essay for traditional music

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Collection The Library of Congress Celebrates the Songs of America

Traditional and ethnic.

Traditional songs, often called "folk songs," are learned informally, within the context of family, tribe, community, or another close-knit group. Many traditional songs have been sung within the same family or ethnic and regional communities for generations, and as in the case of American traditional songs, can sometimes be traced back to such places of origin as Great Britain, Europe, or Africa and other homelands reflecting America's diverse cultural heritage. At some point the song would have been composed by a single individual, but that author may no longer be known. Most traditional and folk songs change over time, and as they are passed from person to person many variants of the same song or tune often spring up.

In some contexts, traditional songs are an integral part of daily life and are performed to accompany particular activities associated with work, religious celebration, or social occasions. Anglo-American ballads often offer cautionary tales and moral lessons, warning young women about the temptations of honey-tongued suitors and warning men about the wiles of unfaithful women. Sea shanties and railroad songs can function to lighten the burden of routine tasks and provide a rhythm that helps workers perform as a team. Lullabies bind together mother and child, and song and music of all sorts performed within the context of family helps to connect one generation to the next. Blues and its many subgenres are also considered traditional songs.

The term "folk songs" is also used to describe songs composed in the style of traditional songs in the "folksong revival" most notably beginning in the 1960s featuring performers such as the Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, the Weavers, Tom Rush, Odetta, Bob Dylan and many others.

As with all the categories of song in our Song of America presentation, songs may cross over and fit many categories. Traditional songs can become or inspire popular songs , they may be religious and sacred songs and often they may be considered ethnic songs .

Ethnic Songs

There are many ethnic recordings in this presentation. Generally speaking, ethnic songs may be of many genres including popular, classical, traditional and religious, and they are usually not sung in English.

Ethnic songs are a significant component of the American song repertoire. In a nation of many cultures, ethnic songs and music includes songs from nearly every cultural and language group in the world. Immigration to the United States played an important role in American history, especially at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1900, 13.5 percent of the population of the United States was foreign born and the figure was much higher in metropolitan areas such as New York, Chicago, Baltimore, San Francisco and other large cities. In 1910 there were 700 foreign-language daily or weekly publications in the United States with a total circulation exceeding five million. The recent census reports that in 2010 the percentage of foreign- born people in the United States is 12.7%. Ethnic songs in America not only entertain in a language familiar to listeners, they often, as in the case of traditional ethnic songs, play an important role in expressing and conserving our nation's diverse cultural heritage.

Songs and music, as in all other forms of the arts, are a dynamic form of cultural expression. Performers borrow, interpret, and modify songs based on many factors including personal, cultural, and regional influences. And throughout the history of mankind song and music have been influenced by historic events, conquering nations, ancient trade routes and ever-changing communications systems -- commercial recordings, radio, TV and the Internet. Still to be considered is the growing movement of songs and music creations that fuse song and musical influences from two or more cultural groups. Sometimes referred to as World Music, there has been a growing innovative trend to blend elements of traditional music from many regions of the world to generate new and creative works. Whether we would classify as "ethnic" songs and music examples such as Celtic Hip Hop, Yiddish Blues, or Ethiopian Jazz, all blends of ethnic traditional sounds with modern western music, remains a question for readers to consider.

See more articles about Ethnic Song in America .

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Essay 22 – Is traditional music more important than International music

Gt writing task 2 (essay writing) sample # 22.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic:

There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?

You should write at least 250 words.

Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Model Answer 1: [View: Neutral Opinion]

Music is an intrinsic part of human culture and plays a significant role in our lives. This essay aims to explore the importance of music and examine whether traditional music holds more significance than international music in today’s globalized world.

One of the primary reasons why we need music is its ability to evoke emotions and enhance our well-being. Music has a profound impact on our mood, relieving stress, and providing comfort and solace. It serves as a universal language that transcends barriers and allows individuals to connect with their inner selves and with others. Moreover, music serves as a means of cultural expression and promoting cultural identity.

The traditional music of a country carries the legacy of its people, their history, values, and customs. It serves as a cultural archive, reflecting the unique heritage of a nation and providing a sense of belonging to its citizens.

However, in today’s interconnected world, international music has become increasingly prevalent. It offers a platform for cross-cultural exchange and allows individuals to appreciate diverse musical styles and genres. International music fosters cultural understanding and promotes unity among people from different backgrounds. While traditional music holds cultural significance, it is important to recognize the value of international music in enriching our musical experiences. Global music collaborations and fusion of different styles can lead to the creation of innovative and captivating melodies that resonate with a wider audience.

In conclusion, music serves as a universal language that evokes emotions, promotes well-being, and fosters cultural expression. While traditional music is vital in preserving cultural heritage, international music has its own merits in promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Rather than viewing traditional and international music as mutually exclusive, it is essential to embrace both and celebrate the richness and diversity of musical expressions.

Model Answer 2: [Neutral opinion]

We love listening to music whether we are at home, at work or on the streets. In fact, music has become a part of our daily life whether it is traditional music or international music. Therefore it is fair to suggest that we need music because it is good for our souls, and it helps calm us down during the time of stress and anxiety besides conveying our human feeling from generation to generation. Because both “traditional music” and “international music” types enjoy a certain degree of popularity among music lovers, I am not hesitant to say that both of them are equally important for a country.

Traditional music, of course, can help understand the important elements of culture, heritage, history and the emotions of a particular country. But that does not necessarily mean that those particular “elements” always remain the same. They also go through some internal changes as time progresses, and simply because we, humans, are just not programmed to remain the same always. These changes are certainly reflected in “traditional music” as well, be it through a different kind of rhythm or a different kind of musical instrument. And, if these “changes” indeed are incorporated into the “traditional music”, they do not always remain “traditional”! Besides, who is to decide what is “traditional music” and which is ‘international music”, when many “not-so” traditional elements of international music are getting integrated into traditional music easily and rather “successfully” sometimes. For example, the “traditional tabla” (made of woods) in Bangladeshi folk songs is frequently being replaced by “metal made drums”, but it doesn’t exactly reduce the appeal and traditional value of that particular type of folklore songs in any manner.

Then, of course, there are satellite TV channels and the internet which have virtually erased the already “not-so” visible boundary line between traditional music and international music whereby we are continuously being “subject” to the music of other countries. Sometimes, we actually even like music from other countries. But in that case, it does not mean that our traditional music is becoming any less important to us.

To conclude, traditional music and international music are equally important for a country if it wants to preserve and also carry forward its traditions and cultures.

Model Answer 3: [View: traditional music is more important than the international music ]

Music is an essential cultural and traditional component of a nation and a rich variety of music could be found all around the world that not only entertains us but also expresses our joy, nationalism, freedom, happiness, love and struggles in the finest form of arts. Despite the huge popularity of international music, traditional music is still more important due to its adherence to the traditional aspects of a country.

We need music because it makes our life meaningful and accompanies us throughout our lives. In our childhood, we listen to and learn music simply as a form of entertainment and joy. We learn to sing our national anthem and our parents sing to us to help us sleep. Later in life, we come across a variety of songs and music as part of our life stories and our favourite music often defines the person we become. In our old age, we see life and recite memories through music we love. Music both expresses and arouses emotions in a way that words alone cannot, and it tells stories of our lives that we long to hear. Thus we need music to relax, be entertained, be inspired, express our feelings and often relieve boredom in life.

In considering which kind of music is the most important, we must acknowledge that traditional music teaches people about their history and helps people remember and retain their national and cultural identity. International music is often set in a totally different environment that we have no experience in and despite engaging and entertaining lyrics and music style, it is often a commercial product which fails to reflect the true stories in our life. Traditional music, by contrast, expresses the culture, tradition and history of a country and gives narratives of people and their life in a way that will be always relevant. Thus traditional music, without any doubt, is more important for us as people in a society and a country.

In conclusion, music is a crucial part of our life and existence, and I believe that traditional music should be given more importance than international music so that we can enjoy music not only for entertainment’s sake but also to learn who we really are.

Model Answer 4: [View: International music is more important than traditional music ]

In this day and age, different kinds of music genres prevail around the globe and one can find a stunning range of categories and styles according to his choice. No doubt, music is of critical importance to us for several reasons and despite conventional music nurturing nationalism, I unswervingly believe that global music is highly significant by reason of diversity.

No matter when, where and how music was invented, it has been playing a vital role in our society for a really long. Music can touch our feelings and even change them by soothing the nerves and many researchers suggest that music can invoke catharsis feelings in the listeners who have emotional stress and tension. In addition to this, music can reach the core of our minds and inspire us greatly. That is why, in nursing homes, they commence with musical therapy so as to let the old people remember the incidents of their sweet past.

International music is of considerable importance despite the fact that folk music resonates with the culture, heritage and legacy of a nation. There are myriad reasons in favour of international music. The most prominent one is solidarity. In simple words, world music brings together a diverse range of cultures and histories and thereby demonstrates different paradigms of notions, worldviews and so forth; which in turn transcend cultural differences and tear down the barriers of social class, ethnicity, national identity and so on. A case in point is the song “Wind of Change” by Scorpions, which is a rallying cry for unification and for freedom and a message of hope.

On a final note, traditional music is a strong carrier of the culture, history, and heritage of a nation. Nevertheless, global music paves the way for international unity which is crucial as the world we live in has become a global village.

One Comment to “Essay 22 – Is traditional music more important than International music”

The importance and popularity of various genres of music, all around the world, are undeniable, and music is called the food for our soul. Nevertheless, with the popularity of various international music, it is necessary to underline the importance of traditional music in an era of globalization, as traditional music allows small nations to keep their tradition alive.

We need music because music speaks out the heart and aids cognitive development. It also allows people to pass through the hard moments in life by inspiring them. Music not only calms our nervous system but teaches us how to continue to persuade our aims, regardless of the external circumstances. That is why music is extremely important and popular among people. When humans fall in love or struggle to find themselves in the big world, music accompany them. In an era of competition and mechanisation and immediate gratification, music plays the role of the counter-balance, which balances our life by affiliating our emotional tensions.

