Universal Music Day – October 15, 2022, history significance
Every second Saturday in October is celebrated as Universal Music Day, on October 15 this year, and we are getting ready to treat our senses to an acoustic journey. Music has been around since the beginning of mankind, evolving into different forms with the passage of time. It comes in many genres such as classical, rock, country, and can be further divided into sub-genres such as country-pop, alternative rock, etc.
History of Universal Music Day
Music history dates as far back as human history. In fact, historians tend to believe that music actually predated language in the development of human culture. Human infants even make noises that are very much like singing, and this happens far earlier than they are able to develop language skills.
In fact, music is even a universal part of nature. Birds sing their songs from the trees in the morning and sometimes evening. Humpback whales offer a musical sound that comes with syntax. Mice even do a type of singing at supersonic levels. And the Pacific tree frogs sing about the weather as well as to mark their territory.
Founded as a global celebration that embodies the freedom and self-expression of music, Universal Music Day got its start in 2007 as the brain child of Susan Patricia Golden. Believing that music is the greatest gift that humans can give themselves, Golden considers herself to be a ‘reconstruction musician’, meaning that music allows people to take themselves back to their original freedom of expression as is found in children.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC DAY TIMELINE
1500 B.C.
The Guitar is Invented
The Hittites use frets to change the pitch of a vibrating string.
800 B.C.
The First Piece of Recorded Music
The first piece of recorded music is found with a religious hymn written in cuneiform.
1465
First Print Music
At the beginning of the Renaissance, the printing press is first used to print music.
December 24, 1906
‘O Holy Night’ Plays on Radio
‘O Holy Night’ is the first song played on the radio on Christmas.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC DAY ACTIVITIES
Attend a concert
You don’t need to go very far to attend a concert. Many local concerts are being held in nearby venues or public parks, which is a great way to encourage new artists while enjoying some good music.
Play an instrument
Being able to play the guitar has been your dream ever since you were a kid. Take this opportunity to give yourself the motivation to start learning to play any instrument. Learning to play a new instrument is not only a great exercise for your brain but also a neat way to impress people.
Plan a karaoke night
Sing your hearts out at the local karaoke, and have a blast! Just because you won’t sound as good as Adele doesn’t mean you can’t have fun singing. Plan a karaoke night with your friends and let the music take control.
5 FACTS ABOUT MUSIC THAT WILL MAKE YOU SWAY
The world’s longest-running performance
The 639-year performance started in 2001, is still running in Germany, and is scheduled to conclude in 2640.
Mozart sold more CDs than Beyoncé
Mozart sold the most CDs in 2016, beating Grammy winners Adele, Drake, and Beyoncé.
Plants grow faster to music
According to South Korean scientists, plants grow faster when music is played around them.
The most profitable song of all time
‘Happy Birthday’ is the most profitable song bringing millions a year in royalties.
The most expensive musical instrument
In 2011, the ‘Lady Blunt’ Stradivarius violin sold for a world-record $15.9 million.
WHY WE LOVE UNIVERSAL MUSIC DAY
Music is happiness
Research has shown that when you listen to your favorite music, your brain releases dopamine, which helps boost the mood. But we were all already aware of music’s mood-boosting abilities. So play some of your favorite tunes the next time you need to lift your spirits.
Music is a stress-buster
Listening to music helps decrease the levels of the stress hormone in your body. Another study suggests that actively participating in activities related to producing music such as playing an instrument or singing can help boost the immune system. So singing along with the radio while you drive back from work might not be such a bad idea after all.
Music helps you eat less
According to research at Georgia Tech University, softening the lighting and music while eating made people consume fewer calories and enjoy their meals more. Be sure to include some music in your diet plan next time you need to shed off that holiday weight.
