Find Your Sound, Own It, Live It, Make It Simply Unforgettable Early in my journey, I realized that mimicking others could only take me so far. True growth came when I embraced my own sound. Developing a unique and excellent musical signature, artistic uniqueness, creativity, and cultural impact is essential because it distinguishes you from others, making your work instantly recognizable. Music historians and researchers, using tools like historiometry, show that musical greatness isn’t just about style, it’s also about productivity, influence, and historical context (Simonton, 1994). Scholars like Simonton and Paisley (1980) reveal that legacy in music is built through originality, persistence, and cultural relevance. Your sound is more than just notes and rhythms, it’s a historical imprint, shaping the artistic landscape for generations to come. Pouring your entirety into your craft allows you to connect deeply with your audience, offering them the best of yourself. When you create with authenticity and passion, you don’t just make music, you make a statement to the world saying: "This is my sound, my art, my gift to you." So, as you craft your sound, remember — history doesn’t remember the best imitators; it remembers the boldest creators. Remember this – what applies to music equally applies to life, because "MUSIC IS LIFE"! 😃🫶 — Joseph Adeleye References Paisley, W. J. (1980). Information and creativity: Toward a research agenda. In B. Dervin & M. J. Voigt (Eds.), Progress in communication sciences (Vol. 2, pp. 125–146). Ablex. Simonton, D. K. (1994). Greatness: Who makes history and why. Guilford Press. #MusicIdentity #CreativeGenius #Historiometry #Originality #MusicEducation #CulturalImpact #COLLSMusicAcademy

 

From Sociopsychology of Music to Music Economics: The Evolution of Sound and Business The field of Sociopsychology of Music explores how social structures, cultural norms, and psychological factors influence musical behavior. Globalization and technology have significantly transformed the music industry, the discipline has naturally expanded into Music Economics, which examines the financial and market-driven aspects of music production, distribution, and consumption. Music is a force that influences our emotions, connects communities, and drives economies. Music moves from personal taste to global business. Countries like South Korea and Nigeria have recently harnessed music's power, turning K-Pop and Afrobeats into significant cultural exports, in a bid to diversify their economy. Music is now an export shaping global trends and cultural influence (Towse, 2020). Nigeria’s Afrobeats is now a billion-dollar industry, with Nigerian artists achieving remarkable influence and affluence on the global stage. Integrating music business, entrepreneurship, economics, and technology into music education empowers students to thrive in the evolving music industry. — Joseph Adeleye, FMNES #Musiceconomics #Culturalinfluence #Globalmusic #Economicpolicy #musicenterpreneurship #musictechnology #musiceducation What role does music play in your daily life or industry? Share your thoughts below!

 