It is at the same time crucial to underline the significance of traditional music in an era of globalization and cutting-edge portable devices which promote international music and decrease the diversity of cultures. Traditional music nowadays is not popular, especially among the young generation but plays a crucial role in keeping our important traditions, national customs alive. Therefore traditional music is often played in various national holidays and events. Traditional music is able to gather people who belong to the same cultural and religious affiliations together and enrich the bonds among the same nations who live today in a different part of the world. For example, a range of Indian communities, which nowadays exist all around the globe, still listen to their own traditional music, and it allows them to maintain and successfully translate various national traditions to the next generation who was born and grew up abroad, away from their homeland.

In conclusion, music is a necessary element of our life that supports and cures our emotional states. The significance of traditional music might be seen in its ability to save and translate cultural traditions among generations.

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The Role of Music in Different Cultures: A Look at Ethnomusicology

Music is an integral part of human culture, and it has been used for various purposes throughout history. From religious ceremonies to social gatherings, music plays a significant role in different cultures around the world. Ethnomusicology is the study of music across cultures and seeks to understand how music reflects cultural values and beliefs.

In this article, we will explore the significance of music in different cultures and take a closer look at ethnomusicology as a discipline. By examining case studies and discussing some of the challenges faced by ethnomusicologists, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of why studying the role of music in different cultures is important.

The Cultural Significance of Music

Music is an important part of cultural expression, and it serves various functions in different cultures. For instance, music is often used in religious ceremonies to create a sense of reverence and spirituality. In some cultures, music is also used to mark significant life events such as weddings or funerals. Beyond that, music can be a crucial component of social gatherings, bringing people together and creating a sense of community.

Moreover, music can reflect cultural values and beliefs. The lyrics of songs, for example, often convey messages about the culture’s history, traditions, and worldview. Some cultures use music to pass down stories from one generation to another, preserving their cultural heritage.

In many ways, the significance of music in different cultures cannot be overstated. It serves as a means of communication between people and helps us connect with our emotions and each other.

The Origins of Ethnomusicology

The history of ethnomusicology can be traced back to the late 19th century, when scholars began collecting so-called “exotic” music from non-Western cultures, without undertaking any related fieldwork.

They would typically obtain these specimens from people returning from the colonies . There was a particular interest in so-called primitive music, which was thought to be representative of a more authentic and primal human nature. Naturally, this approach was fraught with racist and colonialist assumptions.

While this approach yielded a large amount of data, it did not always provide insight into how music was actually used in people’s everyday lives.

The Evolution of Ethnomusicology

In the early 20th century, ethnomusicology began to take on a more scientific approach, with scholars devising new methods for studying music within its cultural context. These methods include fieldwork (immersion in a community to observe music-making first-hand), interviews, document analysis, and musicological analysis (a tool used by ethnomusicologists to understand how music works).

Scholars such as Curt Sachs and Erich von Hornbostel , who were interested in documenting and analyzing non-Western music traditions, began to recognize that music was not only an art form but also a means of communication that reflected cultural values and beliefs. This realization led to a shift from purely descriptive studies to more interpretive approaches that sought to understand the social, cultural, and historical contexts in which music was created and performed.

In the mid-20th century, ethnomusicology became increasingly interdisciplinary. Scholars drew upon methods from linguistics, psychology, sociology , and other disciplines to better understand the role of music in different cultures.

Ethnomusicologists began to focus on issues such as musical change over time, globalization’s impact on traditional music cultures, and the role of gender and politics in shaping musical practices.

The Era of Lady Gaga

Over the years, ethnomusicology has evolved considerably both in terms of its scope and methodology. In the early days of the field, ethnomusicologists tended to focus primarily on so-called “traditional” forms of music such as folk songs and religious ceremonies. However, with the rise of popular music in the 20th century, ethnomusicologists began to take a keen interest in this area as well. Consequently, today’s ethnomusicologists often find themselves just as comfortable studying Lady Gaga as they are traditional Chinese opera.

Similarly, early ethnomusicologists relied heavily on written sources such as sheet music and historical documents in order to understand different musical traditions. However, with the advent of audio and video recording technology, ethnomusicologists are now able to directly observe and study musical practices as they occur in their natural setting. This has resulted in a much more accurate and authentic understanding of musical traditions from all corners of the globe.

Today, ethnomusicology continues to evolve as scholars seek new ways to explore the complex relationships between music and culture. With advances in technology allowing for easier access to diverse musical traditions around the world, there is no doubt that this field will continue to grow and expand our understanding of human expression through sound.

Understanding Ethnomusicology

Ethnomusicology is the study of music in cultural context, and it encompasses a wide range of approaches and methods. Ethnomusicologists seek to understand how music is created, performed, and experienced within different cultures around the world.

One key aspect of ethnomusicology is its focus on musical systems. This refers to the ways in which music is organized, including elements such as melody, rhythm, harmony, and timbre. Ethnomusicologists examine how these elements are used within specific cultural contexts and how they contribute to the overall meaning and function of music.

Another important concept in ethnomusicology is performance practice. This refers to the ways in which music is performed and experienced by musicians and audiences alike. Performance practices can vary widely across cultures, with some traditions emphasizing improvisation and experimentation while others place a greater emphasis on tradition and repetition.

In order to study music across cultures, ethnomusicologists employ a variety of methods including fieldwork, interviews with musicians and audiences, analysis of musical recordings, and observation of live performances. They also draw upon interdisciplinary approaches from fields such as anthropology, linguistics, psychology, and sociology.

Overall, ethnomusicologists strive to gain a deeper understanding of the role that music plays in human culture. By examining musical systems and performance practices across diverse cultures around the world, they hope to shed light on the complex relationships between music, society, history, and identity.

Case Studies in Ethnomusicology

Ethnomusicologists have conducted numerous case studies to better understand the role of music in different cultures. One example is the study of Balinese gamelan, a traditional ensemble consisting of percussion instruments such as metallophones, gongs, and drums. Ethnomusicologists have examined how gamelan music is used in religious ceremonies and social events, as well as how it reflects cultural values such as harmony, balance, and community.

Another example is the study of West African drumming traditions. Ethnomusicologists have explored how these traditions are passed down from generation to generation through oral transmission and apprenticeship. They have also analyzed the complex polyrhythmic structures of West African drumming and how they contribute to dance movements and social interactions.

These case studies reveal that music is deeply intertwined with culture and can reflect important cultural values, beliefs, and practices. They also demonstrate that musical traditions are often closely tied to other aspects of society such as religion, politics, gender roles, and identity. By studying these musical traditions across cultures, ethnomusicologists gain insights into the diversity of human expression through sound.

Furthermore, these case studies highlight the importance of context when interpreting musical meaning. For example, a particular melody or rhythm may have different meanings depending on the situation in which it is performed or heard. Ethnomusicologists strive to understand these nuances by engaging with musicians and audiences within their cultural contexts.

Challenges and Controversies in Ethnomusicology

Like any academic discipline, ethnomusicology has faced criticisms and controversies over the years. One criticism is that the study of music from other cultures can be seen as a form of cultural appropriation. Some argue that ethnomusicologists have historically taken music from other cultures without properly acknowledging or respecting its origins.

Another criticism is that there may be biases in research methods, such as relying too heavily on written documentation instead of engaging with living musical traditions. This approach can lead to a lack of understanding of the cultural context and meaning behind the music being studied.

Ethnomusicologists are working to address these issues by taking a more collaborative approach to research. This includes working closely with musicians and communities to ensure their voices are heard and respected throughout the research process. Ethnomusicologists are also increasingly using methods such as participant observation, which involves immersing oneself in a particular musical tradition and learning from those who practice it.

Additionally, many ethnomusicologists are striving to acknowledge and address issues related to power dynamics in research. This includes recognizing how their own backgrounds and perspectives may shape their interpretations of music from other cultures, as well as ensuring that research findings are shared with the communities being studied in an accessible way.

Overall, while challenges and controversies exist within ethnomusicology, scholars within the field are actively working to address them in order to create more ethical and respectful approaches to studying music across cultures.

In this article, we discussed the field of ethnomusicology and some of the case studies conducted by scholars to better understand music in different cultures. We explored how these studies reveal that music is deeply intertwined with culture and reflects important cultural values and practices. However, we also examined some of the criticisms that have been leveled against ethnomusicology, such as cultural appropriation and biases in research methods.

Despite these challenges, ethnomusicologists are working to address them through more collaborative and respectful research practices. This includes engaging with musicians and communities throughout the research process, using participant observation methods, and recognizing their own backgrounds and perspectives in interpreting musical traditions from other cultures.

Related Terminology:

Musicology : the study of music history, theory, and composition

Performance Studies : the study of music performance and how it is affected by factors such as culture, context, and technology.

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Friday essay: why traditional Persian music should be known to the world

Doctoral Candidate, Comparative Literature, Religion and History of Philosophy, University of Sydney

Disclosure statement

Darius Sepehri does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Sydney provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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Weaving through the rooms of my Brisbane childhood home, carried on the languid, humid, sub-tropical air, was the sound of an Iranian tenor singing 800-year old Persian poems of love. I was in primary school, playing cricket in the streets, riding a BMX with the other boys, stuck at home reading during the heavy rains typical of Queensland.

I had an active, exterior life that was lived on Australian terms, suburban, grounded in English, and easy-going. At the same time, thanks to my mother’s listening habits, courtesy of the tapes and CDs she bought back from trips to Iran, my interior life was being invisibly nourished by something radically other, by a soundscape invoking a world beyond the mundane, and an aesthetic dimension rooted in a sense of transcendence and spiritual longing for the Divine.

I was listening to traditional Persian music ( museghi-ye sonnati ). This music is the indigenous music of Iran, although it is also performed and maintained in Persian-speaking countries such as Afghanistan and Tajikistan. It has ancient connections to traditional Indian music, as well as more recent ones to Arabic and Turkish modal music.

It is a world-class art that incorporates not only performance but also the science and theory of music and sound. It is, therefore, a body of knowledge, encoding a way of knowing the world and being. The following track is something of what I might have heard in my childhood:

Playing kamancheh, a bowed spike-fiddle, is Kayhān Kalhor, while the singer is the undisputed master of vocals in Persian music, ostād (meaning “maestro”) Mohammad Reza Shajarian . He is singing in the classical vocal style, āvāz , that is the heart of this music.

