Navajo Music and Way of Life - Essay Example

Navajo Music and Way of Life Music is very important in both the Navajo religious and secular cultures. The music only has one tune and is at times accompanied by various forms of musical instruments like drums, flutes, rattles, among others. As for religious cultures, the vocal Navajo music is not supposed to be recorded at all; different from the traditional music culture. In this essay, much focus will be on Navajo music about the various components of music culture; ideas of music, activities of music, repertories of music and the material culture of music. On the ideas of music, it is clear that music cultures and belief systems have a close interaction. There also is music for every occasion, for instance, music plays a major role in the ceremonies and activities carried out in the curing of diseases, rain making and social dancing. According to Navajos, western medicine is considered good when it comes to some diseases, but they highly treasure the traditional medicine in curing diseases. In cases where there is an imbalance between the relationship between human beings and nature, traditional medicine has to take charge. It is in the curing process of such individuals who could be depressed that music has to be a part of. According to Navajos nature is a powerful force that enables individuals to have a conversation with nature and, therefore, receive communication on teachings of song and prayers that would enable them cure diseases and have their people live in harmony. Importance of music to the Navajos could also be explained through their use of ceremonial chants in reciting of biblical events and stories like the creation story of the universe. The context of the music is in the traditional society, as men are mainly the only ones supposed to perform vocally the choruses in unison or sometimes accompanied by percussion. Also, repetition plays a very important role in the vocables, text phrases and rhythmic, melodic patterns; which are components that bring about the aesthetics of music. This aesthetic component comes out in a manner that, the repeated songs engrave in the memory of the listener and create an indelible musical pattern. Indian music is monophonic and single-lined, and the most patient one gets with repeated listening to the songs, the more the aesthetic component of the music comes out. Traditionally, Navajo music was composed of male falsetto, yells, and percussion, but due to western influence, the situation has changed; as there is an integration of modernity into Navajo music. Navajo music has evolved tremendously to be where it is today. Traditionally, one could listen to a performance and forget it ever happened, as recording and storage of music were not known then. However, in the modern age, one can have a recorded performance and as well create stored samples of it for future reference. This has provided avenues for selling off the Navajo music, and he fans having an easier way of reviving their musical memories. In the activities of music, there are two parties that are the performers and listeners. In the performers section, there are singers, dancers and those playing various musical instruments such as drums and flutes. Various bands are also formed depending on the ceremonies the songs are to be sung; which in most cases are the ritual ceremonies. The Navajo music is also unique in its own way, being that anyone is free to attend the various musical concerts; except for those requiring membership of strictly men or women of the Navajo community, such as ritual songs. On social organization, blues celebrities were considered of low-status in the society when they arose. However upon gaining popularity abroad, they gained respect and had a high social status. This enabled them sell their music better and gain higher chances of playing at concerts. Blues, as a component of Navajo music, has its texts influenced by people's daily experiences. The repertoire of music is another element of music culture to explore. Navajo music is composed of various genres such as hip hop, blues. Rock, country music, among others. Navajo music is composed of mixed various genres, which means that artists are free to express their creative energy by mixing a variety of genres; for instance, hip hop. As far as text is concerned, Navajo music mostly emphasizes on beauty and harmony; that musicians must take into account when composing their songs. That is not a major restriction, however as some artists compose their music based on everyday experiences; for listeners to receive consolation. Turning to composition, Navajo music is classic, which, therefore, means that it is composed of an introduction, several verses, chorus, a solo, and conclusion. The conclusion of the traditional Navajo ritual music often emphasizes the harmony and beauty of its people. Though, with a similar composition, Navajo music differs in term of movement; in that, some bands would play sophisticated and long songs while others would, short, slower and simpler songs. Movement is also determined by the kind of ceremonies involved, for instance, ceremonial dancing is determined by ritual control while hip hop genre is determined by how fast or slow the music is. Hip hop music is mostly composed of fast movements as compared to rock music or blues that are usually slow and, therefore, require slower movements. Navajo music has a good number of fans who are devoted to buying their music on various media such as CD players, I-Pods, and one can as well hear them sung on the radio. Some fans are even determined enough to come up with a CD collection of various genres of Navajo music and distribute them to themselves and have a copy too. Before the modern age also, cassettes could be used to record and store music for decades, though outdated today. There also are concerts that bring together some bands, both locally and internationally. This coming together of various people to these concerts, help in the promotion of the Navajo culture; as those who lacked ideas on various areas of the culture get an opportunity to learn; through the music and dancing. To appreciate the efforts of their artists, listeners could ask for autographs from them or take photos with them, posing with their favorite instruments like flutes, drums, among others. To the concerts also, some fans come dressed with their clothing having the band’s logos to show their devotion and love for the band of the day. Navajo music takes a broad part of world music as it is seen to encompass all the elements of music culture. This is in terms of ideas of music, activities of music, repertories of music as well as the material culture of music. There is a direct relationship between Navajo music and its culture, to the extent that either of the aspects has control over another. Throughout centuries, Navajo music has undergone modernization in the various spheres and can even be recorded and stored for generations to come. Work Cited Read More