Introduction
Here I classify music and its importance in my life. In my essay, I break down music into some of its most popular genres and then explain their importance in my life.
Classification
Music is the use of vocal sounds or instrumental sounds, or both. It is used to form a harmony or expression that is often easier to memorize than just a selection of notes or words.
Division
Music may be divided in to genres, which are forms of music that tend to follow similar rules or patterns.
Rap
Here vocals are more often used over instrumental music, with the defining feature being the poetic use of words to a beat. This form of music has had a profound effect on my life as it has allowed me to express feelings and emotions I didn’t know I had. For example, the song, “No love” that features Eminem helped me express a form of gut determination I didn’t know I had.
Country
This is often told as a story, with many of the US versions being centered on stories of hardship and sadness. The instrumentals also tend to be acoustic, and several forms include more than one singer or story. This type of music has had an effect on my life through allowing me to express sad emotions through the stories of others. For example, the “Whisky lullaby” demonstrates the sadness a person may feel at being unable to stop the loss of a loved one.
Rock music
This form of music often involves a heavy drum feature and electric guitars. It is an angry form of music that is meant to elicit emotions beyond happiness or sadness, bringing about feelings either of aggression, anger or excitement. This has had an effect on my life through allowing me to express anger vicariously instead of on other people. Masters of such techniques involve groups such as Aerosmith and Blink 182, although the latter is more about expressing excitement.
Opera and gothic Opera
This is a form of music that relies heavily on vocals, with there often being just one vocalist, though the rest of the band may join in during certain parts of the song. They often involve big instrumental pieces, sometimes with the singer singing over them, and often involve a full orchestra. The best on the planet for this type of music is a group called Nightwish, and they have had an impact on my life through allowing me to express repressed emotions through the power their music holds on both a conscious and unconscious level.
Conclusion
The effect of music can be quite profound, with psychologists proving that a music can evoke emotions, can bring back memories, and can allow people to live vicariously and thereby not have to express their emotions in a more real and/or negative way. My essay did not cover all forms of music, but did cover the major genres that have affected my life in some way, and that still affect the lives of thousands of people worldwide irrespective of their race, background or general attitude.
