What exactly is music? The dictionary defines music as “an art of sound in time that expresses ideas and emotions in significant forms through the elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and color.” The fact is, however, that what constitutes music has been the subject of debate by philosophers, scientists, and even musicians themselves.
Where and how the very word “music” came into being is debated. Some say that the word came from the Greek word “mousikê” (“tekhnê”) by way of the Latin “música.” Others say that the word comes from the ancient Greek word “mousike,” which was used to describe any of the arts or sciences performed by muses.
You’d probably have a bit of difficulty getting a devoted fan of opera to agree that rap was, in fact, real music. Rock-and-rollers are devout in their belief that all music culminated in the development of rock and roll, and that anything called “music” before or since wasn’t music.
What we call music is in every part of our lives. If you watch television or listen to the radio, if you go to concerts, plays, or sporting events, music is there. Music has been used to inspire and to incite. Music is powerful!
So what exactly is it that determines what type of music we find pleasing? I think that several factors play in our appreciation and enjoyment of particular types of music.
Our personal history such as the circumstances under which we lead our lives is a primary factor that determines our affinity for specific genres of music. The music that we like is also a reflection of our inner feelings, and our personal history produces those inner feelings.
The bottom line is, if it’s music to your ears, it’s music!