Rethinking music, its potency and change

Abstract

The conceptual framework of music may be anchored on the doctrine of ethos in which music is considered to possess mysterious powers capable  of influencing and shaping the mental and physical wellbeing, morals and characters, as well as the feelings or passion of human beings. 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 excite the 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 commanding force capable of affecting characters and influencing thoughts, passion and  conduct  of people. Accordingly, expressions of musical thoughts in relation to community and events of life form the basis of human development  and philosophy—viewpoints, thinking, communication, values, beliefs, ideas, attitudes and cultural expressions associated with ways of life. This  article, “Rethinking Music, its potency and change”, examines the subjectmatter to identify the fundamental objectives of music, artistic and  scientific developments right from the medieval period to the present era, methods of knowledge dissemination in Nigeria, changes which have  taken place in the course of music evolution in sonic craftsmanship procedure and performance, new courses and perspectives in music curriculum  t 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 music and archival library information, this study makes a critical submission that the  ontributions of music to Nigeria national  development are enormous.