Music is a human expression. We communicate with music much like we do with language. Like the way we talk, music has tones, rhythms, and speed. Music also communicates on an emotional level. It can change the way we feel.

The fact that music is so important to us can be found in how long is has been with us. A flute was found in France a few years ago that predates all recorded time. This flute is thought to be between 40 and 80 thousand years old.

Science has been studying to see why music is so important to us. We have learned that music is one art that enables us to extend our being in the environment. When we create music, everyone who is with us shares in the experience. As many people know, music makes the party. Music has many powers that can make us feel different kinds of emotions.

The power of music is that it is based in sounds. People depend on sound to inform us when we are in danger. This enables us to quickly respond. In science it is known as part of our fight or flight defense system. This is part of who we are due to the pray / predator relationship in the ecosystem. To other animals, we could look like a nice dinner. If we hear an unexpected sound, we can respond very quickly so that we can defend ourselves or run home to safety.

Sound enters the brain through the ear. It then stimulates a part of our brain that is called the thymus. This very important area of our brain sends sound signals that can cause us to experience an emotional response. If the sound is instantly understood as danger, a natural drug called adrenalin is released. This drug is very powerful. It gives us extra energy, speed, and strength. This drug is the key to our fight or flight survival needs.

As a result, sound has a special relationship to us. It can cause us to have a powerful emotional response. This is why music is known to "set the mood." This ability of music to change how we feel has been studied for many years. While this relates to our ability to use sound to protect us in the environment, it also has much to do with music's ability to communicate. Instead of just experiencing sound for our defenses, ancient people blended sounds to create joyful music on drums, flutes, and other instruments.

Creating music gave early people a sense of community. It made them happy just like is does for us. Recently, we learned that music is received in the brain in the pleasure area that we hold for our basic survival needs. These are the pleasures we gain from eating and reproducing. The only other natural experience that gives us pleasure in this area of the brain is music.

It was also found that drugs stimulate this area of the brain. This can explain why people who use crack do not remember to eat food. Crack overloads this pleasure area of the brain and damages it so that other natural pleasures in life are lost. Life becomes gray. If we want to say no to drugs, we should all say yes to the joy of learning and creating music!

Because music can change the way we feel, doctors use it to help people improve their health. This is known as music therapy. When we hear or create music, it allows us to focus and relax. Music can also lift us out of a depression. Elderly people who have difficulty remembering many things can usually remember the words to their favorite music. Singing in nursing homes gives patients a feeling of belonging and joy.

Music also is used to change the way people think about important issues or the products we buy in the market. In the recent war, news stations began a process of using music in the introduction and background of war scenes. This kind of musical prompt can set the mind of the viewer for the kind of emotion they should bring to the news story. Some critics fear that this is one way of manipulating the way the public responds to news stories.

This is called propaganda. The use of music to influence the public is widely known. Music is always used to sell products. You are sure to know the jingles of several advertisement campaigns.

Politicians also use music to influence how the public feels about them. If you like the music, you may think you like the candidate.

So powerful is music that even though you know the scary movie is not real in your mind, the music scares you to the point of jumping out of your seat. As a result, we know that music is very powerful. This is why you should be careful of the kinds of words that are used in your music. The ideas in the words may not be like those your parents would support. You may also not agree with what is being sung. But if the music is fun to hear, the ideas can enter your mind and influence your beliefs without your understanding how your mind was changed.

Music is a very powerful gift that does great good for all of us. It is also a powerful tool to influence how you think and how you feel.

Research and Response

1. Take a book out of the library and make a diagram of the human ear. Show the system used to transfer sounds into our minds.
2. What is your favorite song? Why?
3. Write out a jingle from the TV.