How Culture Contributes to Musical Development

Psychology of Music
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Psychology of Music
How Culture Contributes to Musical Development
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping and influencing musical development. It provides a framework for creating, transmitting, and maintaining musical practices, styles, and traditions. This section will explore how culture contributes to musical development, drawing upon relevant literature.
Cultural Values and Beliefs Influence the Purpose and Function of Music within a Society
Different cultures assign varying significance to music, such as religious rituals, storytelling, social cohesion, or entertainment. For example, in traditional African societies, music often serves as a means of communication, conveying messages and preserving oral history (Engh, 2013). Western classical music highly emphasizes cultural values of complexity, virtuosity, and emotional expression (Engh, 2013). These cultural expectations shape the development of musical skills and the repertoire of techniques employed by musicians. According to Engh (2013), music in traditional African cultures serves as a vehicle for oral history and cultural preservation. Important narratives, legends, and values are passed down from generation to generation using rhythmic patterns, melodic motifs, and lyrics (Pye, n.d.). The rhythmic complexity and polyphonic textures often found in African music reflect the communal nature of these societies, fostering social cohesion and group identity.
On the other hand, Western classical music places great emphasis on complexity, virtuosity, and emotional expression. Beaman and Williams (2010) suggest that Western classical music reflects cultural values associated with intellectual pursuits, individualism, and aesthetic refinement (Beaman & Williams, 2010). The development of musical skills in this tradition focuses on mastering intricate musical structures, technical proficiency, and conveying emotional depth through performance. These cultural expectations significantly shape the trajectory of musical development. In traditional African societies, where music is deeply integrated into everyday life, children grow up surrounded by music and participate in communal musical activities from a young age (Engh, 2013). This immersive environment facilitates the development of musical skills, rhythmic sensitivity, and improvisational abilities (Pye, n.d.). In contrast, Western classical music often follows a more formalized educational system, with structured instruction, standardized curricula, and a focus on notation and theory (Pye, n.d.). Developing technical proficiency and interpretive skills is highly valued within this cultural context.
Culture Influences the Repertoire of Techniques Employed by Musicians
Different musical cultures prioritize specific instruments, vocal styles, melodic patterns, and rhythmic structures. For instance, Indian classical music strongly emphasizes melodic ornamentation, intricate rhythmic cycles, and improvisation (Pye, n.d.). These stylistic features are deeply rooted in India's cultural and philosophical traditions, reflecting the importance of spirituality and emotional expression. In contrast, the Western classical tradition values precise execution of notated scores, harmonic complexity, and formal structures (Jacukowicz, 2016). These cultural preferences shape musicians' techniques, skills, and the specific musical elements they prioritize.
Moreover, cultural contexts provide the foundation for musical styles and genres. Musical genres emerge within specific cultural contexts and carry those cultures' unique characteristics and aesthetics. For instance, flamenco music originated in the Andalusian region of Spain, reflecting the Romani people's cultural heritage and their marginalization experiences (Jacukowicz, 2016). Similarly, Indian classical music is deeply rooted in India's cultural and philosophical traditions, incorporating complex melodic and rhythmic structures (Jacukowicz, 2016). Historical events, social interactions, and the artistic expressions of previous generations influence the development of musical styles within a culture.
Cultural musical genres are shaped by history and society. The early 20th-century socioeconomic and cultural factors in the US shaped jazz music. African rhythms, European harmonies, and improvisation inspired jazz in African- American communities. It responded to racial segregation, oppression, and the desire for creative expression and cultural identity (Gioia, 2011). The fusion of diverse musical influences and the improvisational nature of jazz reflected the social interactions and cultural exchange within a specific historical context. Additionally, earlier generations' art influences musical style (Gioia, 2011). Musicians and composers draw from their predecessors, elaborating on customs or questioning them.
Culture Significantly Shapes the Transmission and Preservation of Musical Knowledge
In many cultures, music is primarily transmitted orally through direct person-to-person interaction. This oral tradition is characterized by master musicians mentoring and passing their knowledge to apprentices in an intimate and experiential learning process (Mullensiefen et al., 2014). For example, traditional African music often transmits musical skills and repertoire through oral tradition (Pye, n.d.). The apprentice learns by observing, imitating, and practicing alongside the master musician, gaining technical skills and a deep understanding of the cultural and contextual nuances of the music. This intimate mentorship fosters a strong sense of musical community and cultural continuity.
In contrast, Western classical music relies heavily on written notation and formal music education. Using musical notation allows for the precise recording and dissemination of musical compositions (Mullensiefen et al., 2014). Formal music education is prominent in transmitting Western classical music through standardized curricula and institutionalized training. Students learn to read and interpret musical scores, develop technical proficiency in their instrument, and study the historical and theoretical aspects of the repertoire (Mullensiefen et al., 2014). The emphasis on formal education in Western classical music contributes to a standardized approach to teaching and learning, where musical knowledge is transmitted through institutionalized systems.
Cultural Diversity Fosters Musical Cross-Pollination and Innovation
One notable example of cultural exchange leading to musical innovation is the emergence of jazz music in the early 20th century in the United States. Jazz originated in African- American communities and was deeply influenced by African rhythms, European harmonies, and improvisational practices (Jazz, 2004). The convergence of diverse musical influences created a unique and dynamic genre that transformed the musical landscape (Couth, n.d.). Jazz bridged communities and challenged social conventions. Jazz's syncopation, improvisation, and call-and-response came from African, European, and American musical exchanges.
Contemporary popular music is another example that showcases the impact of cultural diversity on musical innovation. With technological advancements and the ease of sharing music across different regions and societies, contemporary popular mu...