There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere today?
Categories of music vary from jazz, rock, pop to house, opera and country. Each type stresses a particular musical instrument, rhythm, beat and unique sound. Music entertains us, makes us want to dance and sing, motivates us to exercise, takes us to a certain time period and alters our mood. Music has become part of our urban environment and can be heard everywhere; in shops, restaurants, bars, public transport, parks etc.
Whether someone listens to traditional or international music is a matter of personal preference and has to do with the trends in a country. Traditional music is important because it reflects the local culture and traditional sounds of a country. In Zimbabwe, for example, drums made of animal skins are popular. Local music also promotes local singers and musicians. Today, the music industry has become globalized and tunes, especially from the USA and the UK are played worldwide.
In a world of multi-culturalism it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between traditional and international music as each type draws factors from each other. International music may include lyrics from another language such as Hindi or Arabic or use an instrument that is specific to a culture, for example, a Mongolian string instrument.
Music has many purposes. It relaxes us, passes on important messages, helps us learn foreign languages easier and supports a whole industry. Traditional music tends to be nostalgic and supported by elder members of society. International music plays in nightclubs and is favoured by younger crowds, specifically hip hop, rap, pop etc. I don’t think a comparison can be made based on importance. Music is music, crosses boundaries and depends on a person’s tastes.
Cambridge, Ielts 1 past papers, p.32.
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