music around. Carlos Santana once said; "music can change your molecular structure". The "Mozart Effect suggests that listenning toWolfgang Amadeus Mozart's music can, in a nutshell, make one smarter.(src:wikipedia). It is, also, believed that early music training increases the receptivity of brain by enhancing ones reasonsing power. Innovative and experimental uses of music and sound can improve listening disorders, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, autism, and other mental and physical disorders and diseases". In the book A Clockwork Orange it is the classical music that arouses Alex, the protagonist. A German sewage treatment plant plays Mozart music to break down the waste faster, reports the UK Guardian the secret being the vibrations of the music, which penetrate everythingincluding the water, the sewage and the cells. The opponents of music may say that it does not have any worth and that life can easily be sustained without it. Though music is not a basic need it is the fabric of our life. The melodies of music beat to the tune of our hearts adding color to our lives. Like the flower needs rain, our lives require music which simply adds beauty to it. Music accompanies our day to day activities without which life would be very much dull and incomplete. It is that voice through which emotions can be expressed when one is out of

words. When we are lonely it can comfort us and also give company. It is that great ice-breaker which not only helps set good mood but also makes things happier. Listenning to songs like Its the Climb by Miley Cyrus can be very motivating. Music is also the source of income to many and we all know how big the music industry has gotten. Music of all genres in television, radio, film and the Internet have become an indispensable commodity Also, many People can relate songs to their lives. Familiar songs help us recall special moments , such as our first love, college life or friendship.Folk music reflects our culture and history reminding us of how things once were, an indication of how things are, and a view of where society is headed. It is a part of our identity. Globalization has made various forms of music popular among many. So, music is also that medium which can bring people closer. The contributions of music are so varied and substantial that it is impossible to put a price tag on their collective worth. It is music that can make us feel more productive. There are many aspects to music such as playing an instrument, writing the words, or even dancing. If music is used to enhance ones creativity, ones imagination has no limits. It is an escape, a comfort, and an inspiration. Music is the key that can unlocks ones soul. It gives a break to the hum drum blues of monotonous busy life Thus, there is no point in raising questions on musics worth. It occupies suchan important place in our lives that it is impossible to imagine a world without it. Yes, music can definitely make a difference in changing the world for better. -Samikshya Siwakoti GP2