This paper reviews and analyzes the published literature pertaining to the use of music therapy in caring for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Abstract This paper delves into how and why musical therapy offers a better quality of life when used with patients suffering from the effects of dementia or Alzheimer's. The writer of this paper details the results of the Remington study which exposed individuals to either music, massage or both in 10-minute intervals to see both the long and short-term effects it had on patients diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's. The writer analyzes the published scientific reports and studies that prove music and music therapy stimulates the minds of young children and can thus be used in older individuals to aid in re-stimulating the mind. This paper focuses on both the physical and psychological side-effects of dementia and Alzheimer's before music therapy as well as after receiving treatment. This paper also examines the genetic and environmental causes of dementia and Alzheimer's as well as the importance of early detection in order to offset, at least temporarily, the eventually devastating side-effects of both diseases.
From the Paper "Some studies have also indicated that the risk of developing dementia rises when the individual has a lower education and lower lifetime occupational achievement. Because of this, the importance of stimulating the mind and keeping it active can readily be seen. This is largely where music therapy comes into the equation. Music does stimulate the mind, and there is scientific evidence that children that study music perform better in school. With this in mind, music can then be used to help those whose minds are starting to fail, by stimulating those minds once again. This may not work for everyone with dementia, but studies have shown that there are some positive effects for most individuals, and that is certainly enough to warrant a further examination of the issue. Music therapy has been used for some time for the elderly."
Abstract This examines both sides of the file sharing issues around music and states that the music industry is ethically right in their position to sue those people who illegally download music. The author points out that the music industry has won cases against Napster and others that violate the law, which will help quell the piracy of illegal MP3s. The paper stresses that understanding the facts and statistical data about this issue eventually can lead to the downfall of those independent pirating networks , which violate copyright law in the United States and abroad.
From the Paper "This study examines the use of MP3 file sharing, which has become a major issue in how corporate music industry deals with 'pirated' songs on the Internet. By understanding the current manners of file sharing that are trying to get financial compensation for music, the industry and independent music "down-loaders" clash on these issues. In essence, file sharing is unethical and debases ownership within the rights of corporate entities that should profit from the artist properties that they rightfully own under copyright law In the recent battles that have arisen due to music industry corporations seeking to recover lost revenues to illegal downloading of songs, there is a strong argument on why file sharing is an ethical problem."
Abstract The following discussion provides an analysis of the Classical Era, which represents much of the work of Beethoven, Mozart, and Haydn. The writer points out that these composers have withstood the test of time due to their valuable and significant contributions to the classical music genre, and their unique works continue to be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and cultures.
From the Paper "The role of classical music as a bona fide art form is of critical importance to the development of music as a means of true artistic expression. During one of the most formidable periods of classical music, which took place during the 1700s and 1800s, there was a reintroduction of traditional forms to the music genre, which provided a means of structure and symmetry that was not evident for some time. This period in music history provided a greater emphasis on simplicity, and it removed some of the emotional context that Baroque music was known for. This era is perhaps best known for the development of the following musical forms: symphonies, sonatas, and concertos, all of which provided enormous contributions to the period as a whole."
Abstract This paper looks at the details which characterize the musical romantic and classical periods. It begins with a look at the classical styles and its composers, and then moves to address the romantic style and its composers. It concludes that distinct differences in purpose, emotion, form, function and fusion of musical genres are apparent in the two.
From the Paper "Classical music ranged from about 1750 to 1820, at which point Romantic music became the current style, which itself lasted until around the year 1900. As one inevitably lead into the other, their characteristics perhaps can be best described when they are fully compared to one another. The classical style, as exemplified by its composers, was more fixated on form, design, balance and grace, while romantic style instead aimed at fusing together musical genres to capture the true, expressive spirit of the work, as likewise captured by the composers of this era. The classical period aimed backwards in history, attempting to recreate the classical period of the past in Grecian and Roman terms. Classical music, like many other periods, had variations of its styles. Beginning as a courtly style, which most likely was a remnant of the previous baroque period, it was intended to please the ..."
Abstract Written in 1603, "Othello" by William Shakespeare, is a tragedy that was transformed into an opera by Giuseppe Verdi. "Otello" is considered to be Verdi's greatest opera and was performed in Milan on February 5, 1887. This paper discusses how throughout the opera, Otello and Desdemona's relationship changes dramatically and how their relationship change is most evident when contrasting the end of Act I with scene two of Act III. The paper also looks at how Verdi uses many unique musical techniques to match the dramatic needs of the libretto in these two scenes.
