In addition to the effects music has on individuals, it has an important role to play in the functioning of society and has had for many thousands of years. Cave paintings of flutes, and bull roarers dating back 30,000 years have been found in Southern France, the Pyrenees and Russia indicating the importance of art in the life of early man.3 No human culture appears to be without music. Singing, in particular, seems to be universal. Music is invariably expressed in relation to religion, celebrations and dance. In most religions, but not all, music is used in chanting and hymn singing. In some it is used to support meditation. Music forms a part of all major occasions and celebrations, including weddings, funerals, pageants, rites of passage and festivals. It is also involved in the human preoccupation with seeking altered states of consciousness as part of ritual, individual day dreaming, prayer, meditation or dr
The pursuit of art in society has enhanced technology. For instance, the first kilns were developed not to make pottery but to create figures used as art objects or in some early ritual. A modern day example relates to CDs. They were developed for the music market but are now being used to store data.
Music forms part of the social fabric of our lives. Making music and sharing its meanings within a culture or particular environment leads to cohesion and the strengthening of social unity. It can be used as a means of encouraging conformity to social norms, shaping behaviours in children which are socially approved and assisting in the acquisition of cultural tools, for instance, learning to sing the alphabet. Conversely, music can also allow the expression of an identity which is counter to societal norms. Adolescence is the time when listening to music is at its peak and when musical tastes often become an inhe
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