Music; Man’s Lifelong Companion Prof Gladys Amponsah, FGA
Music is defined as “vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.” Music has a great influence on man, from the womb to the last breath. Music can be created and enjoyed by all regardless of age, one’s socio-economic status, country of origin, religious beliefs, and ancestral heritage. The lecture starts with a brief write-up on Dr. Ephraim Amu in whose honour and memory the lecture was instituted by the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1999.
Music is all around us. From the movement of the leaves of plants, the swaying of the branches of the tree, to the birds chirping in the early hours of the morning, to the rivers meandering their way, and the roaring of the seas are all evidence that music is all around us.
This lecture explores the positive effects of music on the unborn baby, music at the delivery of the baby, the naming ceremony, the growing child, and puberty rites. During adult life, every activity is positively influenced by music. These include workouts, sports in general, workplaces, restaurants, and shops. The role of music in marriage and other social gatherings is mentioned. The categories of music associated with these different occasions are mentioned in the lecture.
Music has a positive effect on diseases such as dementia, hypertension, and stroke. People with learning disabilities all benefit from music therapy. Scientists have done a lot of work in support of the beneficial effects of music therapy in these and other situations. The lecture demonstrates the importance of music in all areas of our lives, even in old age. It is never too late to learn how to play a musical instrument or to start enjoying music.
Unfortunately, music has its negative side. Music can lead to aggressive behaviour in some people. Some lyrics explicitly promote gender and tribal discrimination. Another major concern is the association of music and musicians with hard drugs all over the world, leading to addiction and even death. The reasons for this situation are many. These include the pressure of work and status.
This lecture is interspersed with various categories of music because music indeed is man’s lifelong companion.
