Music serves many purposes across world cultures. It has been used for storytelling, entertainment, social events, military communication and coordination, religious ceremonies, accompanying work, inspiring political change, personal pleasure, healing, and education through fables and instructional songs. Music passes down cultural history and knowledge from generation to generation.

1. Music Has a Purpose
10 Reasons for the use of music in
world cultures

2. Storytelling
Before computers, books, and even paper
existed, societies would pass down
information about their history and culture by
singing stories to young children. Those
children would then sing those songs to
children when they became adults.

3. Entertainment
Before TV, Blue-Ray, and Ipods, people used
music as a way to be entertained. They would
often incorporate dancing as part of these
activities.

4. Social Events
Music is often part of social events such as
weddings, funerals, celebrations, harvests,
and festivals.

5. Military
Some cultures use songs and instruments to
communicate military strategies. Drum
patterns are often used to give orders to
soldiers who are far away.
The military also uses music when marching or
moving from place to place as a group. This
keeps close groups of soldiers moving at the
same pace.

6. Religion
Many cultures use music to connect with their
gods, participate in ceremonies, and develop a
connection to people they worship with.

7. Work Songs
People often sing to help pass time when they
are working. When doing physical work,
groups of people often sing songs and move
tools to the beat. For example, women
grinding corn with stones, or people hoeing
the ground.

8. Political Climate
People often sing songs when they are seeking
change in government. These songs help
inspire people to do more and encourage
others to join their cause.

9. Pleasure
Many musicians play or sing for their own
pleasure, either to help pass the time, or
convey how they are feeling.

10. Healing
Some people believe that music has healing
properties. They believe music can cure sick
or wounded people. There is even a
profession called Music Therapy.

11. Education
Musical fables exist to help teach people
morals. A fable is a story, sometimes set to
music, with a hidden message.
Some songs outline the steps needed to
complete certain activities such as how to
brush your teeth correctly.