Music is an exceptional method of passing information that can alter a person’s emotions, thoughts, and operations. Music involves the mind and sentiments facilitating individual articulation, manifestation, and attitude growth. As a section of tradition, music aids individuals to self-appreciation, mingle with others, and grow their way of life creating better networks of friends. It plays a major role in the promotion of world culture and individual distinctiveness. It has been noted that the world has been united through music more than any other social activity. Music travels across borders to other areas using harmony as a source of appeal (McComb, 1999).
Music has been a tradition in many cultures in the world. A perspective on how they were composed and performed may be far-fetched as they date back to earlier centuries when the distance between cultures was huge. However, research and acquaintance can help in the understanding of these ways of art and music. This is usually met with lots of skepticism as information appears indistinct to have a timely date on when they were composed. The resurgence of early music has enabled some early techniques of presentation to carry on to the present times. The artists have been known to refer to printed and documented sources and not relying solely on earlier recites. This allows growth and connectivity with the earlier recipes. The need to have a similarity with the original works has a momentous effect. The use of intuition based on the literature from earlier recites, gives the current artist a better outlook of the theater (Baroque Music Performance, 2009).
Educating on the conditions adjoining the development of a musical bit creates better knowledge of its nature. Ways of recitals have been conducted over the years developing their unique features and idealistic impediments. To have knowledge on how to perform, an understanding of the instruments and harmony is recommended as the music was done long ago. This is when artists use the scholar’s work on the music and its theater performance. Nevertheless, the artist will decide on how to perform but the information will be vital in the decisions made, this is what can be referred to as historically informed. It is therefore incumbent on the artist to research what literature has been produced regarding the piece they want to perform. This will ensure authenticity in their performance. The performances can use instruments and voices from the period when it was first done placing the music in its traditional background (Baroque Music Performance, 2009).
The literature however will not bring out the exact feel of the performance as in the original period. Music is a living art and therefore needs to be re-read in order for it to have meaning. The research on how recitals are done over the years brings out a launching pad for the next generation of performers in later years (Baroque Music Performance, 2009).
The works of the twentieth-century producers represent a more electronic way of making music. This is however usually from individual composers and can be attributed to a person’s culture. This has been influenced by the abundance of resources resulting from the increased study of music. In modern society, producers have used digital effects on music. Music produced with the aid of computers has been the norm in the 21st century way of life. Performances using computers offer a small chance for listeners to comprehend or indulge in open performance. These are best presented at individual levels such as on the internet and individual audio systems (Blood, 2009).
Studies of music from different other western cultures have been conducted during the eighteenth and into the twentieth centuries. Turkey is one such culture that had been assumed for a period and left to observation only. There had been much misrepresentation of the music in the western journals by historians such as Fetis and Kiesewetter. However, currently, Turkish music has developed into a focus of technical study. Scholars are engaged in the examination of the music. The focus on the easterna outlook in the nineteenth century caused the scholars to take time before studying the music. The investigation would have been conducted much earlier if it were not for the thoughts they had on Ottoman music. The early perception was that there was nothing of benefit to the scholars in Ottoman music. This was conversely inappropriate of them as the people engaged in exchanges of music styles with people from the east (Aksoy, 2009).
A focus shift has been seen towards the eastern countries also. India is a country that has caught the attention of many scholars. Indian music is much appreciated in the west compared to how western music is in India. This belief is attached only to the art of music as opposed to other forms of culture. The scholars study Indian music for the artistic and sensible structure of melodious thinking and application. Western scholars adapt and use the styles without snubbing their own culture. It is apparent that western scholars have involved their studies on other cultures in the world. They have studied music from different cultures to have a feel of their originality and use of musical styles. They do this with a view of helping their music to advance and move away from the traditional styles of yesteryears. Incorporation of different ways of music brings out a novelty that will be much appreciated as opposed to the traditional style of music (Bhagwati, 2002).
The study of music cultures can be derived from a number of sources. For instance, the jazz style of music can be researched from the internet and libraries using literature of diverse forms or individual interviews. Books on early jazz musicians and their origins can be sourced from library shelves and a comprehensive study conducted. Magazines that write on music trends can also be a reliable source of information. The books and articles are arranged in accordance with the subject area. Music books have different shelves with sections on history, types, and artists depending on what is required, a book is picked. A careful study of these books and articles will lead the investigator to the relevant information for the research (Blood, 2009).
In the case of jazz music, data can be sourced from books, magazines, and journals. This is due to the nature of the type of music; it has a selective appeal to people. It would be hard to find information on jazz music from a book shop that does not stock music books. A study of the available articles and books will reveal the data intended to be studied and can be used. Most jazz artists or individuals who have a zeal for the music can also provide vital data to the investigator for the study (Blood, 2009). This is should be conducted with care so as to avoid any misleading information.
Alternatively, the information can be retrieved from the internet. Numerous articles and other studies have been posted online and can be accessed via the internet. This method allows the investigation to have a global perspective in data collection. Using online information enables the study to use various sources of information from a wider scope. The origins and current affairs can be retrieved on request online (Research Goals in Digital Music, 2009).
The required information is searched using a search engine in this case, jazz music. The search will produce sites that are related to the search request of which the required are carefully selected and used. Some sites may require the investigator to be a subscriber but this should not create panic. The information is authenticated if it can be supported by other similar works by other scholars. A good search engine will avail all articles posted on the internet thus allowing the study to have credibility. However, it is up to the investigator to know what appropriate information is required as the search engine is not programmed to give the exact results required by each investigator. Knowledge of how to navigate in the online search is vital for a successful study on the internet. The use of inappropriate words to be searched will result in outcomes that will not be of use to the study (Research Goals in Digital Music, 2009).
After the information is collected it is arranged in an orderly manner that enables the reader to comprehend what the article is about. Jazz music is a style of music that is not having a wide appeal and therefore those who understand it will question the credibility of the study findings. A systematic flow of information from the definition to the origins and subsequent use should be presented in an understandable method (Research Goals in Digital Music, 2009).
Collecting information on the musical study is largely dependant on secondary data. Nonetheless, primary sources also play a vital part in the overall data poll. Theaters and recording studios have first-hand information on the music. Music schools and other institutions that teach music can also provide data for the study of musical trends. The best information and most reliable is the primary data although it is generally expensive to collect. The data is normally from an individual or organization that dealt with the music directly, therefore, has the most accurate information. It does not require verification as such although, for studying purposes, it is better to authenticate the information before presenting it (Research Goals in Digital Music, 2009).
Musical research is an area that is of great concern when learning about music. It gives the learner a comprehensive background of the subject which enables good understanding. Without the study of music history, artists who perform the pieces cannot produce an act as the music requires. The scholars who engage in an exploration of the various music pieces help the artists in their performances.
A trend towards globalization has not left musical scholars behind. There has been a shift to studying other cultures and the way they do their music. This has led to an infusion of styles that result in modern music. The world has become one with people embracing each other’s way of life. However, it is advised that care must be observed to preserve one’s identity for future generations to study and acknowledge.
References
- Aksoy, B 2009, Ottoman Music through Western Eyes.
- Baroque Music Performance 2009, Authentic or Traditional, Web.
- Bhagwati, S 2002, Indian Music in Western Composition, Web.
- Blood, B 2009, Music History online: Music of the 20th century.
- McComb, M.T1999, What is Early Music?
- Research Goals in Digital Music: A Ten Year View. 2009. Web.