Music Communication As An Indicant Of Identity Transmission

Abstract

One of the basic concepts studied by sociologists is that of man’s behavior in groups or of man’s interaction with other human beings. Sociologists are seeking to understand the nature and purpose of human associations; the manner in which various associations arise, develop, and change; and the beliefs and practices that characterize them. However, in order that a sociologist might study social relationships as such, it is necessary that he take a look at the individual. At birth the individual possesses the potential of becoming a socialized human being. Through a variety of experiences, this socialization occurs- that is, he becomes a functioning member of the society into which he is born. This socialization takes place through contact with other persons and things. Initially, a child learns socialization from his parents and other family members; this relationship extends out to relatives, neighbors school teachers and friends. These are primary group associations — ones where there is intimate face-to-face communication. Socialization branches further to reach the community, state, and world-at-large and are labeled secondary groups where there is no face-to-face communication. The purpose of groups, both primary and secondary, is the satisfaction of the needs of its members. There are innumerable variables which could be studied showing the relationship of the individual and the group. The variable to be utilized here for the purpose of judging this relationship and interaction is that one commonly called music. Music is one of the oldest and most important arts of man. It is all around us — we hear it on the radio and the television; we dance to it; we hear background music as we work; we attend musical events such as concerts, operas and the like. Music is a universal language speaking to everyone: man, woman, and child; high or low; rich and poor; happy and sad. It speaks to everyone, but mostly to those who are sensitive to its deep and power- 2 ful messages. Music is one of the many keys to knowing and understanding people; it is a means of communication for people. Through music we can come to know people, to get inside them, to understand them, and to 3 feel with them. Music is a prime example of an art that renders itself through its manifestations. Webster's dictionary defines it as "the science or art of pleasing, expressive, or intelligible combinations of tones." Mechanically it is acceptable to define music in terms of its tones and time sequences; however, meaningfully it is necessary to go beyond such a definition and seek a functional concept of the term.One of the basic concepts studied by sociologists is that of man’s behavior in groups or of man’s interaction with other human beings. Sociologists are seeking to understand the nature and purpose of human associations; the manner in which various associations arise, develop, and change; and the beliefs and practices that characterize them. However, in order that a sociologist might study social relationships as such, it is necessary that he take a look at the individual. At birth the individual possesses the potential of becoming a socialized human being. Through a variety of experiences, this socialization occurs- that is, he becomes a functioning member of the society into which he is born. This socialization takes place through contact with other persons and things. Initially, a child learns socialization from his parents and other family members; this relationship extends out to relatives, neighbors school teachers and friends. These are primary group associations — ones where there is intimate face-to-face communication. Socialization branches further to reach the community, state, and world-at-large and are labeled secondary groups where there is no face-to-face communication. The purpose of groups, both primary and secondary, is the satisfaction of the needs of its members. There are innumerable variables which could be studied showing the relationship of the individual and the group. The variable to be utilized here for the purpose of judging this relationship and interaction is that one commonly called music. Music is one of the oldest and most important arts of man. It is all around us — we hear it on the radio and the television; we dance to it; we hear background music as we work; we attend musical events such as concerts, operas and the like. Music is a universal language speaking to everyone: man, woman, and child; high or low; rich and poor; happy and sad. It speaks to everyone, but mostly to those who are sensitive to its deep and power- 2 ful messages. Music is one of the many keys to knowing and understanding people; it is a means of communication for people. Through music we can come to know people, to get inside them, to understand them, and to 3 feel with them. Music is a prime example of an art that renders itself through its manifestations. Webster's dictionary defines it as "the science or art of pleasing, expressive, or intelligible combinations of tones." Mechanically it is acceptable to define music in terms of its tones and time sequences; however, meaningfully it is necessary to go beyond such a definition and seek a functional concept of the term.