Music, a deep dive

Jim Ankan Deka and Rittique Phukan at BFlat, Bangalore (Nov, 2014)

In over a decade of experience in music instruction, often have I come across people with diverse outlooks towards music - for most, music is a form of entertainment, for some it is an art to be passionately pursued and mastered, for some it is ‘dope’ and for some its nirvana. What strikes me odd is that a very small percentage of music enthusiasts try to explore the concept “MUSIC” in itself.

What is music, why does it exist, how did it evolve and what good does it do us anyway?

Well to begin with the history of music dates back to times beyond the days of yore, right from the inception of civilization. Music, or rhythmic sound, stood at the cradle of all religions. The rhythmic articulation of time by means of an instrument conflating with melody can be considered as Music. Listening to music is a psychosomatic (A descriptive term for the relationship between the mind and body) experience that, apart from creating harmony and inner peace, holds a power for reassurance and satisfaction which stems from deep within the human spirit.

Besides being an excellent medium of entertainment, music fosters a great sense of self-discipline and self-confidence. It improves one’s concentration and co-ordination, resulting in a boost of confidence. Describing music or a piece of music is complicated if not impossible as the response of the listener depends to a great extent on the listeners’ culture, upbringing and even state-of-mind.

As teachers, we believe that Music, unlike other art forms, is self-explanatory. If a person seriously intends to foray into the world of music here’s what s/he needs to know – Three basic elements constitute music- Melody, Rhythm and Harmony. Melody is the combination of Notes, which are also known as 12 sounds. Rhythm is the beat. And Harmony is the combination of both Melody and Rhythm in different Pitches.

For me music has always been 'Sound through time'.