How Music Shapes Our Feelings, Choices, and Daily Life What is an Aesthetic Experience? Have you ever listened to a song and felt ecstatic (happy), sad, or even inspired? That feeling is part of what we call an aesthetic experience. It is our emotional and mental response or reaction to music. Traditionally, people thought aesthetics was only about great works of art or classical music. But in reality, our daily experiences or interactions with everyday music, like humming a tune, vibing to a song on TikTok, or listening to the radio, are just as important and considered as valuable aesthetic experiences (Shusterman, 1992). Why Do We Like Certain Music? A psychologist named Daniel Berlyne (1971) discovered that our music taste is influenced by three main things: 1. Familiarity - We often like songs we’ve heard before. We like songs that ring a bell or sound familiar 2. Complexity - Some people love simple melodies, while others enjoy intricate or complex/jazzy compositions. 3. Novelty - A fresh, unique sound can excite, tickle our fancy or keep us intrigued. That’s why some people prefer Afrobeat, others love jazz, and some enjoy K-pop. It all depends on how our brains respond to these elements! How Society Influences Our Music Preferences? Music is not just about sound, it reflects the world around us. The way we experience music is shaped by social norms, traditions, and even the people we hang out with (Bourdieu, 1984). In some cultures, classical music is seen as prestigious, while pop and hip-hop might be considered rebellious or youthful. Family and friends influence our choices. Kids who grow up in a home filled with "gospel music" or "rhythm & blues" may naturally prefer it. Social expectations about gender can also shape what instruments people learn. For instance, the violin is often associated with girls, while drums are seen as more “masculine” (Green, 1997). Correcting these gender-based biases and their limitations is an ongoing effort or enlightenment among music teachers and adults in society. Same Music, Different Meaning: Did you know the same song can mean different things depending on where and how it is played? This is called contextual meaning. A national anthem can make people feel patriotic at a sports event but remind others of oppression in a historical setting. A love song can feel romantic when played at a wedding but evoke sadness after a breakup. This shows that music is not just about sound, it’s about personal and cultural experiences (Small, 1998). This understanding helps guide song selection for appropriateness. Music and Emotions: How We Adapt Music helps us manage emotions. Music can do the following: I. Motivate us (e.g., workout playlists to boost energy, or help us wade through a difficult task or moment) II. Calm us down (e.g., lullabies for babies) III. Express feelings (e.g., protest songs for activism, or help us profess our love to our loved ones) IV. Music therapy research proves that music can reduce stress and improve mental health (Koelsch, 2014). That’s why schools and therapists use it to help kids and adults with anxiety, trauma, and learning difficulties. Why This Matters (Relevance) for Music Education? 1. Music learning should not only focus on formal lessons (like classical training) but also on real-life experiences or how people naturally engage with music in their daily lives. 2. Music teachers should blend structured lessons with everyday listening habits (e.g., analyzing popular songs alongside classical pieces). 3. Understanding how social and emotional factors shape music appreciation can help educators create inclusive and engaging learning experiences (Jorgensen, 2003). Summarily, music is not just entertainment, it’s part of how we feel, connect, and express ourselves. By understanding its social and emotional impact, we can appreciate music more deeply, whether we’re learning, teaching, or simply enjoying a good song. — Joseph Adeleye References: Berlyne, D. E. (1971). Aesthetics and Psychobiology. Appleton-Century-Crofts. Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste. Harvard University Press. Green, L. (1997). Music, Gender, Education. Cambridge University Press. Koelsch, S. (2014). “Brain and Music: A Lifespan Perspective.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 18(3), 131-137. Jorgensen, E. R. (2003). Transforming Music Education. Indiana University Press. Shusterman, R. (1992). Pragmatist Aesthetics: Living Beauty, Rethinking Art. Blackwell. Small, C. (1998). Musicking: The Meanings of Performing and Listening. Wesleyan University Press. #musiceducation #sociopsychologyofmusic #interdisciplinarylearning #collsmusicacademy

 

Helping Young Musicians Become Independent (A Guide for Parents & Teachers) Many young musicians love playing music but sometime struggle to make their own creative choices. Instead, they rely on their teachers or parents to tell them what to do most times. While guidance is important, too much dependency can slow down their growth as musicians. Have you ever noticed a child saying: I. “I don’t know what to play unless my teacher tells me.” II. “I’m afraid of making mistakes.” III. “I don’t want to try something new, it’s too hard.” This happens because most children feel safer following instructions than exploring on their own. But great musicians don’t just copy, they create, interpret, and express themselves! Why Do Some Kids Struggle with Independence? Research shows that children learn best when they have the right balance of: I. Support (someone to guide them) II. Challenge (tasks that push them to improve) III. Freedom (a chance to make their own choices) If a child only follows instructions, they miss out on discovering their own musical voice. How Can We Help? Here are some simple ways parents and teachers can help children grow into independent musicians: 1. Guide, then step back Show them how to play a song, then let them try without help. 2. Encourage “Musical Conversations”. Ask, “What do you think this piece is saying?” Let them explore different ways to play it. Let them explore alternative chords of best fit to a song, for instance. 3. Give choices or opportunities to make choices. Let them pick a song, try a new rhythm, or even change the melody a little. 4. Make mistakes a normal opportunity to learn. Show them that even professionals make mistakes and learn from them! 5. Let them teach someone else. When kids explain music to a friend or sibling or perhaps their parents, they understand it better themselves. The Goal is Confidence & Creativity! When children feel safe to explore, they become better musicians and better learners in general. So let’s encourage them to think, experiment, and express themselves through music! 🎵 What are your favorite ways to help young musicians become more independent? - Joseph Adeleye #musiceducation #earlychildhoodmusiceducation #parentalguide #teachersguide

 

