There are many different types of music, both today and since the beginning of recorded history. The one thing that nearly all early music had in common was its association with religious beliefs and customs.
Many ancient civilizations used music in their religious and social ceremonies, although most had their origins in simple drumbeat rhythms. These basic sounds were used to accompany ritual dances in cultures as diverse as those from early indigenous American peoples to Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. These eventually evolved into various kinds of song, a number of which have been saved and are still practiced in traditional ceremonies today.
Gregorian Chant is another interesting early music which is associated with religion. European Monks studied and advanced this to an early art form, with its rigid structures and intervals assisting in the Godly aspirations of the religious orders. The designs of churches were integral in lending the acoustics deemed requisite for this solemn song.
It is possible to trace the origins of traditional classical music back to its roots in the Church, which begs the question about whether we would have the classical music so beloved today if not for religion. For many people, the soothing sounds of music evokes a spirituality that they identify with religious aspirations. We certainly wouldn't have the intense sounds of the enormous pipe organs without the existence of the churches they were designed for and installed in.
Even early popular music like Rock 'n Roll owes its existence to religious music, namely Gospel. This eventually evolved into Blues and even Country Western. Although seemingly quite removed, even modern rock and rap wouldn't exist without their religious roots.
And that brings us to Jazz, my personal music of choice. Jazz fills the void left by modern life for so many of us because of its unique creativity and spontaneity. The process of improvisation that dominates all types of Jazz music actually creates a piece that is never played the same way twice.
Modern choices in music also include New Age, Christian Rock, Reggae, and dozens of offshoots, all of which have found a following. Obviously, these all speak a special message to their devoted listeners.
In fact, contemporary religious music has evolved to the extent that nearly all thresholds have been blurred, making it both difficult and unnecessary to try to classify much of what is played and sung today. As long as there are musicians playing, there will probably always be an audience to be entertained.
