music is music. The organization of different noises(pitches) and silence by way of rhythmic interpretation and of course the different velocities of these pitches.

i've grown to define music as being the "expression of emotion, through an instrument" i feel like that's pretty accurate

Music=the comination of sounds and silence into a form of a melody/beat/thingthatican'treallydescribe


yulp

Noise is actually defined as the sound that occurs when all frequencies audible by the human ear are generated at the same time. It comes out sounding like static, you hear it when the television/radio station goes off the air(at least we used to). White noise occurs when all these frequencies are generated at the same amplitude. Pink noise occurs when all these frequencies are generated with a 12db/octave slope. Then could we say that music occurs when specific frequencies are generated in a specific pattern?

ok ok ok

music = The Combination of sounds and silence into something pleasant to the human ear

no?

hmmmm

The art of silence and sound in time.-Berkley School of Music Any sound is music, or can be though of it that way, so I think this is one of the most accurate definition.

Music is the purest form of expression, because words are entirely unnecessary.

It is also a foreign language (quite literally) that many can understand but few can emulate.

IMO.

organized sound over time.

The following is a draft of an essay I will be submitting to Florida State Univerity for admission next fall. I decided to post it here as this is a drumming, and therefore a music community and I believe and hope that I can get some good feedback here. Feel free to comment.

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Merriam Webster defines music as “the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity.” It is such a complex explanation yet I am astounded that a definition can even be given to the word. Yes, indeed, music is the ordering of different notes and rhythms and sounds, but it is so much more than that to me.

But then what really is music?

Music comes in many forms: Classical, Rock and Roll, Country, Hip-Hop, Pop, Rap, and many more. The reason there are so many types of music is because there are so many different types of people. Music is not only a sound, not only notes and rhythms, but a way of letting out one’s deepest feelings in a universal medium. Music is expression.

Music is definitely the most prevalent thing in my life. I have played a musical instrument since I was ten years old and not a day goes by that I don’t regret starting sooner. Music, to me, is a way to escape from the world and the humdrum of everyday life. When I play my instrument, nothing else matters.

But what else is music?

Music is a language that allows one to express their innermost feelings. It allows anyone to share those feelings with a universal audience. Music allows any person to speak their mind, not with words or writing, but with a beautiful sound. Music is a global language that crosses cultures. If an American writes a symphony, people all over the world can understand it, just as if a Russian composes a march, I, along with all others can understand it completely. Any type of music, whether fast or slow, happy or sad, can be understood, interpreted, and appreciated by everyone.

This reminds me of a story I read in the news not too long ago. In February of 2008, despite the massive political tensions between the two countries, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra went to play a concert in Pyongyang, North Korea. This was a monumental and historic event because the orchestra was the largest contingent of Americans allowed to visit the country in a very long time. The music that was played there was understood and appreciated by all who attended the cross-cultural concert, but more importantly, the people there came together through music and for a moment, however brief, they were connected, hearing and understanding the great universal language.

But above all, music is my life and my passion. I have spent the last seven years in a band program at schools I have attended. Without the experiences I gained through band, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today. It has instilled in me a great appreciation for the arts but most importantly, it has given me my closest group of friends and has given me amazing opportunities to express myself and to speak the language that all can hear.

I like it as a whole. It is well written, i just have a few points that i noticed after a first read.

Your first few paragraphs are intensely formal and structered, but then the next paragraph is almost a complete turn around to yourself and how you feel. The point of view completely turns around. You go from borderline philosophical to personl. The problem i have with this is that it too drastic of a stylistic change. I think it would be best to find some sort of happy medium (critical distance if you will) between formality and personality. I think you achieved this medium in the paragraph right after you ask the question "But what else is music". Either that or you need a better transition between the paragraphs 3 and 4.

Another small thing, I didn't like the line "This reminds me of...". I think it would be better to say something along the lines of "This universal connection was displayed recently when..." or something like that. The "reminds me" makes it sound too much like a train of thought essay.

I would probably expand upon the different things that band/music has taught you (discipline, dedication, sacrifice etc...). It just gives some more info about the personal growth band brought you.

I really, really, really, like your last sentence about speaking the language all can hear. It's tasty.

Hope i helped. Keep in mind that this is just my opinion. I'm not an English major or admissions personnel. I'm just another high school kid. So take with a grain of salt i guess. :-)

But you've definitely got a solid piece of writing.