1. Introduction

Music is a skill we have inherited from our ancestors as a part of the process of evolution. 

Did you know that the oldest musical instrument is a 40,000-year-old flute made from a vulture bone? Humans have been using music to convey feelings and information throughout history even before agriculture, religion, or language.

And that’s why music is such a universal language that connects us all across borders, cultures and nationalities. It’s a part of who we are, woven into our festivals, celebrations, and even our worship.

And if you believe, you are not musical, think again. Because music is a skill we have inherited from our ancestors as a part of the process of evolution. 

So, in this article, let’s uncover why we celebrate World Music Day and what is its significance.

2. History & Purpose

World Music Day, celebrated every 21st of June is a reminder and celebration of the power of music. The purpose of the day is to encourage people across ages, backgrounds and skill levels to engage with music and make music. 

The first International World Music Day was celebrated in 1982 in Paris at Fête de la Musique. Jack Lang, a French Politician and music journalist conceptualised the idea of celebrating World Music Day along with Maurice Fleuret, a music composer and radio producer. World Music Day has now become a global celebration and is celebrated every June 21 in over 120 countries.

World Music Day is about sharing the power of music with others and honouring the spirit and value of music in life. It is a day for music lovers to celebrate, showcase their talent and make music accessible to all. In France, people are encouraged to play music outdoors with public concerts held in parks and stadiums free of cost.

The purpose of music is to make you feel alive, connected, and part of something greater than yourself.

3. What is music?

Music is the best way to convey our feelings and also to make us feel a little less alone with an assurance that someone has felt it and hence they made a song about it. It has a universal appeal that speaks to our minds and emotions in unique ways.

"Music is a world within itself. It’s a language we all understand". – Stevie Wonder

4. Benefits of Music

a. Psychological Benefits

Music can influence the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which are associated with pleasure, mood, and social bonding, leading to feelings of pleasure and reward. This can help explain why people often seek out music that makes them feel good or matches their current emotional state. Music can modulate mood, emotion, and cognitive function.

b. Physiological Benefits

Listening to music has been found to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's relaxation response. It can also lead to a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate, as well as an increase in the activity of the digestive system. Music has also been found to increase the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers, leading to pain reduction and enhanced mood.

5. Music as a Therapy

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain". - Bob Marley

Music has a rich history as a therapeutic tool, used to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It's effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, improving emotional regulation, social interaction, and overall quality of life. Music helps individuals express and process their emotions healthily. It enhances memory retention and recall, and boosts attention and focus, leading to increased creativity and problem-solving ability.

"Music can change the world because it can change people." - Bono

When people listen to music, it connects to their soul, bringing contentment and peace. It teaches empathy and compassion, reminding us that our emotions are universal. It talks about everyone and everything that a human has ever felt. Not only that, but music can help in making the world a more harmonious place because it can make people live in harmony with themselves.

6. Conclusion

On this music day, don’t just share your favourite playlist with someone or listen to your favourite songs. Instead, pick up a new instrument you’ve always wanted to learn and let music guide you along the path of life.

Happy World Music Day!!!