A non-metric style placing great creative demands on singers, āvāz is improvised along set melodic lines memorised by heart. Without a fixed beat, the vocalist sings with rhythms resembling speech, but speech heightened to an intensified state. This style bears great similarity to the sean-nos style of Ireland , which is also ornamented and non-rhythmic, although sean-nos is totally unaccompanied, unlike Persian āvāz in which the singer is often accompanied by a single stringed instrument.

A somewhat more unorthodox example of āvāz is the following, sung by Alireza Ghorbāni with a synthesised sound underneath his voice rather than any Persian instrument. It creates a hypnotic effect.

Even listeners unfamiliar with Persian music should be able to hear the intensity in the voices of Ghorbāni and Shajarian. Passion is paramount, but passion refined and sublimated so that longing and desire break through ordinary habituated consciousness to point to something unlimited, such as an overwhelming sense of the beyond.

Beyond media contrived images

The traditional poetry and music of Iran aim to create a threshold space, a zone of mystery; a psycho-emotional terrain of suffering, melancholy, death and loss, but also of authentic joy, ecstasy, and hope.

Iranians have tasted much suffering throughout their history, and are wary of being stripped of their identity. Currently, economic sanctions are being re-applied to Iran’s entire civilian population , depriving millions of ordinary people of medicine and essentials .

Traditional Persian music matters in this context of escalating aggression because it is a rich, creative artform, still living and cherished. It binds Iranians in a shared culture that constitutes the authentic life of the people and the country, as opposed to the contrived image of Iran presented in Western media that begins and ends with politics.

This is a thoroughly soulful music, akin not in form but in soulfulness with artists such as John Coltrane or Van Morrison. In the Persian tradition, music is not only for pleasure, but has a transformative purpose. Sound is meant to effect a change in the listener’s consciousness, to bring them into a spiritual state ( hāl ).

Like other ancient systems, in the Persian tradition the perfection of the formal structures of beautiful music is believed to come from God, as in the Pythagorean phrase, the “music of the spheres.”

Because traditional Persian music has been heavily influenced by Sufism, the mystical aspect of Islam, many rhythmic performances ( tasnif , as opposed to āvāz ) can (distantly) recall the sounds of Sufi musical ceremonies ( sama ), with forceful, trance-inducing rhythms. (For instance in this Rumi performance by Alireza Eftekhari).

Even when slow, traditional Persian music is still passionate and ardent in mood, such as this performance of Rumi by Homayoun Shajarian, son of Mohammad-Reza:

Another link with traditional Celtic music is the grief that runs through Persian music, as can be heard in this instrumental by Kalhor.

Grief and sorrow always work in tandem with joy and ecstasy to create soundscapes that evoke longing and mystery.

Connections with classical poetry

The work of classical poets such as Rumi, Hāfez, Sa’di, Attār, and Omar Khayyām forms the lyrical basis of compositions in traditional Persian music. The rhythmic structure of the music is based on the prosodic system that poetry uses ( aruz ), a cycle of short and long syllables.

Singers must therefore be masters not only at singing but know Persian poetry and its metrical aspects intimately. Skilled vocalists must be able to interpret poems. Lines or phrases can be extended or repeated, or enhanced with vocal ornaments.

Thus, even for a Persian speaker who knows the poems being sung, Persian music can still reveal new interpretations. Here, for example (from 10:00 to 25:00 mins) is another example of Rumi by M.R. Shajarian:

This is a charity concert from 2003 in Bam, Iran, after a horrendous earthquake destroyed the town. Rumi’s poem is renowned among Persian speakers, but here Mohammad-Reza Shajarian sings it with such passion and emotional intensity that it sounds fresh and revelatory.

“Without everyone else it’s possible,” Rumi says, “Without you life is not liveable.”

While such lines are originally drawn from the tradition of non-religious love poems, in Rumi’s poems the address to the beloved becomes mystical, otherworldly. After a tragedy such as the earthquake, these lyrics can take on special urgency in the present.

When people listen to traditional music, they, like the singers, remain still. Audiences are transfixed and transported.

According to Sufi cosmology, all melodious sounds erupt forth from a world of silence. In Sufism, silence is the condition of the innermost chambers of the human heart, its core ( fuad ), which is likened to a throne from which the Divine Presence radiates.

Because of this connection with the intelligence and awareness of the heart, many performers of traditional Persian music understand that it must be played through self-forgetting, as beautifully explained here by master Amir Koushkani:

Persian music has roughly twelve modal systems, each known as a dastgah . Each dastgah collects melodic models that are skeletal frameworks upon which performers improvise in the moment. The spiritual aspect of Persian music is made most manifest in this improvisation.

Shajarian has said that the core of traditional music is concentration ( tamarkoz ), by which he means not only the mind but the whole human awareness. It is a mystical and contemplative music.

The highly melodic nature of Persian music also facilitates expressiveness. Unlike Western classical music, there is very sparing use of harmony. This, and the fact that like other world musical traditions it includes microtonal intervals, may make traditional Persian music odd at first listen for Western audiences.

Solo performances are important to traditional Persian music. In a concert, soloists may be accompanied by another instrument with a series of call-and-response type echoes and recapitulations of melodic phrases.

Similarly, here playing the barbat, a Persian variant of the oud, maestro Hossein Behrooznia shows how percussion and plucked string instruments can forge interwoven melodic structures that create hypnotic soundscapes:

Ancient roots

The roots of traditional Persian music go back to ancient pre-Islamic Persian civilisation, with archaeological evidence of arched harps (a harp in the shape of a bow with a sound box at the lower end), having been used in rituals in Iran as early as 3100BC.

Under the pre-Islamic Parthian (247BC-224AD) and Sasanian (224-651AD) kingdoms, in addition to musical performances on Zoroastrian holy days, music was elevated to an aristocratic art at royal courts.

Centuries after the Sasanians, after the Arab invasion of Iran, Sufi metaphysics brought a new spiritual intelligence to Persian music. Spiritual substance is transmitted through rhythm, metaphors and symbolism, melodies, vocal delivery, instrumentation, composition, and even the etiquette and co-ordination of performances.

The main instruments used today go back to ancient Iran. Among others, there is the tār, the six-stringed fretted lute; ney, the vertical reed flute that is important to Rumi’s poetry as a symbol of the human soul crying out in joy or grief; daf, a frame drum important in Sufi ritual; and the setār, a wooden four-stringed lute.

The tār, made of mulberry wood and stretch lambskin, is used to create vibrations that affect the heart and the body’s energies and a central instrument for composition. It is played here by master Hossein Alizadeh and here by master Dariush Talai .

Music, gardens, and beauty

Traditional Persian music not only cross-pollinates with poetry, but with other arts and crafts. At its simplest, this means performing with traditional dress and carpets on stage. In a more symphonic mode of production, an overflow of beauty can be created, such as in this popular and enchanting performance by the group Mahbanu:

They perform in a garden: of course. Iranians love gardens, which have a deeply symbolic and spiritual meaning as a sign or manifestation of Divine splendour. Our word paradise, in fact, comes from the Ancient Persian word, para-daiza , meaning “walled garden”. The walled garden, tended and irrigated, represents in Persian tradition the cultivation of the soul, an inner garden or inner paradise.

The traditional costumes of the band (as with much folk dress around the world) are elegant, colourful, resplendent, yet also modest. The lyrics are tinged with Sufi thought, the poet-lover lamenting the distance of the beloved but proclaiming the sufficiency of staying in unconsumed desire.

As a young boy, I grasped the otherness of Persian music intuitively. I found its timeless spiritual beauty and interiority had no discernible connection with my quotidian, material Australian existence.

Persian music and arts, like other traditional systems, gives a kind of “food” for the soul and spirit that has been destroyed in the West by the dominance of rationalism and capitalism. For 20 years since my boyhood, traditional Persian culture has anchored my identity, healed and replenished my wounded heart, matured my soul, and allowed me to avoid the sense of being without roots in which so many unfortunately find themselves today.

It constitutes a world of beauty and wisdom that is a rich gift to the whole world, standing alongside Irano-Islamic architecture and Iranian garden design .

The problem is the difficulty of sharing this richness with the world. In an age of hypercommunication, why is the beauty of Persian music (or the beauty of traditional arts of many other cultures for that matter) so rarely disseminated? Much of the fault lies with corporate media.

Brilliant women

Mahbanu, who can also be heard here performing a well-known Rumi poem, are mostly female. But readers will very likely not have heard about them, or any of the other rising female musicians and singers of Persian music. According to master-teachers such as Shajarian , there are now often as many female students as male in traditional music schools such as his.

Almost everyone has seen however, through corporate media, the same cliched images of an angry mob of Iranians chanting, soldiers goose-stepping, missile launches, or leaders in rhetorical flight denouncing something. Ordinary Iranian people themselves are almost never heard from directly, and their creativity rarely shown.

The lead singer of the Mahbanu group, Sahar Mohammadi, is a phenomenally talented singer of the āvāz style, as heard here , when she performs in the mournful abu ata mode. She may, indeed, be the best contemporary female vocalist. Yet she is unheard of outside of Iran and small circles of connoisseurs mainly in Europe.

A list of outstanding modern Iranian women poets and musicians requires its own article. Here I will list some of the outstanding singers, very briefly. From an older generation we may mention the master Parisa (discussed below), and Afsaneh Rasaei . Current singers of great talent include, among others, Mahdieh Mohammadkhani , Homa Niknam , Mahileh Moradi , and the mesmerising Sepideh Raissadat .

Finally, one of my favourites is the marvelous Haleh Seifizadeh, whose enchanting singing in a Moscow church suits the space perfectly.

The beloved Shajarian

Tenor Mohammad-Reza Shajarian is by far the most beloved and renowned voice of traditional Persian music. To truly understand his prowess, we can listen to him performing a lyric of the 13th century poet Sa’di:

As heard here, traditional Persian music is at once heavy and serious in its intent, yet expansive and tranquil in its effect. Shajarian begins by singing the word Yār , meaning “beloved”, with an ornamental trill. These trills, called tahrir , are made by rapidly closing the glottis, effectively breaking the notes (the effect is reminiscent of Swiss yodeling).

By singing rapidly and high in the vocal range, a virtuoso display of vocal prowess is created imitating a nightingale , the symbol with whom the poet and singer are most compared in Persian traditional music and poetry. Nightingales symbolise the besotted, suffering, and faithful lover. (For those interested, Homayoun Shajarian, explains the technique in this video ).

