This paper describes zydecomusic and dancing, popularized by Creole French speaking people of African decent living on the prairies of south-central and southwest Louisiana.
Abstract This paper explains that zydecomusic, a form of dance music, is characterized by a syncopation or a shift of accent in a passage or composition that occurs when a normally weak beat is stressed. The author points out that the accordion and keyrub board, (also know as the washboard, scrub board or a froittoir) are essential parts of the zydeco sound, but there are no fiddles as in Cajun music. The paper relates that traditional zydeco dancing was done subtly, smoothly and upright by couples in a closed position; however, zydeco dancing appears to be evolving from a couples dance to individual free-style. The author relates that Clifton Chenier, who brought the zydeco genre to international attention, reigned as the "King of Zydeco" with a career lasting 30 years, and earned a Grammy award in 1984.
From the Paper "The changes that have taken place in zydeco music can be tracked by the type of accordion that is used. There were four different models of accordions that have been widely used in the zydeco musical genre, each type varying in the number of rows, and consequently the number of keys. The accordions were sturdy and could be easily heard in big crowds of people. Today, there are diatomic models as well as chromatic models. The diatomic models only play the full-step intervals found in major scales, while the chromatic "piano" accordions encompass half-step intervals..."
Abstract Zydeco is an important musical genre and the writer defines it as fun, upbeat dance music from southern Louisiana; characterized by scrub board and thimbles, spoons (metal or wooden), fiddle, triangles, accordion and occasionally a horn or two. This paper discusses its unique origins, the impact it has had on other music forms and the what the future holds for Zydeco followers. The paper looks at the types of people who follow Zydecomusic and some of its major artists.
From the Paper "The reason this genre of music is not wide spread is very simple: the French Creole dialect. Most people cannot understand the lyrics because they are generally written and performed in French Creole (Kein, 41). This dialect was very prominent in seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Louisiana and surrounding areas by African-American descendants and a few white settlers in rural areas (Kein, 133). After the Louisiana Purchase, English became more prevalent and French Creole died out except in rural areas and was passed down from parent to child and so on(Kein 56). Today, English is more often than not is the primary language used in Zydeco with hints of the Creole heritage."
Abstract This paper discusses the music recording industry and how it has been impacted by digital music distribution. The paper relates that the early success the music labels had against the initial music file downloading sites were short lived, and legitimate digital downloading sites have since prospered. The paper then argues that major recording labels are suffering from the decline in CD sales, not because of music pirating, but because they refuse to recognize that consumers demand digital music downloading for its convenience and portability. The paper further emphasizes that digital music distribution and retailing is the future of the music industry and every relevant party seems to recognize this, except the music industry itself.
Outline:
Overview
Restructuring of the music Industry
New distribution model & Itunes
Online distribution variations
Conclusion
From the Paper "The music industry, in spite of its ineptitude and obstinacy over the past decade regarding digital music downloading, is finally realizing that whether it embraces downloading services such as iTunes and others, it must evolve with the digital age or face irrelevance. In order to compensate for the loss of revenues, the recording music industry has been examining their base revenues in order to determine if digital downloads can compensate completely for the decline in sales of CDs. Two of the major record labels, Sony and BMG, have even merged in order to expand their catalogues (Recording, 2007). There have been efforts made to encourage EMI to merge with one of the remaining three major record labels but thus far these remaining major record labels have resisted further consolidation. However, EMI undertook its own internal restructuring by merging its two main record labels in the US market during the first half of 2007 and Warner Music was sold during 2004 creating even more churn in the industry (Recording, 2007). Yet, perhaps the most visible change is the industry is the downsizing or disappearance of retail music stores, which has begun to accelerate."
Abstract Music is an important element in life. Every person has the ability to listen to music and evaluate it based on his or her own personal tastes. This paper explains Aristotle's belief that measuring the worth of music based on personal likes and dislikes was the only appropriate way to determine music value. The paper also discusses Plato's view which differed from Aristotle's. Plato claimed that certain criteria had to be used to evaluate music. These criteria were necessary to alleviate subjective arguments and provide a universal system of measurement important in an ordered society. The paper then discusses the point that, while it is Aristotle's concept of music evaluation that was ultimately embraced by society, Plato's musical evaluation process can still be attributed to the manner in which some people believe that the value of music should be measured. Plato believed that music had the power to alter human emotion.
