Music has been known as a universal language. The reason behind this is that we can find music everywhere, whether it comes with words or not. It varies widely and supports any type of behavior. Certainly, this is what happens during the 1960s.
When used effectively, music can help in connecting people to others as well as to themselves. For people who are suffering from dementia, it seems that music is the only thing that they can remember. Try to watch the concert of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga and you will understand how music can help people in connecting with themselves. It is widely known that Bennett has Alzheimer’s disease, however, if you’ve watched him in his concert, it is hardly noticeable.
Based on research, music can activate some parts of our brains. Consider the complicated messages that the brain must systemize including the melody, rhythm, pitch, visualization, and memory. It is also known that music speaks to the soul. According to an anonymous author, Music speaks what is impossible to express, calms the mind and makes it rest, heals the heart to make it whole again, and streams from heaven to the soul.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow stated that “Music is the universal language of mankind.” This pronouncement from the American poet has been supported by the scientific study on music conducted by scientists at Harvard. The study considers music as a cultural product and verified the features of the song that are shared in different societies.
Based on their study, the research team discovered that in various societies, music can be related to dance, healing, and love. They also found that songs that have the same behavioral functions also have the same musical features.
Music Can Alleviate Symptoms of Cancer
Music can alleviate symptoms related to cancer and its treatments. Music can minimize breathing issues and enhance the patient’s quality of life. This is significant regardless of what is the patient’s stage of cancer.
It has been shown that music therapy can reduce stress and anxiety, especially for those who are on radiation therapy simulation. If you’ve experienced having an MRI in a closed room, you will notice that the technician will first ask you if you want to listen to some music, it is recommended that you should do so.
It is important that cancer centers should make it a point that they live music for their staff and patients. If there is no piano, then they can look for volunteers who know how to play the violin, guitar, cello, and other musical instruments. Nowadays, more and more cancer patients are offering music therapy as part of their cancer treatment. Some students from the department of music are more than willing to spend their time in cancer centers as volunteers.
But take note that brass instruments might not be a good idea in a closed environment. In some cancer centers, you can find guitarists, harpists, piano players, violinists, and cellists in the lobby. That is why patients would love to spend more time listening to music to the point that they arrive late for their appointments.
But regardless if they are late for their appointment, they feel less stressed about their follow-up or treatment. Music is considered a safe place where people can explore their anxiety, fear, anger, and other emotions associated with living with cancer.
The cancer treatment for each patient is unique so as is its coping method. Some of these methods include exercising, remaining involved in the work environment but avoiding too much stress, keeping a journal, looking for spiritual support, practicing relaxation techniques, as well as spending some time alone with their thoughts.
Relaxation means listening to music of various genres. Obviously, it is not necessary that you should be musically talented so you can participate in music therapy. Take note that this cannot prevent, treat, or cure cancer. However, it can help patients feel more relaxed and improve their physical and emotional well-being.
Studies Prove That Music is Universal
Harvard Law conducted a study to prove the universalism of music. This study involved more than 315 cultures of music from all over the world. The goal of the study was to determine if people from different cultures could recognize the mood of the song based on its rhythmic and melodic structure without understanding the meaning of the lyrics.
It turns out that people can recognize the overall meaning of the song even if it is from a different culture based on its rhythm, melody, and emotion. That is why based on this study, they’ve concluded that music is truly universal. It really exists in every culture and differs more within than between cultures.
It commonly supports specific types of behavior and features acoustic patterns that are associated with the responses and objectives of the listeners and singers. Music can spread an overall sentiment or feeling without the need to be an expert in the spoken language.
Effective Use of Music Across Cultures
Music features healing power that is universal in different cultures because it has relevant effects on humans no matter where they come from or where they grow up. Music can help people in accomplishing most of their goals, whether it’s cognitive, physical, or mental. Music therapy has the power to ease your pain, calm your anxiety, and distract you from your stress.
Music is also useful in worshipping sacred music, teaching kids nursery rhymes, as well as helping you to relax, focus, and sleep better. For instance, instrumental music can be understood in different cultures despite having different rules when it comes to chords, scales, and melodic structures.
Global Collaborations
Musicians can collaborate with other people worldwide using the internet. Music has helped bring these people together. It seems that music was used as a way of communicating.
Sometimes there are things that may not be completely understood in verbal communication, but this wouldn’t happen when the language of music is used. Due to the internet, collaborations have taken music to a whole new dimension, with different cultural inspirations brought together to create a wonderful masterpiece.
When Music Isn’t Considered a Universal Language
Some music experts argue that even though music can express overall feelings and emotions and even help us in our health, it is still not considered as a language because there are no rules that cultures should follow in the music industry.
The words that different cultures use in tonalities, scales, tempo preferences, and different languages vary and may not be suitable to every detail when music is labeled as an official language.
Also, there are some songs that mean something else to other people based on their experience or culture. For instance, a happy song could make someone feel joyful, however, it might make another person angry.
Even though its magical and healing powers are universal, it is also important to consider what each person and culture can contribute and obtain while listening to music.
Angelus Music is designed for those who love to listen to sacred music. If you want to experience a prayerful sound, just visit us at https://www.angelusmusic.com/.
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