ClassX Video Lessons What emotions does this music make you feel? It probably depends on your culture. | Anthony Brandt
The human brain is incredibly adept at learning and appreciating the vast array of languages and musical expressions found across the globe. From the moment we are born, we have the potential to explore a wide range of sounds and musical elements. However, our experiences over time shape our preferences and understanding.
When babies are born, they babble using a variety of phonemes. As they grow, they start to refine these sounds to match the phonemes of their native language. This process is similar in music; we are born with the ability to enjoy a wide range of musical styles. Over time, through exposure and learning, we become accustomed to certain sounds and styles, which can strongly influence our reactions.
One of the most exciting aspects of our musical journey is the potential for growth. Just like learning multiple languages, we can expand our musical tastes by exploring different genres and styles. Some people worry that exploring new music might mean leaving behind their old favorites, but this isn’t true. Embracing new musical experiences is like adding more loved ones to your life; it enriches your capacity to appreciate music even more.
To demonstrate how cultural conditioning affects our emotional responses to music, consider an experiment. By listening to two arias that depict the same moment in the story of Orpheus and Eurydice—specifically, when Orpheus looks back at Eurydice as he leaves the underworld—listeners can rate their emotional reactions on a scale from one (deep tragedy) to ten (ecstatic joy).
Even though both arias convey the same tragic moment, listeners often rate them differently. This difference arises from cultural conditioning related to musical modes. The first aria, in a minor key, is usually seen as sad, while the second aria, in a major key, might evoke a more positive response, despite both expressing the same sorrowful event.
This phenomenon shows how our cultural background influences our emotional interpretations of music. For example, in some cultures, minor keys can express joy, as seen in the Jewish song “Hava Nagila,” which celebrates life despite being in a minor key. These examples highlight the rich diversity of musical expression across cultures and how interpretations can vary widely.
Historically, composers like Beethoven were considered innovative for their time, yet they followed certain musical norms. Beethoven never fully embraced the expressive potential of noise characteristics or flexible rhythms that were common in other cultures. This shows how musical expression can be limited by cultural norms, even as other cultures explore a wider range of musical possibilities.
Ultimately, music is an open frontier, not a closed system. The way we engage with music reflects the broader human imagination, which is always evolving and expanding. By recognizing the influence of culture on our musical experiences, we can appreciate the vast landscape of musical expression available to us and continue to grow in our understanding and enjoyment of music.
Engage in a phoneme exploration exercise by recording yourself attempting to mimic phonemes from various languages. Compare your recordings with native speakers and reflect on the challenges and similarities you encounter. This will help you understand the brain’s capacity to adapt to different linguistic sounds.
Create a playlist that includes at least one song from five different musical genres you are unfamiliar with. Listen to each song and write a short reflection on how each piece makes you feel and how it compares to your usual musical preferences. This activity will broaden your musical appreciation and understanding.
Conduct an emotional response experiment by listening to two different musical pieces that convey the same story or emotion. Rate your emotional reaction to each piece and analyze how cultural conditioning might have influenced your responses. Share your findings with your peers to explore diverse interpretations.
Research a culture’s musical traditions and prepare a short presentation on how their music reflects their cultural values and emotions. Include audio samples and discuss how these musical expressions differ from or resemble those in your own culture. This will deepen your understanding of cultural influences on music.
Participate in a workshop where you compose a short piece of music using unconventional instruments or sounds. Experiment with noise characteristics and flexible rhythms to create something unique. This activity will encourage you to think outside traditional musical norms and explore new expressive possibilities.
Brain – The organ in humans and other animals that processes sensory information and is responsible for thought, memory, and emotion, playing a crucial role in musical perception and performance. – The brain’s ability to process complex rhythms and harmonies is essential for musicians when performing intricate compositions.
Language – A system of communication used by a particular community or country, often compared to music as both have structures and patterns that convey meaning. – Music is often described as a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and connects people worldwide.
Music – An art form and cultural activity whose medium is sound, organized in time, often used for expression and communication. – The study of music at the university level involves analyzing compositions from various historical periods and styles.
Appreciation – The recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something, such as music, often enhanced by understanding its structure and context. – A deeper appreciation of classical music can be developed by studying the historical context of its composers.
Cultural – Relating to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society, often reflected in its music and performing arts. – The cultural significance of traditional folk music is a key topic in ethnomusicology courses.
Emotional – Pertaining to feelings or emotions, often expressed and evoked through music and performance. – The emotional impact of a symphony can be profound, moving audiences to tears or joy.
Styles – Distinctive forms or types of music characterized by particular elements such as rhythm, melody, and harmony. – Jazz and classical are two contrasting styles of music that offer unique challenges and rewards for performers.
Expression – The process of conveying thoughts, feelings, or ideas through music, dance, or other forms of art. – Improvisation in jazz allows musicians to explore personal expression within a structured framework.
Experiences – Events or occurrences that leave an impression on someone, often influencing their understanding and appreciation of music and the arts. – Attending live performances provides valuable experiences that enhance a student’s musical education.
Genres – Categories of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter, particularly in music and literature. – Exploring different musical genres can broaden a student’s perspective and inspire creativity in their own compositions.