Abstract This paper examines how music education requires different motivating concepts than other areas of the curriculum. The paper explains that this difference is evident because the student of music presents specific factors that are particular only to music learning. For example, by high school age the music student has generally experienced some type of vocal or instrumental training prior to entering a high school program. Those students that are new to music education must be evaluated, as well as motivated in different ways. Students in a music education program may also desire to work toward a career in music, while other students may only possess a slight interest in music. The paper also explains that, while each music education program is different, one primary element that remains the same is the student and that awakening the student's desire to achieve goals is essential to music education today.
Abstract The paper by examines various western artists, such as Paul Simon and David Byrne, and shows how African music plays an important part in how popular music is interwoven within the western musical tradition. The paper concludes that western music in North America has been greatly influenced by the music of South Africa and other traditional musical traditions from the African continent.
From the Paper "This ethno musicological study will examine the various African music influences that have become imbued within western pop music culture. By examining various western artists, such as Paul Simon and David Byrne, one can realize how African music plays an important part in how pop music is interwoven within the western musical tradition. In essence, western music in North America has been greatly influenced by the music of South Africa and other traditional musical traditions from the African continent."
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 The paper discusses how the music industry claims free music downloading has had a drastic impact on the careers of almost everyone involved in the creation, production and distribution of music. The paper argues that music piracy is in fact the best thing that has happened to the music industry since although it decreases CD sales, it increases musicians' exposure and saves the industry money that would otherwise be used on pointless promotions. The paper points out that Apple relies on free music downloading by society's youth in order to manufacture and sell devices that can hold an enormous amount of songs. The paper firmly believes that it is time the industry realizes they are benefiting from free music downloading instead of focusing on the negative aspects of this long battled debate.
From the Paper "In today's world, digital technology is constantly advancing allowing complex tasks to be completed by a simple click of a button. Shopping for a TV, a new video game, or any other item online requires the consumer's patience while the item is being shipped to its destination. Products sold through the Internet are not restricted to concrete items anymore. Due to advancements in computer hard drive space, music tracks and movies are being sold online, eliminating the trip to movie or record stores. According to Brian H. Murray in his book "Defending the Brand", the Internet has made an evolutionary change in business by allowing the consumer to purchase goods easier than ever before; however, " the explosive growth of internet users has spawned an equally explosive growth of internet abusers" (111)."
Abstract This paper examines the rise of rap music from its beginnings to its current broad appeal. The paper also gives a background of black gospel music, describing its history and popularity. The author then turns back to rap music, citing a study about who listens to rap and what the audience's opinions are on specific social issues that they feel are addressed through this genre of music. The paper also denounces several myths about rap and its lyrics. Finally, the paper explores whether whites who listen to rap may be less racist. The paper includes a questionnaire about rap music.
From the Paper " Although rap is presently receiving a great deal of notoriety, black music has long been a part of American culture. Gospel music, for example, has defined black identity for generations and continues to do so. "Black gospel music is one of the new seminal genres of contemporary black culture which continually maintains its self-identity while it nourishes and enriches the mainstream of the world's cultural sources" (William-Jones 373). Black gospel music, a combination of West African and Afro-American music, dance, poetry and drama, includes contemporary black religious music of rural folk origins that celebrates the Christian experience of salvation and hope (William-Jones 376). For much of its 50 years as an underground form of music, gospel still remains among the least known or understood of many black cultural expressions today."
Tags: rap, music, African-American, culture, gospel, music, black, music
Abstract The ?Sound of Music? is considered by many to be one of the most successful musicals of all time. This paper provides a textual and contextual critique of this musical film. It determines why the film is considered to be a musical, what iconography or thematic elements tie the film to the musical genre, as well as how the film's use of genre reflects the time it was made. The contemporary issues or concerns which are embedded in the film are also identified in the critique.