Music Education is Shaping Minds not just Melodies: A music teacher does more than teach notes and rhythms. We help shape minds, emotions, and connections. Studies in the sociopsychology of music show that learning music strengthens memory, boosts creativity, and fosters social bonds. But beyond the research, we see it firsthand: I. How a hesitant beginner grows into a confident performer II. How discipline in practice turns into resilience in life III. How music becomes a bridge between cultures and generations, etc. Music education isn’t just about playing an instrument; it’s about nurturing the whole person - intellectually, emotionally, and socially.😀 #MusicEducation #SociopsychologyOfMusic #LifelongLearning #Creativity #ThePowerOfMusic

 

Will Today’s Music Stand the Test of Time? In his seminal work, Musical Taste: Its Measurement and Cultural Nature (1950), music psychologist Paul R. Farnsworth argued that musical taste isn’t purely subjective but it’s shaped by history, cultural bias, exposure, and, most importantly, social validation over time. The reason we still talk about Mozart, Beethoven, or Coltrane isn’t just their genius; it’s because their work has been continuously performed, studied, and reinterpreted across generations. So, the real question is: Who from our era will be considered “timeless” in 150 years?😄 We live in a world where music is more accessible than ever. For an artist’s work to endure, it needs more than just viral moments, it requires institutional adoption (universities, orchestras, and archives), cultural resonance, the ability to be reimagined by future generations & so much more. In my opinion, some strong contenders may include? John Williams & Hans Zimmer – Orchestral scores that define modern storytelling. The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé – Artists who shaped and redefined popular music. Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead, Björk – Innovators whose music carries depth and reinvention. Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, J Dilla – Figures whose work is foundational in their genres Who else do you think? But here’s the thought-provoking part: I. Does our current digital age help or hinder artistic immortality? II. Will AI-generated compositions and shifting tastes reshape what we even consider "timeless"? III. What do you think? Who from today’s generation has the potential to be studied, performed, and revered in 2175? 🤗 Joseph Adeleye, FMNES References: Farnsworth, P. R. (1950). Musical taste: Its measurement and cultural nature. Stanford University Press. Levitin, D. J. (2006). This is your brain on music: The science of a human obsession. Dutton/Penguin. #musiceducation #sociopyschologyofmusic #musicaltasteandpreferences #timelessmusic #musiceconomics #musictechnology

 

Why Sensitivity is Your Superpower as a Musician Have you ever felt deeply connected to a song, almost as if it spoke to your soul? That’s sensitivity at work! It's a powerful trait that fuels creativity and emotional depth in music. What is Sensitivity in Music? Sensitivity is your ability to feel deeply, daydream, and connect with emotions, all of which shape your music and artistic expression. It’s what makes a song more than just notes and turns it into something meaningful. Why Does Sensitivity Matter? 1. Creativity & Breaking Norms - Many great musicians think differently and challenge the usual way of doing things (status quo). Research shows that rejecting social norms can lead to higher creative achievement (Kemp, 1996). 2. Emotional Connection & Expression - Sensitivity helps you express emotions through music. Whether you’re a singer, instrumentalist, or composer, the ability to channel feelings into sound makes your music powerful & expressive more than mere words can tell 3. A Natural Part of Musical Intelligence - Studies suggest that musical ability is linked to or stems from parts of the brain responsible for emotion and motivation (Gardner, 1983). This means your emotions are connected to your music ability as an asset & definitely not a distraction or demerit. They’re part of your musical strength! Tap from your emotions and watch your body align to deliver your music enrichingly. 4. Sensitivity Grows with Experience - Research found that 84% of professional musicians show high emotional engagement (Kemp, 1996). This means that as you develop as a musician, your ability to connect emotionally will only get stronger. How to Use or Take Advantage of Your Sensitivity to Grow: 1. Embrace Your Feelings. Don’t suppress emotions; use them to bring depth, relatability & meaning to your music. 2. Explore Different Sounds. Let your intuition guide you to new creative ideas. 3. Find Meaning in Your Music. Play or compose pieces that resonate with your personal experiences. Even your pains can turn out to be gains for your musical expression 4. Balance Sensitivity with Discipline. Whilst Sensitivity helps with creativity, practice and technical skills are just as important. Being sensitive isn’t a weakness, it’s your creative superpower! Unleash it! Lean into it, express yourself, and let music be your voice. Love from one music lover to another - Joseph Adeleye Happy Valentine 🌹 References Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. Basic Books. Kemp, A. E. (1996). The musical temperament: Psychology and personality of musicians. Oxford University Press.