Social Discourse: Music and Life

Topic: Social Discourse: Music and Life

Exemplary Essay: Social Discourse on Music and Life

I. Outline for Social Discourse on Music and Life (Standard)

Introducing the topic for discussion, music as nourishment for the soul, an indispensable element in human life.

2. Body

- Explanation:
+ What is music?
+ When did music originate and how has it been intertwined with human life?
- Commentary, demonstration:
+ The significant role of music in life, music objectively reflects the desires, moods, and emotions of people...(Continued)

>> See detailed outline of Social Discourse on Music and Life here

II. Sample Essay: Social Discourse on Music and Life (Standard)

When money ceases to be a concern, people begin to focus more on forms of entertainment for relaxation and spiritual enrichment. In today's modern society, individuals aspire not only to eat well and dress nicely but also to indulge and enjoy. And one of the essential nourishments for the soul is music. However, music differs from other forms of entertainment in that it can resonate with anyone, regardless of class or age. It is intertwined with life, embellishing it. Sometimes, an entire lifetime can be encapsulated in a single melody.

Music consists of simple tones combined to create a profound melody, with rhythm, climax, and depth. Music may stand alone without lyrics or may be complemented with lyrics to convey the intended meaning and message. There are various genres of music such as symphony, classical, folk, modern, etc. Primarily, music is created using musical instruments such as piano, guitar, flute, drums, etc. Each genre, each historical period, imbues music with its own distinctiveness. Music has been named to distinguish between them. Dating back to prehistoric times, based on archaeological sites from the Stone Age, scientists discovered flutes carved from human bones. In ancient Egypt, music was inscribed on the walls of the Pyramids, while evidence of percussion instruments, stringed instruments, etc., also affirmed the ancient origin of music. As an integral part of life, music reflects reality directly and accurately. In music, we find genuine and everyday emotions, tender and passionate love, parental love and reverence, joy and celebration during abundant harvests, pride in one's people and country, sorrow for the nation's pain, etc. All aspects of life are encapsulated in music with appropriate lyrics, reflecting the mindset and developmental level of the nation and its people.

Music objectively reflects the desires, emotions, and sentiments of people. Famous, beloved music of each culture, each nation largely carries the aspirations and desires of the majority. Memorable melodies, music express the wishes of the people through heroic songs, conveying sentiments of love through romantic ballads. With a large demand for music, catering to all ages and social classes, music serves as a means of communication between people. In Vietnam, children often enjoy listening to cheerful, lively music, easy-to-remember songs, which can impart moral lessons, wise words, and beautiful meanings. Slightly older teenagers prefer listening to songs that vividly express individual personalities. Based on their preferred music genres, one can somewhat evaluate a person; those who prefer light music usually have a calm demeanor, while those who enjoy lively genres are more outgoing, lively, etc. Older individuals prefer listening to sentimental songs, revolutionary songs to reminisce about bygone days, etc. Thus, music, though intangible, encompasses real events, satisfying the spiritual needs of people.

With its ability to influence human psychology and thoughts, music can impact human emotions. Therefore, music is regarded as a method of treating illnesses or enhancing intellectual development. Unborn babies exposed to symphonic music, studies have shown, tend to be more intelligent if the mother listens to music and relaxes. Teaching children to play musical instruments, especially the piano, helps develop both sides of the brain evenly, fostering perseverance and patience. Since the 1940s, music has been incorporated into medicine, becoming a therapeutic method to improve patient communication skills in the United States. Statistics show that 35% of patients in this country are currently undergoing music therapy. With its circulatory effects, mood-soothing properties, and stress reduction, music is increasingly being applied in medicine, helping people reduce anxiety, fatigue, broaden their worldview, and effectively recover from mental trauma.

Music is a non-verbal form of artistic expression. Regardless of when a song was composed, in which country, or in which language, it is the melody that determines. Those with similar musical tastes can overcome language barriers to empathize. A beloved song worldwide may not be fully understood by all listeners, but there is an invisible thread of emotion among them, making them see themselves in the song, loving and memorizing it. 'When words fail, music speaks,' music is the global language that everyone can hear, can feel. Joyful melodies make everyone want to dance, while poignant sounds bring a sense of tranquility, serenity,... The beauty of art lies in its ability to convey messages without words, allowing people to understand the conveyed message.

Similar to visual arts, music reflects the culture and history of a nation, a people. In Western countries, musical instruments mainly include brass instruments, drums, guitars, pianos, and meticulously crafted instruments reflecting the early development of the brass casting industry, with music characterized by clear-cut melodies, expressing straightforward thinking and agility. In contrast, Eastern countries use very primitive materials to make musical instruments such as bamboo pipes, flutes, leaves,..., the melody of Eastern music is tender with lyrical tones. This is the cultural beauty of agrarian civilizations with tranquil rural scenes, a life closely connected with nature, and a strong sense of community. Therefore, music is an indispensable part of festivals, bringing the characteristic excitement of each region, stirring the crowds, and adding more liveliness to the event.

With these positive attributes, music is considered integral to human life. However, because of its influence on shaping thoughts and emotions, exploiting that aspect, music has become a tool for injecting unhealthy ideas into a segment of citizens, especially young people... Songs with inappropriate lyrics or negative impacts on human cognition, songs unsuitable for age or meaningless content, indirectly encourage actions contrary to moral and ethical norms, spreading and negatively impacting communities. Parents need to pay attention to their children, select and guide them toward suitable types of music, supporting comprehensive intellectual development, experiencing genuine music, while also understanding their children's musical preferences to understand their personalities.

Music and life go hand in hand, intertwined. With life, music is formed, developed, and with music, life becomes more diverse, richer. Each individual has their own preferences, their own musical taste, nurture a rich soul with meaningful music, select quality music to enhance self-awareness. Only then can music fulfill its role in embellishing life.

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Introducing the assortment of Engaging Essays for 10th Grade, students can delve into additional compositions such as: Social discourse on personality and values, Exploring the Role of Intellect, Reflecting on the saying: Lack of imagination, intellect without developmental potential, Analyzing the Overindulgence in Superstitions among Vietnamese People, Deliberating on wealth and happiness,...