As with many singers, the great Parisa, heard here in a wonderful concert from pre-revolutionary Iran, learned her command of tahrir partly from Shajarian. With her voice in particular, the similarity to a nightingale’s trilling is clear.

Nourishing hearts and souls

The majority of Iran’s 80 million population are under 30 years of age . Not all are involved in traditional culture. Some prefer to make hip-hop or heavy-metal, or theatre or cinema. Still, there are many young Iranians expressing themselves through poetry (the country’s most important artform) and traditional music.

National and cultural identity for Iranians is marked by a sense of having a tradition, of being rooted in ancient origins, and of carrying something of great cultural significance from past generations, to be preserved for the future as repository of knowledge and wisdom. This precious thing that is handed down persists while political systems change.

Iran’s traditional music carries messages of beauty, joy, sorrow and love from the heart of the Iranian people to the world. These messages are not simply of a national character, but universally human, albeit inflected by Iranian history and mentality.

This is why traditional Persian music should be known to the world. Ever since its melodies first pierced my room in Brisbane, ever since it began to transport me to places of the spirit years ago, I’ve wondered if it could also perhaps nourish the hearts and souls of some of my fellow Australians, across the gulf of language, history, and time.

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Irish traditional music is all of the following things: a Connemara parent soothing a child with an old lullaby, and an urchin bawling out a ballad for loose change on a city street. It is a Dublin piper dazzling his hearers with complexity and a Clare fiddler dazzling his audience with subtlety and nuance. It is The Chieftains playing for an audience of thousands in an American concert hall, and Everyman picking up a whistle at home to find and play the melody that won't leave him alone.

It is also a Kerry fiddle player playing a polka or a Leitrim flute-player playing a mazurka (both originally Polish forms); a couple of musicians in a Dublin pub playing reels (originally a Scottish form) while eight dancers perform a quadrille (imported from France); a Clare dancing master performing a solo step-dance to the sound of a hornpipe being played on a concertina (instrument and dance originally English). It is a wonderfully diverse form of music with enough corners, crannies and colour to interest and delight a person for several lifetimes.

What we now call Irish traditional music was once simply the popular music of the mass of the Irish people. Gradually changing as old material was forgotten and new incorporated, it is characterised, like all forms of folk music, by stability of form and of content.

Mick Tubridy, Tony Crehan and John Kelly playing at Willie Clancy's grave, Ballard graveyard

The introduction of electronic media in the early 20th century triggered a sudden acceleration in the turnover of fashions, in music as in all else. Traditional music simply maintained its own pace as the world of novelty and fashion sped away from it, and retaining its character, quickly became isolated and recognisable as a distinct form.

Already by the end of the 1700s and throughout the following century, attention had been focused on this music, although it was then usually described as "old" (or even "ancient"), "national" or "popular" music. The terms "folk-lore" and "folk-song" were coined in the mid-nineteenth century and began to appear in connection with Irish music fifty years later. It did not become part of popular speech for another half century. In the 1960s, as the word "folk" came to signify modern songs performed to acoustic accompaniment, the word "traditional" came into use to denote the forms of Irish music rooted in older styles.

From one generation to the next

Photograph of Pat Cash and his son with Johnny Doran

Irish traditional music consists of that large body of material, comprising instrumental music, song and dance, which owes its existence and its character to having been created and performed continuously, over many generations, by Irish people in Ireland, and to its having been transmitted in a conservative manner from player to player and from generation to generation. In the act of transmission, a value is placed upon faithfulness for example, but this is balanced by the value that is placed on the innovations, deliberately or accidentally introduced, that are considered to enhance the music while not straying outside its commonly agreed boundaries.

This, of course, says nothing about what the character of the music is, and it does not mention the many factors from outside Ireland that have influenced the music. Nevertheless, the definition works in a negative way by saying what the music is not (unless otherwise obvious, for the rest of this article for 'music' read 'music, song and dance'). It does not include for instance, the music of rock groups that use traditional material as a base; Riverdance is not traditional music, although part rooted in traditional forms; 'Danny Boy' is not a traditional song, although written to a version of a traditional air. The most effective definition of what is traditional music is simply: that material which traditional performers perceive as traditional and which they choose to perform. Traditional performers are those who have learned the style and repertoire of traditional music in preference to other styles and repertoires, whether through choice or otherwise.

Conor Byrne

Flute player - Conor Byrne

There are other perceptions about what constitutes Irish traditional music. Responding to the burgeoning popularity of the music in recent decades, the media and the music industry have hastened to apply the label to whatever product it suits their interests to promote, but the foregoing is the perception common among the tradition-bearers, those who hold, perform and understand the music.

While the music has been created and maintained by Irish people in Ireland, this is not to say that they alone made it, or that they made it from nothing. Irish music is a European music and is closely related in particular to Scottish and English music. For instance, 'typical' Irish tune-types like the reel and the hornpipe are borrowings from Scotland and England respectively, and popular European forms such as polkas, waltzes, mazurkas, schottisches and quadrilles also reached Ireland, settled and became naturalised, giving rise to a distinctively Irish style and repertoire for all these forms.

Again, while the music took shape in Ireland and is strongest here, it has also received an important influence from the Irish living abroad. This was crucial at one stage, in the aftermath of the Famine (1845-9), when the Irish community in America played a significant part in its survival and development. When the music was at a low point in Ireland, fiddle styles that survived and thrived in the US were to be re-imported through the medium of the early commercial recordings (Coleman, Morrison, Killoran) and their example re-invigorated the native tradition. Modifications made to the uilleann pipes in Philadelphia by the Drogheda-born Taylor brothers also crossed the Atlantic and affected the development of the instrument in Ireland.

Set dancing

Kay Moylan and Dan O'Connell - set dancers

Other parts of the Irish diaspora also played their part. Enthusiasts in London initiated the great revival of dance in the early part of the 20th century, and the idea of the tavern-based 'session' is also an innovation from Britain. The music thrives in all parts of the world to which the Irish have emigrated and contributions have been made to it from every centre.

In modern times the music has spread beyond those of Irish birth or extraction and has an enthusiastic following in every country in Europe and in many other parts of the world. Particularly with the instrumental music and dance, many non-Irish performers have achieved levels of ability to match the standards of accomplished Irish players. There are Dutch, German, French and Danish pipers, dancers, singers and musicians of all kinds that can pass un-remarked in the best of Irish company. The music has in fact become the world's property in the last twenty years. Nevertheless, it is Ireland that must remain ultimately responsible for its well-being.

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IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

Ielts essay # 94 - is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, there are many different types of music in the world today. why do we need music is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays.

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Diverse Music Essay Topics for Students and Music Enthusiasts

Table of contents

• 1 How to Write an Essay on Music
• 2.1 Argumentative Essay Topics about Music
• 2.2 Topics for College Essays about Music
• 2.3 Controversial Topics in Music
• 2.4 Classical Music Essay Topics
• 2.5 Jazz Music Essay Topics
• 2.6 Rock and Pop Music Essay Topics
• 2.7 Persuasive Essay Topics about Music

Music is a magical world of different sounds and stories. When we talk about music, there are so many things we can explore. Writing essays about sound lets us share our feelings and thoughts about this wonderful art. In this collection, you will find 140 music essay topics.

These topics are carefully chosen to help you think and write about sound in many exciting ways. Whether you love listening to music or playing an instrument, these topics about music for an essay will spark your creativity. They cover everything, from your favorite songs to the history of music. So, get ready to dive into the sound world with these fun and interesting essay ideas!

How to Write an Essay on Music

Writing an essay about sound can be a fun and exciting way to express your thoughts and feelings about this amazing art form. Whether you are working on college essays about music, or research paper topics on music, here are some steps to help you create a great piece of writing.

• First, choose a topic that you are passionate about. It could be anything from your favorite musician to a specific sound genre. For a college essay about sound, you might want to share a personal story about how music has impacted your life. For argumentative essay topics about sound, consider issues like the importance of sound education or the effects of music on the brain. If you’re working on a research paper on sound, explore the history of a certain music style or the role of sound in different cultures.
• Once you have your topic, start with some research. Look for interesting facts, stories, and opinions about your topic. This will give you many ideas and help you understand your topic better.
• Next, create an outline for your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and keep your writing clear and focused. Start with an introduction that introduces your topic and grabs the reader’s attention. Then, write a few paragraphs that explain your main points. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea or argument. In your writing, explain things in a way that’s easy to understand. Use simple words and short sentences.
• Also, try to include examples and personal experiences to make your essay more interesting and relatable.

Need help with essay writing? Get your paper written by a professional writer Get Help Reviews.io 4.9/5

List of Topics about Music for an Essay – 40 words

Discover a world of music topics to write about in this list! From fun ideas to controversial topics in music, these essay suggestions will inspire you to explore the diverse and exciting universe of music.

Argumentative Essay Topics about Music

Dive into the world of melodies and rhythms with these essay topics about music! Whether you’re passionate about different genres or curious about the impact of sound, these argumentative essay topics will guide you to explore and express your views on various musical aspects. So, let’s get ready to write and debate about the diverse and vibrant universe of sound.

• Is Melody Essential in Every School’s Curriculum
• The Impact of Melody on Mental Health
• Should There Be More Support for Local Musicians
• The Role of Songs in Cultural Preservation
• Does Modern Melody Lack Originality
• The Effects of Sound on Productivity
• Are Music Award Shows Biased
• The Importance of Lyrics in Songs
• Should Songs Be Used in Advertising
• The Influence of Music on Fashion Trends
• Does Melody Promote a Better Global Understanding
• Should Explicit Sound Be Censored
• Are Songs Festivals Beneficial for Local Communities
• The Role of Technology in Melody Production
• Is Classical Melody Still Relevant in the Modern Era
• The Impact of Social Media on Musicians’ Success
• Should Music Be Included in Workplace Settings
• The Role of Melody in Political Movements
• Are Music Streaming Services Fair to Artists
• The Importance of Preserving Traditional Melody

Topics for College Essays about Music

Step into the rhythm of words with these research paper topics about music, perfect for college essays. These topics offer a wide range of ideas, from personal experiences to cultural impacts, inviting you to explore the profound influence of sound. They are designed to inspire deep thought and passionate writing, helping you connect your academic skills with your love for melody.

