“Music has the power of producing a certain effect on the moral character of the soul, and if it has the power to do this, it is clear that the young must be directed to music and must be educated in it” – Aristotle
Music is the universal language. A person need not understand the language in which a song is sung to appreciate the message that the song intends to convey.
Music has played a part in the events of man’s everyday life since his earliest days. At times music has also accompanied men into battle and has been used to celebrate victories in war. Songs and dance have been used to honor kings at their coronation. Throughout history, music has been used to soothe troubled minds, as well as, to express personal sorrow or great jubilation.
During the darkest nights, in times of adversity and distress, music can soothe the aching soul and bring the calmness and peace that a person yearns for. During moments of quietness and reflection, music speaks to our souls, and at times brings to remembrance even some of the little things of life that may have long since been forgotten, but for which we should forever be grateful. However, like in all things, we must use discernment in deciding which type of music we wish to listen to. There is music that is uplifting, but there is also music that can bring us down.
We each have different tastes in music. Some people like pop, classical, or jazz. Others may prefer country, rock, or contemporary. Some people like nice quiet, soothing music, where others may prefer their music as loud as possible. Regardless of our individual tastes, music plays an important part in each of our lives and can influence us in many ways.
When we are feeling melancholy, certain types of music can have a positive influence on us by lifting us up and making us feel rejuvenated. However, music can also have negative impacts on us. Some songs and types of music can make us feel depressed, lonely, unwanted, and unloved. Therefore, we must learn to be discerning about the kinds of music that we listen to.
Perhaps it would be a good idea for us to ask ourselves a few important questions when selecting what music to listen to. Such questions might include the following:
- How much time do I spend listening to music?
- Why do I listen to music?
- What type of music do I enjoy listening to?
- Have I felt a change in my demeanor and attitude while listening to certain types of music?
- Are the words of the lyrics, words that I would feel comfortable sharing with my family and friends?
- Does the group performing the music promote standards that are like my own?
- Does the music cause me to think, act, or feel contrary to the things that I have been taught and believe?
We end the first discussion in this series on this musical note:
Music has a very powerful and wonderful influence in establishing feelings and moods that can lift and elevate your thoughts and your actions. But because it is so powerful, it is clearly used by the adversary to stimulate your thoughts, feelings, and moods, to pollute and poison your mind and cause you to do things you would not otherwise consider doing – Ardeth G. Kapp