From the Paper "At the end of Act I Otello, the protagonist of the opera, walks into the bedroom where Desdemona is lying clearly enjoying the solace and quietness of his bedroom with his new wife. This scene contrasts directly with the scene before it. With all of the uproar outside now broken up, Otello is now enjoying the peace and quiet with his adored wife. While Otello is walking toward Desdemona, the focus is placed on Desdemona while violins are playing very softly. The soft violins playing in the background give Desdemona even more of a romantic quality to her. As Otello sits down on the bed he reaches to touch her face and once again soft violins are playing without any drums or horns in the orchestra. "
Abstract This paper looks at how the 1920s was a huge decade for "jazz" and how due to the closing of the seaport in New Orleans, musicians were forced to travel up the Mississippi to find work. It also discusses the four major types of jazz: boogie-woogie, Chicago jazz, urban blues, and society dance bands and explains the difference between jazz chords and blues chords.
From the Paper "To clarify the chord structure between Jazz chords and blues chords, you must first understand that a chord is built on the first, third, and the fifth with an added seventh. A blues song is always centered on three chords, the first chord, the fourth chord, and the fifth chord example, in the key of C the one chord is CEG based on the C scale. The fourth chord is FAC based on the F scale. The five chord is GBD based on the G scale with the added seventh making the chord GBDF. Blues is much more simple because a blues song consist of only three chords. "
Abstract This paper examines the different ways humans perceive music. The paper asserts that music may mean something different to everyone. It discusses the factors that influence how an individual perceives music such as biology and musical training. It also examines emotions evoked by music, and its therapeutic effects. The paper concludes that research the links between melody and the mind indicates that listening to and playing music can actually alter how our brains and our bodies function.
Outline:
Biology of Hearing
Musical Training
Musical Therapy
From the Paper "Since music can affect our emotions, we have found ways to benefit from this such as music therapy. There are plenty of uses of music such as stress and anxiety relief, and also an intervention for pain perception (Richards , Johnson, Sparks, & Emerson, 2007)(Labbe, Schmidt, Babin, & Pharr, 2007). Studies have shown that listening to classical or self-selected relaxing music results in reductions of anxiety, anger, and sympathetic nervous system arousal and increased relaxation compared to those who sit in silence or listen to heavy metal music (Labbe et al.). On the contrary, it has been reported that 60% of adolescents who listen to heavy metal reported an improvement in their moods (Gross. 2006). This shows it may not matter the type of music one listens to as long as the individual enjoys it."
Abstract This is an essay dealing with the injustices against rapper Eminem in September of 2000. The artists attempts to enter Canada for his concert but the politicians try to ban his entry using Canadian laws as protection. This essay looks at the negative aspects of our law and shows how it can be used to mistreat certain individuals. The arguments discussed are the incorporation of law, the people's controversy and vile lyrics.
From the Paper "In Canada, we have the freedom to an opinion, speech, and belief, but how far does this freedom go? Many times, artists? and singers? lyrics are censored because what they have to say cannot be heard by all. In a particular case, involving a concert at Sky Dome on October 2000, a strong attempt was made to ban rapper Eminem from entering Canada because of the content and themes of his musical lyrics. Eminem was not being granted his rights to freedom of speech and was being punished for it. New and viler lyrics, the people's controversy, and incorporating the law, are factors which almost made Canada strip Eminem of his fundamental freedom to express his opinion through his lyrics. "
Abstract This paper examines, in extreme detail, the "Sirens" episode in James Joyce's epic Ulysses. The author explores the following areas: The episode's place within the whole, Joyce's intent, themes, literary structure, and Bloom's character and tendencies. Attention is paid to Joyce's use of musical motifs (fugue, canon etc) and many quotes from the novel are included.
From the Paper "James Joyce has proven himself to be something of a narrative chameleon in terms of the styles that he chooses to employ in his writing. In his telling of the story of Ulysses, the only constant is the fact that the narrative style changes from episode to episode. The beginning of the novel appears to be straightforward, filled with easily identifiable interior monologues and descriptions. Yet as the story progresses, the reader finds that these all-important Joycean agents of the story become increasingly difficult to follow and attribute to any particular character. Each episode takes on its own unique tone and style, making the task of the reader far more difficult in terms of comprehension."
