World Music Day
From Beethoven to Taylor Swift, there’s music for everyone. Revisit your old favorites or discover new artists from different cultures on World Music Day.
Music expresses that which cannot be put into words, and that which cannot remain silent.
Victor Hugo
There’s nothing in the world like the sound of your favorite song coming on, it just gets right into your head and your body and makes you move.
Or maybe it takes you on a journey to a faraway place and time, where you languish in a memory of times gone by and people who are no longer present.
Some of our favorite songs can lift us up out of depression and worry, and make an otherwise horrible day suddenly seem like it’s not so bad. World Music Day celebrates music in all its forms and the impact it’s had on the world and the human spirit.
How to Celebrate World Music Day
Certainly it’s no burden to celebrate World Music Day! Whether a person is an avid maker of music themselves or simply one who enjoys listening, this is a day that has all sorts of options for observing and enjoying the day. Try out some of these ideas:
Make Beautiful Music
What would be the absolute perfect way to celebrate World Music Day? Well, it’s making your own music, of course! By yourself or with friends. In a band or just with a playlist from the internet, this day is all about creating a new soundtrack of tunes for all the world to hear.
It isn’t even necessary to be a professional or even amateur musician, because anyone can make music. For those who have children, they will love something as simple as banging on pots and pans and singing!
Listen to Music
Have you ever put on your headphones, hit play on an upbeat tune and waltzed down the street as if you were in a movie?
You’re not alone, everybody has done it (they’re just too afraid to admit it!). Music has the ability to lift your spirits even when you don’t feel like getting out of bed that day. Why shouldn’t there be an entire day to celebrate the wonders of music?
World Music Day needs to be celebrated far and wide without a doubt! Next time you’re in a bit of a funk, crank up your favorite song (close your curtains) and dance like nobody’s watching. It’s a soul soothing activity that should always be your go-to savior!
Particiape in Karaoke
Even for those who can’t play an instrument, it might be fun to get together for a night of karaoke with friends. And even for those who have no musical talent whatsoever, it’s still possible to enjoy this day!
Just spend the day listening to some favorite songs, sharing them with friends and listening to some new artists that they share with you. The great thing about music is that it’s for anyone and everyone – and anytime!
Watch Some Films About Making Music
Looking for some inspiration from the entertainment industry around the idea of World Music Day? Well, consider enjoying a film or movie that features the stories of those fictional or real characters who were inspired to make music. Try out some of these titles in celebration of the day:
- Begin Again (2013). With an all-star cast including Keira Knightly, Adam Levine, Mark Ruffalo and James Corden, this film tells the fictional story of two people who become friends while they begin making music on the streets of New York.
- Tick, Tick…Boom! (2021). An autobiographical portrait of the life of Jonathan Larson, who was a playwright and composer most famous for Broadway musical, Rent.
- The Music Man (1962). This classic musical offers a peek into the life of small town America in the early 1900s where a conductor wants to start a band. Featuring Ron Howard as an adorable little boy.
- Sing Street (2016). It’s amazing what love can do for a person’s musical inspiration! This musical romance film, set in the 1980s of Dublin, tells the coming of age story of a young man who starts a band to impress a girl.
Remember Benefits of Listening to Music
Music is not only a fantastic creative outlet, but it can also have many health benefits. When you listen to a particular song it can bring back a happy memory or make you feel energized.
Studies suggest that listening to music can have a number of positive effects on your health and mental wellbeing. As well as enhancing your performance of exercise, it can also provide a huge amount of comfort.
Exercise has also been proven to reduce anxiety and listening to relaxing music can also decrease stress levels. So if you are looking for a mood boosting activity, why not celebrate World Music Day and let all of your troubles rush away from your mind instantly?
Why Celebrate World Music Day
The best thing about World Music Day is that it is completely free to celebrate. No matter what kind of music you love you can take part for free and you can get the whole family involved. It is the perfect opportunity to try playing a brand-new instrument or listen to a type of music that you wouldn’t normally have on your playlist.
