Music Music Music!

Music Music Music! by Lissa Coffey

Music has been called the universal language, and the language of emotions. It can teach us so much about other cultures, and about history. Even the form in which music is delivered to us has changed so much recently. From phonograph records we evolved to 8-track tapes, then cassette tapes, to compact discs, and now MP3s and iPods! We’ve seen instruments change from rudimentary pieces of wood and string, to electronic one-man orchestras. There are styles of music to suit everyone’s taste, whether it’s jazz, country, pop, rap, classical, rock, world music, techno or anything else. And what all of music has in common is that it has rhythm. Its movement is heard, and also felt. It can stir our emotions, or make us feel like dancing!

Musical instruments are basically divided into four categories. Percussion refers to instruments like the drum, bell, castanets, tambourine, and xylophone. String instruments include the guitar, harp, piano, violin, and ukelele, among others. Wind instruments would be a clarinet, flute, harmonica, accordion, or any of the horns. And the most recent category is electric instruments. It’s great to introduce kids to music and music concepts when they are young, and let them find their favorite styles and instruments. Music is something that can bring us joy no matter how young or old we are!