I agree that studying music is an exciting and essential process that allows researchers understand people better. In particular, the study of American music is important because it reflects the various historical stages of the country. This includes wars, the development of religion, technological processes, and other events. Therefore, discovering the music of a particular era, students can immerse themselves in it. Thanks to this, the moods, conditions, and aspirations of people become clearer.
A particularly useful factor is the texts of musical works. They, directly or metaphorically, contain people’s thoughts and feelings and even descriptions of events (Browner and Riis 56). Thus, it is possible to find reflections of military activities in hymns and marches and religious views of people in spirituals. All this is an integral part of the existence of America; therefore, undoubtedly, it requires consideration. The most significant music pieces can be included in history courses, as they reflect it in many ways. In addition, it will be easier for students to understand and remember facts if they are associated with emotions caused by the music.
After a deeper immersion in the topic, as expected, my understanding of American music undoubtedly expanded and changed. I learned more about the history of the development of music and its connection with various social and political processes. This is of considerable interest since everything that happens around a person has a high impact on creativity. In addition, I did not have enough knowledge about the variety of musical genres of the past and the present. Nevertheless, there are indeed many of them, which also requires a separate study (Maultsby and Burnim 101). Thus, now music seems to me like a complex phenomenon, full of discoveries and unusual details.
Works Cited
Browner, Tara, and Thomas Riis. Rethinking American Music. University of Illinois Press, 2019.
Maultsby, Portia K., and Mellonee V. Burnim. Issues in African American Music: Power, Gender, Race, Representation. Taylor & Francis, 2016.