RETHINKING MUSIC, ITS POTENCY AND CHANGE

Abstract

The conceptual framework of music may be anchored on the doctrine of ethos in which musicis considered to possess mysterious powers capable of influencing and shaping the mentaland physical wellbeing, morals and characters, as well as the feelings or passion of humanbeings. Different musical modes and associated lyrical contents, as well as rhythms, melody,harmony and, vocal and instrumental colours have the capacity to depress, stabilize or excitethe listener. Consequently, the doctrine of ethos goes beyond thoughts, rationalization,beliefs and values of music to advance the conviction that music is a potent and commandingforce capable of affecting characters and influencing thoughts, passion and conduct ofpeople. Accordingly, expressions of musical thoughts in relation to community and events oflife form the basis of human development and philosophy—viewpoints, thinking,communication, values, beliefs, ideas, attitudes and cultural expressions associated withways of life. This article, “Rethinking Music, its potency and change”, examines the subjectmatter to identify the fundamental objectives of music, artistic and scientific developmentsright from the medieval period to the present era, methods of knowledge dissemination inNigeria, changes which have taken place in the course of music evolution in soniccraftsmanship procedure and performance, new courses and perspectives in musiccurriculum at the tertiary level, global roles and impact of music in the socio-political,economic, religious and cultural lives of the people. Through empirical research on musicand archival library information, this study makes a critical submission that thecontributions of music to Nigeria national development are enormous.