• How Sound Influences Fashion Trends
• The Role of Melody in Different Cultures
• Personal Growth Through Learning a Musical Instrument
• The Evolution of a Specific Melody Genre
• The Impact of Songs Streaming Services on Artists
• Music as a Form of Social Protest
• The Psychological Effects of Melody on the Human Mind
• The Importance of Songs Education in Schools
• The Relationship Between Melody and Memory
• How Technology Has Changed the Way We Experience Music
• The Representation of Women in Music
• Music’s Role in Personal Identity
• The Influence of Melody on Mood and Behavior
• The Resurgence of Vinyl Records in the Digital Age
• The Globalization of Music and Its Effects
• The Economic Impact of the Songs Industry
• Melody as a Tool for International Diplomacy
• The Ethics of Music Sampling and Remixing
• The Role of Melody in Film and Media
• The Future of Live Music Performances

Controversial Topics in Music

Embark on a journey through the provocative and often debated realms of music with these 20 topics on controversial topics in music. These topics are designed to stir thought and conversation, challenging you to explore the music world’s more contentious and complex aspects. From ethical dilemmas to cultural controversies, these subjects offer diverse perspectives for deep exploration and spirited discussion.

• The Impact of Song Piracy on the Industry
• Censorship in Songs and Its Effects on Artistic Freedom
• The Portrayal of Women in Popular Song Videos
• The Commercialization of Indie Melody Genres
• The Role of Auto-Tune in Modern Music
• Melody as a Tool for Political Propaganda
• The Influence of Corporate Sponsors in Melody Festivals
• The Ethical Considerations of Posthumous Melody Releases
• Cultural Appropriation in the Song Industry
• The Decline of Traditional Songs Forms
• The Relationship Between Melody and Substance Abuse
• The Effect of Digital Streaming on Melody Quality
• The Representation of Minority Groups in Mainstream Music
• The Debate Over Explicit Lyrics and Parental Advisory Labels
• The Rise of AI in Songs Creation
• The Impact of Reality Song Shows on the Industry
• The Role of Gender in Melody Award Nominations
• Melody and Its Influence on Youth Behavior
• The Sustainability of the Music Tour Industry
• The Shift in Melody Consumption From Albums to Singles

Classical Music Essay Topics

Go on an enlightening journey through the world of melodies and harmonies with these 20 music topics to research, perfect for crafting compelling college essays. These topics delve into music’s vast and varied dimensions, from its historical roots to its modern-day impact. They are designed to ignite your curiosity and inspire in-depth exploration, blending academic rigor with a passion for music.

• The Evolution of Melody Through the Decades
• The Influence of Classical Song on Modern Genres
• The Psychological Effects of Melody Therapy
• The Role of Women Composers in Song History
• The Impact of Social Media on Emerging Musicians
• The Significance of Folk Song in Cultural Heritage
• The Development of Electronic Melody and Its Future
• Melody Censorship and Its Implications for Artistic Expression
• The Role of Song in Film and Storytelling
• The Globalization of Songs Genres and Styles
• The Relationship Between Music and Fashion Trends
• The History of Rock Melody and Its Cultural Impact
• The Use of Songs in Advertising and Consumer Behavior
• The Effects of Song Streaming on the Melody Industry
• The Intersection of Melody and Political Movements
• The Role of Songs in Shaping Youth Culture
• The Cultural Significance of Melody Festivals Worldwide
• The Preservation and Revival of Indigenous Music
• The Impact of Technology on Songs Production and Distribution
• The Contribution of Music to Mental Health and Wellbeing

Jazz Music Essay Topics

Step into the soulful and vibrant jazz world with these music topics for essays. Jazz, a genre rich in history and innovation, offers a treasure trove of fascinating themes for exploration. These essay topics will guide you through jazz’s intricate rhythms and stories, from its early beginnings to its modern interpretations. Delve into this mesmerizing music style’s legendary artists, iconic performances, and cultural impacts.

• The Origins of Jazz and Its Early Influences
• The Evolution of Jazz Through the 20th Century
• Key Figures in the Development of Jazz Music
• The Role of Improvisation in Jazz
• The Influence of Jazz on Other Melody Genres
• The Cultural Significance of Jazz in the Harlem Renaissance
• The Globalization of Jazz Melody
• The Impact of Technology on Jazz Recording and Production
• The Fusion of Jazz With Other Musical Styles
• Jazz as a Form of Social and Political Expression
• The Portrayal of Jazz in Cinema and Literature
• The Future of Jazz in the Digital Age
• The Role of Jazz in Education and Music Therapy
• Women in Jazz: Contributions and Challenges
• The Jazz Scene in Different Parts of the World
• The Preservation of Classic Jazz in Modern Times
• The Influence of Jazz on Fashion and Lifestyle
• Jazz Clubs and Their Role in Cultural Development
• The Impact of Jazz Festivals on Local Communities
• The Relationship Between Jazz and Modern Dance Forms

Rock and Pop Music Essay Topics

Rock and pop music, with its pulsing rhythms and catchy melodies, have captivated audiences for decades. This collection of 20 unique essay topics explores the depth and diversity of these influential genres. From the electric energy of rock to the widespread appeal of pop, these topics invite you to delve into the history, evolution, and cultural significance of these dynamic music styles. Whether examining iconic artists, groundbreaking albums, or the social impact of these genres, each topic offers a fascinating avenue for exploration and discussion in your essays.

• The Evolution of Rock Songs From the 1950s to Today
• The Influence of Pop Melody on Global Culture
• The Role of Songs Videos in Shaping Rock and Pop
• The Impact of Digital Streaming on the Rock and Pop Industry
• The Significance of the Beatles in Music History
• The Rise and Fall of Glam Rock
• The Role of Women in the Development of Pop Music
• The Influence of Rock Melody on Fashion Trends
• The Changing Face of Pop Songs in the 21st Century
• The Impact of Social Media on Rock and Pop Musicians
• The Fusion of Rock With Other Melody Genres
• The Role of Rock and Pop Music in Political Movements
• The Evolution of Live Performances in Rock and Pop
• The Significance of the Grammy Awards in Rock and Pop
• The Depiction of Rock and Pop Songs in Movies
• The Influence of Technology on the Production of Rock and Pop Music
• The Cultural Diversity in the Rock and Pop Melody Scenes
• The Role of Indie Labels in the Rock and Pop Industry
• The Impact of Fan Culture on Rock and Pop Song
• The Sustainability of Rock and Pop Songs in the Streaming Era

Persuasive Essay Topics about Music

Take a trip through melody and argument with these 20 music-related persuasive essay topics. Each topic, chosen for its ability to inspire compelling arguments and deep research, falls under the umbrella of musical topics for research papers. These prompts will challenge you to explore various facets of music, from cultural significance to technological impacts. As you delve into these topics, you’ll be encouraged to form strong opinions and support them with well-researched evidence, making your essays informative and persuasive.

• The Necessity of Melody Education in Schools for Overall Development
• The Impact of Classical Songs on Cognitive Abilities
• Song Streaming Services and Their Effect on the Industry
• The Role of Melody in Maintaining Mental Health
• Songs as a Universal Language Bridging Cultural Divides
• The Importance of Preserving Traditional Melody Forms
• Music’s Influence on Fashion and Lifestyle
• The Ethical Implications of Auto-Tune in Song Production
• The Role of Social Media in the Success of New Artists
• The Power of Songs in Social and Political Activism
• The Benefits of Attending Live Music Performances
• Songs as a Tool for Improving Concentration and Productivity
• The Evolution of Melody Genres and Its Cultural Impact
• The Effects of Background Song in Public Spaces
• The Role of Songs in Advertising Effectiveness
• Music’s Influence on Youth and Teen Development
• The Relationship Between Melody and Emotional Intelligence
• The Future of Virtual Reality Concerts in the Melody Industry
• The Impact of Songs Piracy on Artists and Producers
• The Role of Melody in Enhancing Cross-Cultural Communication

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Model IELTS Task 2 essay: Traditional Music

Aug 14, 2020 | IELTS , IELTS Test , IELTS Writing

Below you will find a model essay for an IELTS Academic or General Writing Task 2 question.  

It is a slightly edited version of an essay written by one of our students. This is the standard you can achieve when you take lessons with us .

This essay is likely to score from 8.5-9.0 on test day. This is a two-part question , and we have used the following template…

Introduction:  with our position Body Paragraph 1:  answering the first question Body Paragraph 2:  answering the second question Conclusion:  repeating our position

You can see a more general and detailed  template for Task 2 questions  on this page. We have also written a more detailed analysis of how to answer the  different Task 2 question types here .

The Question

There are many different types of music in the world today.  

Why do we need music?  

Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?  

Humans have long sought to harness the expressive power of music to convey their feelings. It is inconceivable to imagine a human civilisation without its own traditional musical instruments.   However, due to globalisation, many people fear that national and traditional music will be eroded by the international industry. I agree with this stance, and I believe that more efforts should be made to maintain the musical heritage of diverse cultural groups.  

Music has played a central role in shaping people’s cultural identity. For this reason, music is deemed to be an indispensable tool, through which a sense of belonging can be developed among younger generations. An excellent example of this role is national anthems which are played at national events. Additionally, music is a repository of the collective memory of people, and this is why composers have deployed their musical prowess to narrate and record history. If we allow international music to be embedded within our culture, we will dilute our sense of belonging.  

It might be argued that younger generations should be acquainted with different musical traditions to develop tolerance towards other cultures. Others think that broadening our musical horizons can enrich our traditional music by infusing it with various genres of music. I agree with these views; however, a priority should be given to local musical traditions in our national curriculum. To maintain the diversity of humanity’s musical heritage, children should be taught how to play their own inherited musical instruments.  

In conclusion, over the span of our history, music has played a pivotal role in developing a sense of belonging among the young. However, the changes that are wrought by the globalised music industry can weaken our traditions and heritage. As such, greater space should be given to local music in education systems worldwide.  

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15 Jan Philippine Ethnic Music

Filipinos already had a rich and unique musical tradition long before westerners set foot on our native land. Music was present in every stage of our ancestors’ lives — from birth to death, in blissful or tragic times.

