What Role does Music Play in your Life

As a child, I remember rhythmically coordinating my hands to accompany the beats of "We Will Rock You" by Queen, feeling as if I played a role within the song. This experience required no extensive musical knowledge, just the simple coordination of using hands as instruments. One child's dim initiation of the beats quickly contaminated the entire class with enthusiasm. It fascinated me how slamming my hands against a wooden desk united such a disobedient class. This early introduction to music hints at its profound role in our lives: a universal language capable of uniting diverse individuals.

The central argument of this essay is to explore how music transcends mere sound to become an integral part of human existence, influencing our social interactions, emotional well-being, and perception of the world.

Music as a Social Bridge

At a young age, our parents teach us the infamous saying "stranger danger," which eventually develops into the avoidance of all sorts of social interactions with strangers, unless there is some sort of interest—such as asking for directions or inquiring about the time. Despite our biological needs to socialize, we tend to avoid small talk at all costs, creating a barrier between our indifference and the world. This is where music intervenes, recognized for its capability of abolishing barriers among individuals. It’s an incredible phenomenon when sitting on a bus, and the person next to you begins tapping their feet to the beat of a song you enjoy. This automatically creates a middle ground, sparking curiosity about your shared music compatibility. Research conducted at Oxford University investigated the mechanisms associated with social bonding through music and synchronized activity, revealing that this mimicry of movements is associated with the release of endorphins and oxytocin. These neurotransmitters are linked with social affiliation, creating the feeling you get when you "click" with someone. Therefore, music plays a critical role in facilitating social connections, acting as a bridge between strangers.

Music as Emotional Sanctuary

The same way music connects us, it often helps anesthetize us from reality. Music has a tremendous effect on relaxation and uplifting one's mood. After a tiresome day, the last thing you may want to do is bond with the person sitting next to you on the bus. Instead, the right song can serve as a sanctuary, offering solace and a momentary escape from stress. Imagine a song that instantly cheers you up; all it takes is three minutes or more. This transformative power of music lies in its ability to merge with our emotions seamlessly. You put your headphones in and travel through each beat, making it difficult to distinguish your heartbeat from the song itself. This visceral experience is linked to the peak of dopamine release when listening to our favorite songs. Unlike tangible rewards like exercise or chocolate, music offers an abstract reward, enriching our emotional spectrum.

The Essence of Music

According to the Merriam-Webster definition, music is "the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity" (1999). However, music is far more intricate. How can one define something that predates human existence—like the sounds of birds humming? What about those who are hearing impaired? Although they can't hear these sounds in succession, shouldn't their consumption of amplified vibrations count? Isn't music the voice of our loved ones or the wind's whistle through windows? Rather than defining it, we should be asking ourselves why music? The answer is simple: human existence is a permanent condition, in which music accompanies us to make sense of this world. The history of music is as antique as human existence itself. While it may not be seen as a basic need, it remains a vital aspect of our condition. Whether through headphones, singing, or creation, music contributes to happiness in one of its purest forms.

Conclusion: Music's Timeless Role

In conclusion, the role of music in our lives is multifaceted, acting as a social connector, an emotional refuge, and a profound aspect of human existence. Its ability to unite, soothe, and transcend cultural, linguistic, and personal barriers is remarkable. By exploring its impact on our social interactions, emotional well-being, and broader understanding of life, we see that music is not just an art form but an essential component of our humanity. As we navigate our lives, music remains a timeless companion, enriching our experiences and amplifying our joys.

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