Abstract This paper discusses the phenomenon known as "The Grateful Dead." The author suggests that the band's cult-like followers, the Deadheads, have become a religion unto themselves. Historical and geographical overviews of the band's genesis are given in detail.
From the Paper "From the beginning there was more to the Grateful Dead than just music. When Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Ron "Pigpen" McKernan turned their acoustic bluegrass band, Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions, into the electric R & B band the Warlocks, and then into the psychedelic rock assemblage, the Grateful Dead, not only was musical history made, but religious history, too. A mystical religious transformation occurred. Somehow without even trying, myth and magic were born. Did the finger of God come out of the sky and light up the band? Not exactly. But, whatever it was that happened, a group of disciples grew up around the holy center of Jerry Garcia and his band. They called themselves the Deadheads, and whatever it was that came into the lives of the Deadheads, it came much like the burning bush appeared to Moses."
Abstract This paper provides a lengthy description of the history of copyright law in the U.S. The author discusses copyright laws, registration, congressional acts, standards and guidelines. The author also discusses copyright infringement, its repercussions, damages and defenses within the judicial system.
From the Paper "Everyone doodles, writes, composes, paints, or sculpts. How does one protect oneself from their creation becoming copied? Moreover, if it is copied, what can be done to remedy the situation? The establishment of what is called a copyright is the protection against copying. Copyright is actually a set of rights, which ?include the right to reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works based upon, perform and display a protected work.? (Fishman 12/2) In today's society, focus is constantly on one's rights. One right that is often overlooked and is seldom caught up in controversy is the right to control the copying of one's creation. Even though seldom involved in controversy, copyright law is still an important factor in everyday life."
Tags: art, congress, act, infringement, damages, fair, use
Abstract This paper presents a detailed discussion about the history of the radio and the impact radio has had on the recording industry. The writer takes the reader on an exploratory journey through the history of radio broadcasts as well as what the future of radio looks like with the advent of CD burners.
From the Paper 'Across America, people tune into their favorite radio stations and sing along with their favorite artists. While we enjoy the ability to tune in as well as the songs that are played, we seldom give thought to how the radio has impacted our favorite artists from a recording standpoint. Radio was a boon to those involved in it, and it has provided a forum for artists to have their new material heard which in turn increased record sales for many years."
Abstract This paper discusses the historical relevance and accuracy in popular music. The research discusses the history, musician, and lyrics from three songs specifically: David Bowie 's "Space Oddity", Abba's "Waterloo" , and Don McLean's "Vincent". The author examines how these songs are examples of our culture's attempt to understand and relate to history.
From the Paper ?Historical events are often written about in fictional novels, used in television and cinematic forms, and even more often, referenced in music. Popular music often fictionalizes actual events for dramatic effect like Space Oddity by David Bowie or emphasizes a personal lament by referencing actual events like Waterloo by Abba. Some popular songs are even written about the lives of historical figures, such as Vincent van Gogh in Don McLean's Vincent. These three songs are an example of our culture's attempt to not only understand the past, but relate to it as well. The question, of course, is whether these songs are using the history they refer to in the correct context or correctly describe the events of the past.?
Abstract This paper takes a look at James Joyce's "Ulysses" which was transformed from a novel into an opera. It analyzes the impact that each of these art forms has on the work and how the format changes. It provides a background of James Joyce's life and the background to his writing the novel. Within the novel itself, the "Siren Song" chapter is analyzed.
From the paper:
"Historians with idle time on their hands occasionally may indulge in moments of wishful revisionism. ?What if,? they say, "That young dreamer named Adolph Hitler had been accepted into art school" Wouldn"t the world be different"? History is littered with celebrities who, for better or worse, had as youngsters fervently wished to be doing something different than their allotted role. Among them was one James Joyce, who, as it so happened, wanted to be a musician. If Hitler had been an artist instead, he probably would have been drawing propaganda posters for a second World War that would have persisted without his figure head. If James Joyce has been a musician, would he still have created Ulysses? At first glance, of course one must say not. This book is, after all, celebrated as one of the best modern examples of the novel -- not an opera. However, if what we look for in Ulysses is not its obviously visible shape, but rather, its messages, its rhythms and stories and symbolisms, then it is entirely possible that it would be the same creation if it were suddenly transmutated into music."