Ethnic music continues to thrive in the Philippines, particularly among indigenous people who comprise 10 percent of the country’s population and represented by more than 100 language groups from the mountains of northern Luzon as well as from Mindanao, Sulu, Palawan, and Mindoro in southern and western Philippines.

Such instruments as flat gongs, bamboo buzzers, clappers, quill-shaped percussion tubes, and brass Jew’s harps are often seen in the north. Meanwhile, bossed gongs, ring flutes, log drums, xylophones, single-stringed violins, and suspended beams are commonly used in the south. These musical instruments are used in various rituals, festivities, and other activities. For instance, the paldong or kaldong , the lip-valley flute of the Kalinga, is a favorite instrument for serenading.

Vocal forms, performed either responsorially (viz., leader-chorus) or solo, are also used for different purposes. They follow the sequence of natural events and human activities, from the personal to social, from the economic to the political, from the spiritual to the cosmic. The Ibaloy ba-diw , an example of responsorial singing, is used in ceremonies for the dead called du-udyeng or ta-tamiya . In weddings, epic songs, which may be sung for one or more nights, may also be chanted to entertain guests or villagers themselves. Meanwhile songs, performed by a soloist may be accompanied by instruments and/or dancing.

Among indigenous Filipinos, one important function of music is to celebrate or commemorate important events in the human life cycle. Examples are the Kalinga dopdopit , which is sung the first time a child is bathed outside the family’s house; and the dinnayan , dawak , and paliwat , also of the Kalinga, which are sung during a ritual celebrating the rite of passage from boyhood to manhood.

The variety of musical forms, styles, repertoires, and traditions that exist mirror the rich diversity in Filipino culture.

Fortunately, until today, these rich indigenous musical traditions live on. They serve as a reminder of the Filipinos’ long history of musical talent and ingenuity.

Hila, Antonio A. Musika: an Essay on Philippine Ethnic Music . Manila: Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas, 1992.

Santos, R.P. “The Ethnic Tradition,” CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, volume VI: Philippine Music . Manila: Cultural Center of the Philippines, 1994.

Bilaan woman with violin (Retrato Photo Archive)

Jedidiah Juke Hawkins

Dear Filipinas Heritage Library is it possible to create a new music genre out of the indigenous music of the north and the south Philippines? Without the help of mainstream genres or even the use of modern contemporary instruments? The reason I asked is that American music originally came from the folk pieces of music of the white European settlers and from the West African music inspirations brought by the black slaves which then, later on, paved the way for country and blues and pop to exist to this day. So all that music history and origins gave me the idea/theory that music genres can be created from scratch based on the styles they originally came from. It could even save various endangered Filipino languages from extinction when singing songs with the new genre. What do you think?

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• Music Essay

Essay on Music

Music is like a universal language of life. It is basically the sound that is brought together through the harmony of various instruments. Our life would have been totally empty and different without music. It is something that every human being enjoys. It is a very powerful thing. Music helps to destress, heal, and motivate.

If you are looking for a short essay on music, then take a look at the short essay given in the following. This is created by the in-house exports of Vedantu keeping the understanding ability of the students. Those who are looking for references can look up to this following essay. It will be easy to figure out the pattern of how to write an essay on music. One can also download the Vedantu app to get access to the same file.

Music Essay for Students

“Without music, life will be a mistake” the statement of Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, simplified the importance of music in one’s life so easily. Music has a magical impact on humans. It's the best form of magic. 

The origin of the word ‘music’ is the Greek word ‘mousike’ which means ‘art of muses’. Music is a form of art and artists decorate it. The music consists of lesser words with deeper meanings. Frequently people use music as a painkiller to escape from the pain of life.  ‘Musical Notations’ is the leading form to write music. This provides a reference to an artist so he can share with others if necessary. Music is a mood freshener and accompanies us in our pocket devices, on televisions, movies, and the most effective in live concerts.

Different forms of music have different effects on human nature. Music is the greatest creation of mankind in the course of history. A combination of deem lights and calm music encourages the listener to eat less and enjoy the food more. Listening to music positively in a car influences one’s mood leads to safer behaviour and fewer road rages ultimately minimising accidental destructions.

If the students love the music, it helps them in recalling the information more significantly along with improvement in verbal intelligence. The studies have found that listening to favourite songs helps fibromyalgia patients to experience less chronic pain. Music has a direct effect on our hormonal levels. Listening to music decreases the level of the hormone cortisol in our body and counteracts the effect of chronic stress.

The heart-touching music is nothing but creativity with the purest and undiluted form. The combination of vocal or instrumental sounds in such a way that it produces beauty and expresses emotions. Anyone can make their day by enjoying music by listening or by composting or by playing. The global facts say parents intensively use music to soothe children even to interact.

Music touches the heart through the ears. It has divine power to act as an energy booster. Some music assists in motivation while some play the best role in sympathy. Music helps us to fight insomnia. Listening to classical or relaxing music, just before going to bed, improves one’s sleep.

Though music helps to counteract depression and loneliness, people underestimate the impact of music on the human mindset in the age of irony age. On the other side of the coin, there are some types of music that can result in deleterious effects on the human mind and body. Listening to music with high decibels can damage neurons. The effect on the brain subjected to continuous exposure to electronic amplification of rhythmic music is similar to that of drugs.

Genres of Music

While talking about a wide variety of music that ranges from ages belonging to different places, cultures, and types, the list of genres is endless. However, some of the major genres of music are stated as below:

Folk & Traditional Music

Traditional music holds an impression of the culture that it represents. It is usually illustrated and sung with folk music. Folk music is taught by one generation to another vocally through singing it and by listening to it. Various dance performances are in order to make it stay intact through ages. In India, the state of Rajasthan is well known for its Traditional-folk music with its dance. Several other regions are also popular.

Art music describes the characteristics of both classical and contemporary art forms. It is usually sung by just one person and demands a high level of attention from its listeners. It is quite well known in Europe.

Religious Music

The type of music that is affiliated to the worshipping of God by singing it, is known as Religious Music. Every religion has its own style and way of singing it. Christian music is one of the most famous religious music known all over the world.

Popular Music

As the name suggests, the type of music that is popular and accessible to everyone and everywhere is known as Popular Music. Such music is composed mostly by the entertainment industry for the purpose of monetary income. As compared to other types of music, Popular Music attracts a notable audience through different concerts or Live shows.

It has gained immense popularity over a period of time and varies from country to country and from culture to culture. One can listen to it on public platforms, digital platforms, television commercials, radio, and even at shopping centres.

Popular music can be subcategorized into numerous types such as Hip Hop Music, Rock Music, Polka Music Music, Jazz Music, Pop Music Latin Music, Electronic Music, Punk Music, and many more. Among different types of Popular Music, Hip Hop Music is vividly famous, especially among the youth population. The culture of Hip Hop music originally started in New York City and now has taken over its place everywhere. The culture of Hip Hop dance has also emerged because of the same. With passing time, a lot of changes are happening in the field of Music but it will never go out of style.

Music is a healer to all human emotions from sadness to depression. It is a cause of happiness. Music content has many genres to play. Emotional expressions have been regarded as the most important criteria for the aesthetic value of music. Sometimes, some crises of life are impossible to express in proper sentences and their music plays its best part. Log on to Vedantu to find exciting essays on other topics and learn how to frame one perfectly from experts.

FAQs on Music Essay

1. What Role Does Music Play in Our Life?

Music is a very important part of our life as it is a way to express our feelings as well as emotions. For some people, music is a way to escape from all the pain. It gives you relief and allows you to destress yourself. Music plays a crucial role in our life rather than just being a source of entertainment. More importantly, music is something that can be enjoyed by everyone irrespective of their caste, creed, age, or gender.

2. Why is Music So Powerful?

Music is a language of emotion in that it can represent different feelings of a soul without any boundaries or limitations. When people feel really low and think that no one understands them, they listen to music. It is a good weapon to imitate emotions and reduce them. Music is something that can be felt from within our soul. Music is connected with Nature. There are numerous incidents of various singers where singing had led towards the showering of rains. 

3. How Can I Write an Essay on Music?

Get to know the topic. You can't start writing about music until you've familiarised yourself with the concept. Do research thoroughly. Understand the important points and jot them down. Then draw a structure and start writing an essay. A student needs to realise the importance of music and the belonging of its culture for a better understanding and ease of writing. Talking to different artists from this field may also help in writing the essay. Refer to this essay framed by the experts of Vedantu and compile on your own.

4. Is Music a Means of Therapy?

In this modern era where everyone is busy living their hectic life, music plays an important role in soothing one’s mental health. Over a course of time, it has been scientifically proven that music acts as a therapy for a person suffering from depression or anxiety. Even the sound of waves in the ocean helps to heal a person mentally. Thus, psychologists suggest hearing calm and soothing to gain relief from worldly distress.

Essay Papers Writing Online

The power of melodic tunes to enhance focus and creativity during the essay writing process.

When it comes to the realm of crafty penmanship, the significance of tune harmonizing with writing is often underestimated. However, by unlocking the potential of a melodious backdrop, authors can tap into a wholly different level of creativity. The amalgamation of mind-wandering melodies and thought-provoking words provides an unparalleled medium for unleashing one’s inner writer.

By marrying the artistry of music with the finesse of essay composition, a symphony of inspiration is born. As the rhythm flows from ear to mind, it ignites a fire within, setting ablaze the dormant embers of imagination. The harmonious duet of music and writing has the uncanny ability to transport us to seemingly distant realms, where ideas unfurl like unfathomable constellations, waiting to be explored.

Music has the incredible capability to influence our mood, thoughts, and emotions. With every beat, a gateway to new possibilities is unveiled. A propelling anthem can uplift the spirits and propel the writer forward on a wave of determination. Conversely, a gentle melody can provide solace and serenity, setting the stage for introspection and bringing forth the depths of one’s introspective musings.

The Science Behind the Connection: How Music Affects the Brain

Understanding how music affects the brain is a fascinating area of study that delves into the intricate workings of our minds. The connection between music and the brain has been explored by scientists for decades, revealing the profound impact that music can have on our emotions, cognitive abilities, and overall well-being.

When we listen to music, our brains are activated in various ways. Neurologists have discovered that different regions of the brain are engaged, depending on the type of music being listened to. For instance, upbeat and fast-paced music stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This explains why listening to energetic music can make us feel more invigorated and motivated to take action.