Every type of musician, whether you are young, old, new or a seasoned professional can embrace world music day with friends, family and even strangers! Some years, more than one thousand cities all over the world celebrate World Music Day, so why don’t you take this opportunity to do it to?
Anybody can make music; it doesn’t matter how good you are. If you are the type of person who sings in the shower, why not use this opportunity to showcase your talents? Even the most tone deaf people can take this day to sing their hearts out and celebrate the beauty and power of music!
History of World Music Day
Also called Make Music Day or Fête de la Musique, this event got its start in France in 1982 when a man named Jack Lang initiated the idea with his staff at the French Ministry of Culture. The hope behind the day was for people to enjoy free music everywhere in towns and cities.
Whether it was coming from a professional live band playing in a park or just a random person playing the ukulele from their balcony, the dream was for street corners, rooftops, gardens and storefronts to be filled with the beauty of musical sounds.
Musicians, composers, conductors, singer/songwriters and instrumentalists alike have an ideal opportunity to show their stuff in honor of Make Music Day!
Learn More About Music
Music has existed for as long as mankind has found its voice, and quite possibly before. Every culture of the world has its own form of music, as distinct and unique to its area as language and cuisine.
In the western world, we are familiar only with scales, known as the diatonic scale which should be familiar to anyone who took music classes or choir in school. But this is not the only or even the first scale that music can use.
There’s the chromatic scale, which has 12 notes instead of the 7, and the octatonic scale, which has 8 notes, but these are just the beginning. In every part of the world, there are different scales and musical formats used, and these create a form of music that has its own signature.
Then when you add in the cultural themes, the variety of instruments, and the forms of voice singing that can go along with it, music is a truly endless adventure. World Music Day celebrates this adventure and those that dare to take it.
World Music Day FAQs
Why do some countries celebrate Music Day on different dates?
Music Day’s global appeal means local adaptations. For example, Brazil celebrates its version in November, tied to Saint Cecilia, patroness of musicians.
India honors its music heritage with events on World Music Day in June. These variations reflect how cultures blend global ideas with their traditions.
Did ancient civilizations have “music days”?
While not labeled Music Day, ancient Greeks held festivals like the Pythian Games, blending music and athletics.
Similarly, early Chinese emperors hosted rituals where music symbolized harmony with nature. These gatherings show how music’s communal value spans millennia.
How did the first modern Music Day spread worldwide?
It started in France in 1982 as “Fête de la Musique,” aiming to bring free music to public spaces.
As tourists experienced the lively streets, the idea caught on globally. Countries adapted the format, blending local talent and global genres.
What unusual instruments are celebrated on Music Day?
In Germany, the theremin often takes center stage. This electronic instrument is played without touch, creating eerie sounds. In Scotland, bagpipe groups march through towns, honoring traditional folk music.
Are there myths about music’s origins?
Many cultures credit divine origins for music. Ancient Hindus believed Lord Shiva created rhythm through dance.
Meanwhile, Greek mythology attributes the lyre’s invention to Hermes. These stories highlight music’s mystical status.
What’s the most surprising Music Day tradition?
In Finland, “Heavy Metal Knitting” combines metal music and knitting competitions.
Participants dance and knit to rhythmic tunes. This quirky fusion has made headlines and showcases creative ways to honor music.
Why is Music Day significant for street performers?
On Music Day, cities often suspend permits, allowing street performers to play freely. In cities like London and Paris, this creates an impromptu concert atmosphere. It’s a chance for hidden talent to shine.
How do schools engage with Music Day?
Many schools host “Music Around the World” events. Students learn songs from various cultures and perform for families. This fosters an early appreciation of global sounds.
What’s a common misconception about Music Day?
Some think it’s limited to professional musicians. In reality, Music Day encourages everyone to participate, regardless of skill. It’s more about joy than expertise.
Which country hosts the longest Music Day celebrations?
In Cuba, celebrations often stretch for a week, blending salsa, jazz, and Afro-Cuban beats.
Town squares transform into vibrant dance floors, uniting communities. It’s a fitting tribute to the island’s rich musical heritage.
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