From the Paper "The Sound of Music is based on the book "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers" as told by Maria von Trapp. While Maria was waiting for a forgotten instrument at a concert, she kept the audience entertained by telling stories about her large, adventurous family. A gentleman backstage approached her, suggesting she write a book about her family. After Maria stated she ?preferred telling the stories, he offered to write the book for her (http://www.foxhome.com/soundofmusic/som.html)?."
Abstract This paper selects two musical styles and explores their cultural geography, while considering the extent to which they demonstrate diffusion, place creation/environment and resistance/expression. The styles discussed are American Rhythm-Blues of the 1950s (i.e. McKinley Morganfield "Muddy Waters" and Chester Burnett "The Wolf") and British Rocking-Blues of the 1960/70s (i.e. Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones). The geography of music is a fairly new phase of geography and music study, it has only been fully developed in the last 30 to 40 years. Much study has been done into cultural geography's effect of global music and this paper concentrates on American music, which relies heavily on place creation, diffusion, environment and expression to create memorable music that remains viable and fresh for decades.
From the Paper "Developed from jazz, blues, and countless other forces, the first rock and roll songs are attributed to bands like Bill Haley and the Comets and Elvis Presley. Historian Barlow continues, "Hence, blues diffusions can be traced to African-American rhythm and blues, soul, and even rap musical styles. Moreover, they can be traced to the flowering of rock and roll, and then rock music, among white youth" (Barlow 61). As rock and roll music grew in popularity, it was simply natural that different cultures would develop their own forms of the music, and this is true with rock, which led to offshoots around the world, including British rockin' blues by bands such as Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones. Rock too is a form of social protest, and so, it defines a time and a place in culture and society, just as the blues defined an earlier era, and then helped create other defining musical styles."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of Celtic music and its migration to the Appalachian region of North America. The author points out the cultural memory embedded in the Celtic tradition. The paper examines the impact of Celtic music on musical styles of the modern period.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine connections between Celtic music, which originated in Britain, chiefly Scotland and Ireland, and which migrated to the U.S., chiefly to the Appalachian region of North America and the intergenerational aspects of musical heritage with reference to the human-development theories of Erik Erikson. The plan of the research will be to set forth a history of Celtic music from its origins in Britain and the history of migration of the music to the U.S. and then discuss the resonance that such music ..."
Tags: Celtic, Music, Appalachian, music, American, music
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 paper takes a look at music downloads. The paper reviews how music is downloaded via the Internet, and various issues relating to music downloads. The paper also discusses whether this is illegal or not.
Outline:
Introduction
How Music is Downloaded from the Internet
The Threats of Music Downloading
Music Downloading : Why is it Illegal?
Conclusion
From the Paper "At first, it may seem that ease of downloading music from the Internet will produce nothing but positive impact to the consumers. They will be able to get and enjoy music for free. They will be able to share music to their friends without limits or boundaries. However, the fact remains that copying or downloading music from the internet is piracy. It is copying without proper consent from the real owners. It is copying and reproducing without notifying the people who have shed great efforts in producing such music. Thus, honor, credibility and integrity of the consumer is being wage. "
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at a music business being considered for expansion to the web. The business in question is a sheet music download service. The writer notes that there are currently numerous businesses on the World Wide Web that provide sheet music to consumers through mail order and instant downloads. The writer points out that these companies have been capable of creating a presence that is adequate for a minimal audience, but that does not attempt to reach to all people across the globe. The writer concludes that it is evident that in order to be competitive, the business under consideration will have to provide a site to the consumer that offers a greater scope of music, as well as the inclusion of new technologies.
Outline:
Introduction
Comparison of Sheet Music and Download Sites
Similarities
Attention
Time at the Site
Global Exposure
Conclusion
From the Paper "Musicnotes.com provides digital sheet music, guitar lesson videos and free sheet music downloads for public domain music of the past. The website for the company is simply constructed, with the best sheet music of 2004 being posted on the first page. The site also offers music for piano, country, Christian, Broadway and movie music. All downloads require software that is easily obtained at the site for no cost, and the company provides free blank music sheets for composition."
"The site for musicnotes.com is quite simple, with links to other areas of the site posted at the top of the page, and current music offerings that have been popular comprising the remainder of the page."
