Functions of music in the society

Communication. Music facilitates communication which goes beyond words, enables meanings to be shared, and promotes the development and maintenance of individual, group, cultural and national identities. It helps us communicate to the loved ones, through love longs, and to the society as a whole. E.g. Bob Marleys song (Different colors one people) sends a strong message to the society that fights against racism and discrimination based on various factors. Therapeutic. Music has long been recognized for its therapeutic effect in the society. Therapy can involve listening to or actively making music or even both. Music can be effective in conjunction with other interventions in promoting relaxation, alleviating anxiety and pain, and promoting overall well-being. Human Development. Music can play an important part in human development in the early years stimulating fetuses and infants in such a way as to promote their wellbeing. Early interactions between mother and child have an essentially musical quality which assists in the development of communication skills. When a pregnant mother listens to music the child also becomes attached such music and this may help facilitate baby sleep even after birth where when the hears the song the mother used to play most when she was pregnant the baby keeps quiet, if was crying, or even sleeps. Improved performance. Listening to quiet, relaxing background music can improve performance on a range of academic tasks, while exciting music may interfere. Such quiet, slow and sensational music can improve memorization and meditation. However this may differ with individuals. Enhances the quality of lives. Some people use music to manipulate their own moods, reduce stress, alleviate boredom while undertaking tedious or repetitive tasks, and create environments appropriate for particular kinds of social occasion. All these add up to improved quality of life. Motivation. Music can also be used to motivate people especially while doing tedious tasks,hard tasks or even general work. A song like salari by Nameless encourages everyone to do their work with determination and may motivate those people who do tedious and less paying jobs. Education is the key by Glen Washington encourages students to work hard.

Commercial/industrial purposes. This is where music is widely used. Below are various points on how music functions as a commercial factor in the society.
Music can influence our purchasing behavior in various intelligent ways in a range of

environments. It can assist our ability to remember product names and enhance the product through association with liked music. When consumers are actively involved in making a decision about buying a product, music is likely to play a more role. This may be to the good of the buyer or even the seller (since it enhances customers experiences so that they will spend more money) This explains why music is there in most commercial places e.g. supermarkets.
Music as a career/occupation. Using music in ways to make money from music directly

or to enhance business through the use of music.

Background music. Mood music, easy listening; it is intended to be heard but not actively

or purposely listened to. This is used by various businesses e.g. big hotels. It makes people relax and doesnt interfere with communication between or among people in the restaurant.
Music in workplace. Like I said earlier, music can be used to increase productivity, help

improve employees morale (motivation) hence the tendency by organizations to used music a tool for such purposes.
Music in advertising. Music can be used to attract and hold attention and induce a positive

mood toward an advertised product or service; radio and TV commercials. This is widely done.
Music as entertainment. The popular music industry; artists and composers of popular

music are engaged in a commercial enterprise, resulting in music that can survive intensive exposure for a relatively short time period. Entertainment may be for commercial reasons e.g. in concerts or even just for pure entertainment with no money attached e.g. in parties
Music for enhancing narration. Music may narrate in and of itself, as in program music

(music by the radio stations), and it may enhance the narration told by another medium.
Education. Education institutions sometimes use music to teach music. Ofcourse the

students pay for it and there it falls on commercial function.

 However, to quench our thirst for music, the music industries in the developed world constitute a major element of the economies of many countries. This may put such countries in danger of losing their skilled work force in the future because of the extent to which music is taken for granted. Education. When students pay to be taught music or rather when music is used to teach music, students gain in terms of education. They learn more about music and are even actively involved in making music. Symbolism. Songs and music may eventually become symbols for a particular group of people, a place or historical event. Have students think of melodies that have become symbols. Try to determine how this happens. E.g. Reggae symbolizes Rasta. People from Jamaica are highly associated to reggae. Ceremonies. This is the earliest functional use throughout the history and remains an important part of most ceremonies today. Music is an integral part of ceremony

Include religious, parties, weddings, funerals and many more. E.g. in church, hymn singing is a direct way to draw the congregation into the In weddings people sing joyful songs to congratulate the newly wedded, to In funerals slow sad music is sang to say goodbye In parties, exciting music is played or sang to celebrate

service

welcome the bride, celebrate etc.

As a reward. Music as a reward is equally effective with other contrived classroom contingencies and perhaps has the additional effect of facilitating learning in music. Various dedications may also be termed as rewards or even gifts. Preserve culture. Music may function as a way of preserving the culture. E.g. Mugithi, Reggae, Hip-hop; all these in one way or the other preserve the kikuyu, Jamaican, and African-American cultures respectively.

Patriotism. I dont know how to explain this but I know music a big role in express Patriotic love. Comfort. When we play music and just sit back and relax, it provides comfort.