The process of evolution proposes the idea that music's original purpose was to aid in sexual selection. Biomusicologists have made it feasible that females were attracted to males who made music, thus causing the non- musical males to be less likely to reproduce. "In short, we have music, because to be human is to be musical" (Weinberger). Understanding why evolution brought music into existence, it is evident that its original purpose is 'outdated' in most cultures. This raises a seemingly simple question: What good is music today? Such a question facilitates a much more complex answer. Music affects people in an array of fashi

Music has an irrefutable power to evoke emotions. Music compels overwhelming feelings, originating from within, to dictate moods, modify behavior, and alter the way situations are perceived ("The Coloring of Life: Music and Mood"). My own personal experience with an altered perception due to music had a great emotional impact on me. I was backstage at an Aerosmith concert, in the actual presence of the band, and Steve Tyler, the lead singer, spoke to me. An indescribable emotional rush took me over and I could have died a happy woman at that moment (Holliday). Many others have had experiences similar to mine. Poet and musician Patti Smith, writes about her own emotional reaction to seeing the Rolling Stones on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time: "I was scared silly. That band was relentless as murder. Five white boys sexy as any spade. Their nerves were wired and their third leg was rising. In six minutes, five lusty images gave me my first glob of gooie in my virgin panties....That was my introduction to the Rolling Stones" (Smith 372).

Brown, Elizabeth F. and Hendee, William R. "Adolescents and their music: insights into

Allen, John L. "Researching kids through rock music, Scully's a new kind of radio

As music proves itself more and more crucial to human development, its influences are certainly observed in children. Going beyond the domain of music itself, music displays its beneficial nature in the cognitive skills and tendencies of children. Several studies support the conclusion that music is important in the development of a child's reasoning, motor development, social abilities and skills ("Music and Cognitive Achievement in Children"). Music is also helpful in providing insights into adolescent health. Progression toward more adult-like behavior is expected during this stage of human development. Since teens listen to over 10,000 hours of music from junior high through high school, it is a reliable fact that music is a highly emphasized element in adolescent development (Brown and Hendee 1). Sexual and violent lyrics, in relation to research conducted over the years, tie inner-struggles and social needs of teens to their development. Some contest that music is merely a bad influence on teens, who are in the most socially trying stage of maturation (Brown and Hendee). Currently, issues are focusing on th

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