The Elements and Evolution of Music

For my ELI, I really wanted to incorporate my musical, extracurricular life into my schooling, and I thought, “what better way to do this than through an ELI?”  So as a part of my project, I lined out a list of goals to achieve for my research.  My first goal is to understand the general principles found in music, such as rhythm, melody, repetition, and the like.  My research is still undergoing, but I’ve managed to uncover some valuable information for this goal so far.

In listening to Ted talks, researching articles, reading books, as well as through the process of writing my own songs, I have summarized what makes up today’s popular music into three main points.  Of course all genres have their own sound, but I wanted to discover the principles of writing music and its sound in our current day and age.  According to Michael Thomas in his Ted Talk “Music Through Time”, humans’ sense of music has evolved over thousands of years, so it is important that I clarify that my points are based on my understanding of it in this 21st century.  They are as follows:

1. Rhythm and Repetition:  Music isn’t random.  To choose a beat and keep with that beat throughout a particular song is crucial, and if you do change the beat during the course of the song, it needs to be done in a way that is easy for the listener to adjust to.  Eighty-three bpm is a noticeable difference from 125 bpm, and this is true whther the music’s genre is ard metal, pop, country, etc.   It is also important to have repeating, constant syllables in most songs.  If  there is not a foundation of rhythm and repetition of that, it becomes more difficult to build good lyrics or a good melody.  
2. Melody: This is definitely a part of repetition, but the melody in the song is the most memorable part of music in a way.
3. Pure, Honest Emotion: People listen to songs that resonate with their emotions.  Taking Taylor Swift for an example in this, she often connects with her listeners not only by describing their feelings closely in her music, but also by giving them true situations to almost help them understand their hurt, happiness, sadness, and love through the lyrics and tone of the songs she writes.  If an artist can resonate with the reader, then he/she has established a connection.  This is my favorite point, and it is why I think music is so amazing and beautiful.

In summary, these points are important for writers, musicians, and listeners of all genres to know, because they help break down our understanding of music and why we react the way we react.  To master rhythm, repetition, and use of melody is crucial.  The more one understands these, in my opinion, the more they enjoy listening to music and noticing the qualities in the songs.  The more you understand them, the better of a songwriter you can become.

~Vitoria