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I wrote this many years ago as part of a college class, apologies if it seems juvenile but I think it still contains some valid points about music and musicians. I stumbled upon it again recently and couldn't think of anywhere else to share it, so I'll throw it at the people here.
Essay -
Asking a teenager to define music will result in an answer much different than asking a senior citizen. However, both will stand firm in their feelings about music. It is such a deep felt relationship that most people have a very defined opinion of what music is and what it is not. An explanation of “good music” has caused heated debates among friends and generations, yet it is one of the most refined, studied and precise arts. It is such a personal, emotional and creative form of expression.
There have been many attempts made at describing just what music is. It's been said that music is simply sound with a rhythm. Webster's Dictionary gets a little more abstract in their definition, saying it is “the combining of sound and tones as a form of artistic expression.” That definition, by their own extension would include “any combination of sounds that is pleasing to the ear.” What is pleasing to one person may not be so pleasing to another, but everyone holds music dear. Whether it is a particular love song or a reverent hymn, music and song is understood by all.
The theory and components that make up music are often not understood by the listener. There are many performers of music who do not consciously understand it either, but there are many tasks, languages and math computations taking place in even the simplest of songs.
Music is a language. It is written in a structure that only those who know the language can decode. Reading music is very much like reading a foreign language that must be studied, practiced and then put into use in order to become fluent. There is a unique complexity to this language because while learning it, the only way to comprehend it is to put it into action. It is unique in that it requires physical action on the part of the reader. To learn to read the notes, or musical alphabet, the reader must be able to hear what each note is saying. This is always done with some kind of musical instrument in hand. As the notes are read, and then played, a relationship develops between the eyes, the ears, and the hands. This learning process is very reinforcing; if done incorrectly the result offends the readers ears. The mistake is evident and compels the reader to do it over again to get it right. It is also a language that can be learned by people of all countries and native tongues, then applied to allow a heartfelt communication and expression. An even more astounding aspect of this language is that it is not one that is meant to be expressed singly and in turn. People conversing in the language of music all express themselves at the same time to create a harmonic blend of sound and rhythm that moves not only the artists but also all those within hearing distance. These audience members often have little understanding of all the expression and simultaneous listening going on by the performers. It is a very complex language, spanning many styles, genres, and cultures, yet it is absolute and strict, requiring an outcome as precise as a math equation.
Maybe that's because music also incorporates math. The rhythm of music is based on a count and a flowing subdivision of that count happening in time. The waltz is based on a count of three. A march is often in a count of two. The overwhelming majority of music is based on a count of four. These basic counts, or beats, are then subdivided in smaller elements in groups of three or four. When the subdivision happens in three it is most likely a swing or shuffle style of song. The division of four is more common and strict, being used for most modern music in this country for the last fifty years or more. A musician, one who can read and express this language, is doing these math calculations instinctively while reading the music and performing on their particular instrument. There are many artistic music pieces that are written in what is called odd-time signatures. These pieces can have a basic beat count of five, seven, eleven or even nineteen beats that need to be subdivided over time.
That can add up to some pretty complex math. No wonder the human brain excels when this art is studied over time. So far music involves reading a written foreign language while doing continuous math calculations and taking an action that results in a pleasing sound. Like they say in the infomercials- “but wait, there's more!”
As the study of music develops it becomes necessary for an artist to not only rigidly read what is written, but may also be required to improvise. This act requires a knowledge of the theory behind music. Note relationships, chord structures, and scale patterns are all necessary to become proficient at being a musician. The most amazing thing about the ability to improvise is that it requires this knowledge to be put to use in anticipation of the next note. Every true musician knows that when the time comes to play a note is not the time to figure out what note needs to be played. The note will inevitably be either a wrong note or played late. Since music requires these subdivisions over time it is very evident when a note is not played at the right time. It's now understood that musicians are reading another language, doing math at the same time, and actually thinking ahead to the next note while performing on their instrument. Some types of performances compound this by adding choreography into the mix.
Most concerts contain some type of choreography. There will often be separate dancing, but when the musicians have to also physically perform timed actions it really complicates things. One example of this is the marching band. These musicians, often student age, are performing timed physical actions on top of everything else discussed above.
No wonder so many researchers have reached the conclusion that learning music can expand ones ability to learn other things. It also teaches a discipline of structure and practice that leads one to be diligent in getting the desired results through constant effort. The reward is that one precious possession everyone has: a favorite song.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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A very thought provoking delivery. I like the way you have integrated the mathematical component of music as a highlight. A great write actually. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks!
I appreciate someone taking the time to read it to be honest.
Just meant to drive some thought on appreciating what many take for granted.
Like I said I wrote this years ago ('09?) so I know it could be better, but it makes some good points about music and musicians IMHO.
Last edited by rharv; 10/14/25 08:40 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Amateur: fiddle, guitar, vocal, beginner on bass.
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... so I know it could be better, but it makes some good points about music and musicians IMHO. Things can always be better, but trying for perfection can kill the spirit. Better to be good but imperfect, than to never produce a result. It's good, thoughtful, and helps remind us what music is, as well as how it feels. Well said.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
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I thoroughly enjoyed this. It explains in detail what we know but usually haven’t defined why we know it. As a former college prof and dean I probably would have asked if you had any citations for the conclusion by researchers, but it is pretty common knowledge.
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.........................I think it still contains some valid points about music and musicians. ............................ I agree. .....................................................................
No wonder so many researchers have reached the conclusion that learning music can expand ones ability to learn other things. It also teaches a discipline of structure and practice that leads one to be diligent in getting the desired results through constant effort. ........................ That is so true. The "discipline of structure and practice that leads one to be diligent in getting the desired results through constant effort" is missing in many today, as witnessed by them praising AI's ability to create songs. (using AI as a tool is fine - for generating songs not fine IMHO) I also believe that your above statement is why music will survive AI. Originality and creativity are things humans do best. YMMV
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Matt, as you probably know, studies have been done by universities showing musicians excel beyond average students.
I could supply a ton, my parents spoke to congress about it twice to help prevent music from being discontinued in public schools.
To be transparent, they owned a music store so it threatened their livelihood but that doesn't change the facts.
Last edited by rharv; 10/15/25 02:11 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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In general, thanks everyone for the kind words. I figured I wrote it and it has sat for years, might as well share it.
Last edited by rharv; 10/15/25 02:14 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Yes, I quite agree studies are amply found. And I did know your background in a music store. How cool! Are you one of those folks who can pick up any instrument and amaze for 15 seconds, then you're done?
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No, that's my brother who was the repair man at the music store for 20 years.
He can doodle on just about anything, including oboe!
I actually learned to play a few fairly well.
Woodwinds are foreign to me.
Brass was my thing through school/college.
Keyboards were a necessity.
Played trumpet and keyboard for 50 years
Picked up bass & guitar as a necessity for bands 30 years ago.
Played some in Houston, Chicago & Detroit. Heck I have even played at the Grand Ol Opry <grin>
Hand me sax or a flute and I can make noise, if that counts. No idea what I'm doing on them though.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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