Music – such an interesting development of human creativity. Throughout this course, we’ve discovered and discussed various topics on music – from the evolution, the technicality, the history.

Music as an expression for philanthropy and advocacy is widely apparent and we’ve had numerous run-ins with songs created to spread messages across the globe – with many impacting the lives of people. One of our film reviews, Amazing Grace, has such a deep historical yet modern place in our lives. I talked about it in my previous discussion post, but I’d like to talk about it further – about how the main melody can be played with the 5 black notes of the keyboard. Allegedly, during the times of slavery, African-American slaves were given only these 5 notes to sing and make music out of – because the keys were black, just like them. This story represents the repression and suffering that they went through. In modern times, “Amazing Grace”, albeit the alleged story behind it, represents a song of hope and unity. Sung in many instances of sadness to bring hope, to moments of communion and celebration, it’s a very powerful song. It’s very inspiring how music can impact so many peoples lives like this.

For me personally, “We are the World” has a more impact to me emotionally than “Amazing Grace”, because I was given an opportunity to first hand experience the struggles in Haiti after the earthquake.

Originally written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, it was made as a charity single to support African famine. It brought along a variety of musicians to come together, representing unity and philanthropy.

25 years later, Jamie Foxx came together and did a reiteration of “We are the World” for the cause for Haiti. Even more musicians and artists came together in this rendition. The fact that many of the artists come from different genres and styles, and to clearly see that in the music video, to me makes me feel emotions of awe and hopefulness.

Music has such an impact on all of us – it’s amazing to see the clear influence it has to push us to make a change. This class has introduced us to analyze the music in a very technical way, but it also opened up a better appreciation for what music stands for in our lives.