Moreover, studies have shown that music has the power to evoke strong emotions and memories. Certain melodies or lyrics can trigger a flood of emotions, reminding us of past experiences or even transporting us to a different time and place. This emotional connection to music is facilitated by the limbic system, a part of the brain that controls emotions and memory. By activating this system, music has the ability to evoke powerful feelings and create lasting memories.

Additionally, music has a profound impact on our cognitive abilities. Research has demonstrated that listening to certain types of music can enhance our focus, concentration, and creativity. Classical music, in particular, has been found to stimulate brain activity and improve cognitive performance. This phenomenon, known as the “Mozart effect,” suggests that music can enhance our cognitive abilities, making us more alert and receptive to information.

Furthermore, the therapeutic benefits of music cannot be overlooked. Studies have shown that music therapy can be beneficial for individuals suffering from various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Listening to calming and soothing music has been found to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation. The rhythmic and melodic elements of music have a profound effect on our physiological state, helping to regulate our emotions and promote overall well-being.

In conclusion, the science behind the connection between music and the brain is a captivating field of research that highlights the profound impact of music on our emotions, cognitive abilities, and overall well-being. By understanding how music affects the brain, we can harness its power to boost productivity and enhance our essay writing experience.

Finding the Right Genre for Focus and Creativity

Exploring different genres of music can be a powerful way to enhance focus and creativity while writing. By selecting the right genre, you can create an atmosphere that nurtures concentration and stimulates your cognitive processes. The right choice of genre can inspire imagination, boost productivity, and help you tap into your creative potential.

Genre for Focus:

When it comes to finding a genre that promotes focus, instrumental music often takes the lead. With its absence of lyrics, instrumental genres such as classical, ambient, or electronic music can provide a background that minimizes distractions. The soothing melodies and repetitive patterns can help you maintain concentration for extended periods, allowing you to immerse yourself in the writing process.

Alternatively, you might find that low-tempo genres, like downtempo or chill-hop, can also facilitate a focus-oriented mindset. The relaxed beats and atmospheric textures often associated with these genres can create a tranquil ambiance, fostering a sense of calmness and enabling you to concentrate on the task at hand.

Genre for Creativity:

If your goal is to enhance your creative thinking and encourage inspiration, exploring diverse genres can be beneficial. Upbeat and energetic music, like pop, rock, or hip-hop, can elicit strong emotions and make you feel more motivated and enthusiastic. This genre choice can help break through writer’s block and generate fresh ideas.

On the other hand, genres that focus on introspection and introspection, like folk, indie, or singer-songwriter, can evoke a sense of introspection and deep thought. The raw emotions and personal narratives found in these genres can lead to a reflective and introspective state of mind, allowing you to explore and express your thoughts and emotions in a more profound and meaningful way.

Experimenting with Different Genres:

Everyone’s preferences and writing processes are unique, so it’s essential to experiment with different genres to find what works best for you. Depending on the task at hand, you may find that a combination of genres or even genre-specific playlists can be more effective in enhancing your focus and creativity.

Remember, the aim is to find the right balance that helps you stay engaged, motivated, and inspired. By exploring a variety of genres, you can create a personalized soundtrack that harnesses the power of music to enhance your essay writing and boost productivity.

Using Music as a Motivational Tool: Creating a Playlist that Energizes

When it comes to finding the perfect playlist to boost motivation and productivity, music can be a powerful tool. The right selection of songs can energize and inspire, helping you to stay focused and motivated while writing your essay. However, creating a playlist that truly energizes and motivates is not as simple as adding a few upbeat tracks. It requires careful consideration of the tempo, lyrics, and overall mood of the music.

To start off, consider the tempo of the songs you choose for your playlist. Upbeat and fast-paced songs with a high tempo can help increase your energy levels and keep you engaged. Look for tracks with a strong rhythm and lively beat that will get your heart rate up and your feet tapping. These types of songs can help you maintain a steady pace while writing, preventing any potential lulls in your productivity.

Lyrics also play an important role in creating a motivational playlist. Look for songs with inspiring and positive lyrics that resonate with you personally. The right lyrics can help instill a sense of confidence and determination as you tackle your essay. Whether it’s motivational anthems or personal empowerment songs, find tracks that make you feel uplifted and ready to conquer any challenges that come your way.

In addition to the tempo and lyrics, consider the overall mood of the music. While fast-paced and upbeat songs can be beneficial for maintaining energy levels, it’s also important to include moments of relaxation and calm. Including a variety of musical genres and styles in your playlist can help create a balanced atmosphere that keeps you engaged without overwhelming your senses. From uplifting pop songs to soothing instrumental tracks, a mix of different moods can help you stay focused and motivated throughout your writing process.

Remember that creating a motivational playlist is a personal endeavor. Experiment with different songs and genres to find what works best for you. Pay attention to how certain songs make you feel and make adjustments as needed. The power of music lies in its ability to evoke emotions and enhance your mood, so choose songs that align with your personal preferences and goals.

In conclusion, music can serve as a powerful motivator when it comes to essay writing. By creating a playlist that energizes and inspires, you can boost your productivity and stay focused throughout the writing process. Consider the tempo, lyrics, and overall mood of the music to create a playlist that resonates with you personally. Harness the power of music and let it fuel your essay writing journey!

The Impact of Lyrics on Writing: Choosing Songs with Inspiring Words

When it comes to the influence of music on our writing, we often think about melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. However, the impact of lyrics should not be underestimated. The words in a song can have a profound effect on our creative output and productivity. By carefully selecting songs with inspiring and meaningful lyrics, we can enhance our writing experience and tap into new ideas and perspectives.

Words have the power to evoke emotions, stimulate our imagination, and convey complex thoughts and ideas. When we listen to songs with lyrics that resonate with us, it can trigger a range of emotions that can fuel our writing process. Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad that touches our soul or an empowering anthem that fills us with motivation, the right lyrics can provide the emotional backdrop we need to dive deep into our writing and express ourselves fully.

In addition to emotional impact, lyrics can also influence the way we think and inspire us to explore different topics and themes in our writing. Songs with thought-provoking lyrics can challenge our perspectives and push us beyond our comfort zones. They can introduce us to new ideas and expand our horizons, allowing us to approach our writing from fresh and unique angles. By actively seeking out songs with inspiring words, we can invite a broader range of thoughts and concepts into our writing and enrich our overall message.

It’s important to note that the impact of lyrics on writing is a highly personal experience. What resonates with one writer may not have the same effect on another. It’s essential to be in tune with our own preferences and emotions when choosing the songs we write to. Some writers may find solace in introspective and introspective lyrics, while others may thrive on uplifting and motivational messages. By curating a personalized playlist of songs with lyrics that align with our writing intentions, we can create an atmosphere of inspiration and creativity that supports our unique style and voice.

In conclusion, lyrics play a significant role in the impact of music on our writing. By selecting songs with inspiring words, we can tap into the emotional, intellectual, and creative aspects of our writing process. The right lyrics have the power to fuel our imagination, challenge our thinking, and elevate our writing to new heights.

Creating a Distraction-Free Environment: Tips for Using Music Effectively

When it comes to essay writing, having a distraction-free environment is essential for focusing and improving productivity. Music can be a powerful tool in creating such an environment, helping to boost concentration and inspire creativity. By carefully selecting the right music and following a few key tips, you can maximize the benefits of using music while minimizing potential distractions.

• Choose instrumental music: Instead of lyrics that may compete for your attention, opt for instrumental music. This type of music provides a soothing ambiance and eliminates the potential distraction of following along with lyrics.
• Experiment with different genres: Various genres of music can evoke different emotions and moods. By exploring different genres, you can find the right music that complements your writing style and helps you get into the flow.
• Create a playlist: Curating a playlist specifically for writing purposes can help set the tone and provide a consistent background noise. Start by selecting a few essential tracks that promote focus, and gradually expand your playlist based on what works best for you.
• Use ambient sounds: In addition to music, ambient sounds can also be effective in creating a distraction-free environment. Rainfall, nature sounds, or white noise can help block out external noises and increase your concentration.
• Adjust the volume: Finding the right volume is crucial for using music effectively. Too loud, and it can become distracting; too low, and it may not be effective in creating a productive environment. Experiment with different volumes to find the perfect balance.
• Minimize interruptions: Ensure that your music setup doesn’t interrupt your writing process. Choose a music streaming platform or app that allows for seamless playback without ads or interruptions. This way, you can maintain focus without being interrupted by unrelated content.
• Match the music to the task: Different writing tasks may require varying levels of focus and energy. Consider selecting music that aligns with the specific task at hand. For brainstorming or creative writing, choose upbeat or uplifting music, while for editing or proofreading, opt for more relaxed and calming tunes.

By following these tips, you can create a distraction-free environment that harnesses the power of music to enhance your essay writing experience. Experiment, adapt, and find the perfect music that helps you stay focused, motivated, and creative throughout the writing process.

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Democrats set their convention roll call to a soundtrack. Here’s how each song fits each state

Democrats held a “celebratory” roll call vote to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris on the second night of their convention in Chicago. (AP produced by Ao Gao)

The Democrats turned their ceremonial roll call of delegates Tuesday into a raucous dance party. DJ Cassidy spun tunes for every state as they nominated Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Celebrities including Lil Jon and Eva Longoria also made appearances. (Aug. 20)

Pennsylvania delegates react during roll call of the state at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Lil Jon shakes hand with Sen. Raphael G. Warnock, D-Ga., left, as he join Georgia delegation during the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

DJ Cassidy speaks during Roll Call at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

California casts their votes during roll call at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California delegation cast their vote during the roll call, making Democratic presidential nomineee Vice President Kamala Harris the offical Democratic presidential nominee on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center, in Chicago, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. Mike Segar/Pool via AP)

Former Minnesota Vikings NFL football player John Randle speaks during roll call of the state at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

New Mexico cheers during roll call at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris is seen on a video monitor after the roll call during the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers speaks during roll call of the state at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Members of the Iowa delegation cheering during roll call at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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The traditional roll call at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago turned into a boisterous dance party Tuesday, with each delegation announcing their votes for presidential nominee Kamala Harris to a fitting song.

