Music matters

By: Janese Watson

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything,” said famous music artist Bob Marley. Why is music so important though? Most people identify with lyrics to a song. Music helps people feel relaxed, joyful when they are sad, and, most times, brings them back to a time in their life, good or bad. Music is a very important thing. There are different types of music and different ways to hear music, but, either way, music (in general) makes a lot of things better.

Whether you are listening to music or even playing a musical instrument, both have the same effect. Learning to play an instrument develops language and reasoning. You become a master of memorization. Over 78% of Americans feel learning a musical instrument helps students perform better in other subjects. Most students learn to improve their work; it creates craftsmanship and success in society. Nine out of ten adults and teenagers who play musical instruments agree the music making brings the family closer together. That is only the beginning. There are plenty of other things about music to know. 

Music is a powerful thing. It brings the best out of people and gives them a way to express themselves. “If I am ever in a bad mood, music does the trick,” says senior Tenecia Clemmons. It can bring people together in many ways. A lot of music has changed from when it was first started. “Pop and rap music has evolved into a shallow, image obsessed industry that conforms to what the public wants to hear and see, eliminating the focus on the actual music,” says expert Abby Hayes, from Newton. Although some people enjoy the new forms of music, it’s upsetting to know that the nice music from long ago is slowly disappearing.

Why has music changed so much? Artists make songs that the public likes to hear. “My favorite is when the song is upbeat and all people do is dance,” says junior Taylor Schmitz, when asked. But why is this? Why do people only like the songs that “all you do is dance to?” Why doesn’t anyone like the slow, meaningful music anymore? Everyone has their own opinion. Music is, and will always be an important thing in someone’s life; it’s just the kind of music that matters.