International Music Day – October 1, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
In 1974, the International Music Council declared that International Music Day would be celebrated on October 1 every year. Celebrate this day even if you don’t play music by actively appreciating and enjoying the power of music in bringing people together.
History of International Music Day
Music occurs within nature and humans have been recreating it probably since the beginning of time, as singing or humming seems to be a natural part of human development. Babies can even begin to sing as early as three months old!
While music has its unique attributes based on the culture and area of the world it comes from, it is a human activity that is exclusive to the human race and part of every culture in the world. Music unites human beings!
With that in mind, in 1949, the International Music Council was created as an associate organization of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Its purpose was to express solidarity between human beings in the global music ecosystem. Connecting, encouraging and providing access for musicians around the world, this organization started International Music Day
Initiated in 1973 by the 15th General Assembly of the International Music Council, the first International Music Day was celebrated in 1975. The intention behind the day was to promote musical art among all sectors of society as well as applying the UNESCO ideas of peace and friendship among people.
Many methods of teaching music have been embraced all over the world, some of these specific to certain cultures. In Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and other places, children are often taught different versions of music in schools including singing and the playing of instruments such as recorders or percussion like drums and bells.
Whether a professional musician or novice, whether an opera singer or someone who really can’t carry a tune, International Music Day encourages people all over the globe to join in with five goals:
- To allow children and adults to express themselves freely through music.
- To give opportunities for children and adults to learn musical skills and languages.
- To provide access to musical involvement for all.
- To allow musical artists to develop and communicate through media and using proper facilities.
- For musical artists to obtain recognition and fair remuneration for their work.
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC DAY TIMELINE
1949
UNESCO Creates the International Music Council
The Council is created to advise UNESCO on how music can further promote world peace and enable cultures to coexist harmoniously.
1973
The Genesis of a Day for Music
The Council passes a resolution in the 15th General Assembly in Lausanne, Switzerland, acknowledging the importance of a day dedicated to music.
November 30, 1974
Yehudi Menuhin Proclaims International Music Day
President of the International Music Council Lord Yehudi Menuhin writes a letter to all the members of the Council proclaiming that October 1 will be celebrated as International Music Day.
October 1, 1975
The First International Music Day
The first-ever International Music Day is celebrated.
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5 MUSIC RIGHTS ADVOCATED BY THE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COUNCIL
Freedom of musical expression
All people, including children and adults, should be able to involve themselves in music through participation, listening, creating, or sharing and gathering information.
Freedom to learn
All children and adults have the right to learn any musical language and skill.
Right of access
All children and adults should be able to involve themselves in music through participation, listening, creating, or sharing and gathering information.
Development of artistry
All musical artists should have the freedom to develop their artistry and communicate through all media, with proper facilities.
Right to fair remuneration
All musical artists should be allowed to obtain fair remuneration and just recognition for their musical creation and performances.
How to Celebrate International Music Day
International Music Day offers tons of opportunities to enjoy and celebrate everything to do with music and all of the amazing benefits it has to offer. Consider some of these ideas for getting involved:
Listen to Music
Whether it is classical music that promotes brain development or modern music that makes your body want to move and dance, International Music Day can be celebrated by putting on some tunes. Turn up the volume in the car or pop in those headphones at work and join in on all the fun and benefits that music has to offer.
Create some playlists on an online music platform, turn on the car radio, toss some vinyl on that vintage record player or grab some of those old CDs and get playing. Many different opportunities exist to enjoy listening to music in celebration of the day!