The musical nods spun by DJ Cassidy were mostly obvious. Massachusetts went with a punk song about Boston. Kansas picked a song from the band Kansas.

▶ Follow The AP’s live coverage and analysis from the 2024 Democratic National Convention .

But there were curious picks — like American Samoa rolling out to Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory” — and some delegations said they simply didn’t have a say in the matter.

Here’s how each song (likely) fits each state or territory, in order of the roll call:

Alabama: “Sweet Home Alabama,” Lynyrd Skynyrd

Yes, the Southern state picked its most famous name-check, even if the band itself is originally from Florida.

Alaska: “Feel It Still,” Portugal. The Man

Despite the European nation in its name, the rock band is from Wasilla, Alaska, which also happens to be the hometown of former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

American Samoa: “Edge of Glory,” Lady Gaga

The territory’s Democratic Party didn’t respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday but NPR reports this is a “tongue-in-cheek nod to the territory’s position as the southernmost territory in the United States.” So we’ll go with that.

Arizona: “Edge of Seventeen,” Stevie Nicks

The former Fleetwood Mac singer is from Phoenix.

Arkansas: “Don’t Stop,” Fleetwood Mac

The Southern state also went with a Nicks’ hit when it picked this song, which was also famously the theme of then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton’s winning 1992 presidential campaign.

Colorado: “September,” Earth, Wind & Fire

One of the original lead singers of the band, Philip Bailey, was born in Denver, where he and other band members from the Mile High City are also in the Colorado Music Hall of Fame .

Connecticut: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” Stevie Wonder

The New England state’s pick was one of former President Barack Obama’s go-to songs during his two successful presidential runs, but there’s no apparent connection to Connecticut. (Wonder is from Michigan.)

Delaware: “Higher Love,” Kygo and Whitney Houston

The home state of President Joe Biden went with a song that had been a mainstay of his 2020 campaign.

Democrats Abroad: “Love Train,” The O’Jays

The organization acknowledged Wednesday it didn’t have a say in the pick, but said the early disco hit was appropriate, given it has members in more than 190 countries.

Washington, D.C.: “Let Me Clear My Throat,” DJ Kool

The delegation from the nation’s capital went with the party anthem by a native son.

Florida: “I Won’t Back Down,” Tom Petty

The late rock star was born in — you guessed it — the Sunshine State.

Georgia: “Turn Down For What,” DJ Snake and Lil Jon

Atlanta’s own Lil Jon delivered a raucous version of his hit live and in person to the crowd at Chicago’s United Center.

Guam: “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter

The island territory went with one of the biggest hits of the summer, though Carpenter was born and raised in Pennsylvania, some 7,800 miles (12,500 kilometers) away.

Hawaii: “24K Magic,” Bruno Mars

If you haven’t already picked up on a theme here, the R&B star hails from Honolulu.

Idaho: “Private Idaho,” The B-52s

The song is by the Georgia band most famous for “Love Shack” and other hits, but singer Fred Schneider told the Idaho Statesman he chose this song title because the state is “pretty mysterious to, you know, all of us.”

Illinois: “Sirius,” The Alan Parsons Project

The British prog rock band’s song was the intro music for the Michael Jordan-era Chicago Bulls, who played in the very arena hosting the convention.

Indiana: “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,” Michael Jackson

Jackson and his famous family were originally from the industrial city of Gary, Indiana.

Iowa: “Celebration,” Kool and The Gang

The band may have been from New Jersey but everyone likes to celebrate good times, c’mon.

Kansas: “Carry On Wayward Son,” Kansas

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There was really only one way this pick was going to go — a song from the arena rock band from Topeka, Kansas.

Kentucky: “First Class,” Jack Harlow

The rapper was born and raised in the Bluegrass State.

Louisiana: “All I Do Is Win,” DJ Khaled feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross

New Orleans native? Check. Infectious party anthem? You bet.

Maine: “Shut Up and Dance,” Walk the Moon

Once again, a New England state ended up with a song everyone can sing along to, even if it didn’t have an obvious local connection. (Walk the Moon is from Ohio.) Maine Democrats say their pick of a song from local band The Ghost of Paul Revere was ultimately nixed.

Maryland: “Respect,” Aretha Franklin

The mid-Atlantic state also decided against a homegrown pick when it rolled with a hit from Detroit’s late “Queen of Soul.”

Massachusetts: “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” The Dropkick Murphys

The de facto anthem of the Red Sox, by an Irish American punk band from the suburbs of the Massachusetts capital? No notes.

Michigan: “Lose Yourself,” Eminem

The hit comes from the Detroit native’s 2002 semi-autobiographical movie “8 Mile,” about a struggling rapper trying to make his name in the city’s hip-hop scene.

Mississippi: “Twistin’ the Night Away,” Sam Cooke

The late soul singer was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Missouri: “Good Luck, Babe!”, Chappell Roan

The Show-Me State went with an upbeat track by the rising pop star, who hails from Willard, Missouri.

Montana: “American Woman,” Lenny Kravitz

The song, originally by the Canadian band The Guess Who, has no obvious connection to the Big Sky State — but the title has everything to do with sending a woman to the White House.

Nebraska: “Firework,” Katy Perry

Perry has no apparent connection to the Cornhusker State, but she’s lent her starpower to the Democratic Party in recent years, performing at Biden’s inauguration . Her hit song “Roar” also featured prominently in Hillary Clinton’s failed 2016 presidential campaign.

Nevada: “Mr. Brightside,” The Killers

Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning formed the rock band more than two decade ago, in Las Vegas.

New Hampshire: “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Journey

The rock band formed in San Francisco, but we’d be hard-pressed to find an event, rally or game that hasn’t used this song as its anthem.

New Jersey: “Born in the U.S.A.,” Bruce Springsteen

It couldn’t get more obvious than this. “The Boss” is from Long Branch, New Jersey, and politicians from both parties have played his song at rallies and events too many times to count — despite its more subversive lyrics.

New Mexico: “Confident,” Demi Lovato

Lovato was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

New York: “Empire State of Mind,” Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys

Both Jay-Z and Keys are from New York, the city for which this song is an anthem and ode.

North Carolina: “Raise Up,” Petey Pablo

Pablo, a rapper and record producer, is from the Tar Heel State.

North Dakota: “Girl on Fire,” Alicia Keys

As established above, Keys is from New York, but her song has often been used to celebrate and empower women (including at the Olympics ).

Northern Mariana Islands: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

The U.S. commonwealth north of Guam has no apparent connection to Gaye or Terrell, but it is mountainous with several volcanos — and the song choice could be a nod to the journey Harris is on.

Ohio: “Green Light,” John Legend feat. André 3000

Legend was born in Springfield, Ohio. (André 3000 of Outkast is from Atlanta, however.)

Oklahoma: “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘til the Sun Comes Up),” Garth Brooks

The country singer was born in Tulsa, the Sooner State’s second-largest city.

Oregon: “Float On,” Modest Mouse

The band was formed in Washington state, but is now based in Portland, Oregon.

Pennsylvania: “Motownphilly,” Boyz II Men; “Black and Yellow,” Wiz Khalifa

Boyz II Men is from Philadelphia, where the music video for “Motownphilly” was filmed. Meanwhile, Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” is about growing up in Pittsburgh. The titular colors are a tribute to the city’s football team, the Steelers.

Puerto Rico: “Despacito,” Luis Fonsi feat. Daddy Yankee

Both singers behind this 2017 song of the summer are from Puerto Rico.

Rhode Island: “Shake it Off,” Taylor Swift

Swift is from Pennsylvania, but in 2013 purchased what was then the most expensive private home in Rhode Island.

South Carolina: “Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine,” James Brown

The late “Godfather of Soul” was born in Barnwell, South Carolina.

South Dakota: “What I Like About You,” The Romantics

The rock band is from Detroit, not the Mount Rushmore State. Does it matter if there’s a lot to like?

Tennessee: “9 to 5,” Dolly Parton

The country music legend was born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, and currently lives outside of Nashville.

Texas: “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” Beyoncé

In case it needs explaining, Beyoncé is from Houston.

Utah: “Animal,” Neon Trees

The rock band formed in Provo, Utah.

Vermont: “Stick Season,” Noah Kahan

Kahan was born in Strafford, Vermont, a picturesque New England town.

US Virgin Islands: “VI to the Bone,” Mic Love

As the song title indicates, the rapper is from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Virginia: “The Way I Are,” Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson and D.O.E.

Timbaland was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia.

Washington: “Can’t Hold Us,” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Both Macklemore and Lewis are from the Evergreen State.

West Virginia: “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” John Denver

Denver is from New Mexico, but the hit song he wrote with Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert has long been a symbol of the Mountain State.

Wisconsin: “Jump Around,” House of Pain

The hip-hop trio is from Los Angeles, but their 1992 hit song has been played at University of Wisconsin football games for years.

Wyoming: “I Gotta Feeling,” Black Eyed Peas

The song has no apparent connection to the state but sent a message that’s pretty self-explanatory.

Minnesota: “Kiss” and “1999,” Prince and The Revolution

The pop superstar was born in — and died in — his home state, which he shares with vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz.

California: “The Next Episode,” Dr. Dre; “California Love,” Tupac Shakur; “Alright” and “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar

Harris’ home state picked a medley of West Coast hip-hop anthems — classic and more recent — to close out the roll call.

Marcelo reported from New York and Naishadham from Washington.

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17 Aug 2024  ·  Ka Hei Carrie Lau , Efe Bozkir , Hong Gao , Enkelejda Kasneci · Edit social preview

This paper explores the innovative application of Large Language Models (LLMs) in Virtual Reality (VR) environments to promote heritage education, focusing on traditional Scottish curling presented in the game ``Scottish Bonspiel VR''. Our study compares the effectiveness of LLM-based chatbots with pre-defined scripted chatbots, evaluating key criteria such as usability, user engagement, and learning outcomes. The results show that LLM-based chatbots significantly improve interactivity and engagement, creating a more dynamic and immersive learning environment. This integration helps document and preserve cultural heritage and enhances dissemination processes, which are crucial for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) amid environmental changes. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential of novel technologies in education to provide immersive experiences that foster a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage. These findings support the wider application of LLMs and VR in cultural education to address global challenges and promote sustainable practices to preserve and enhance cultural heritage.

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