World Music Day 2024: History, Theme, And So Much More!

“To live is to be musical, starting with the blood dancing in your veins. Everything living has a rhythm. Do you feel your music?” — Michael Jackson

Not to sound cheesy, but I believe that music is the universal language of love and culture. Wherever you are or whoever you are, I’m sure, music has played a big part in your growing up. At least, it was a part of my life growing up. I remember my dad singing songs to me when I was a kid, borrowing my Uncle’s classic cassettes to listen to on my Walkman, and even listening to folk songs of my state on important occasions.

All these instances – especially where music was involved – shaped my preferences and continue to do so today. So, when I found out that we were celebrating World Music Day, how could I sit back!?

World Music Day is celebrated annually on June 21 and is an international celebration of music and its impact on our lives. Now, I’m not just talking about our tastes and preferences; I’m talking about the way music impacts our well-being.

So, let’s explore the history, theme, and more about World Music Day in this article.

P.S. On this World Music Day, check out what your music tastes say about your personality, here.

The History of World Music Day

World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, was first celebrated in 1982 in France. The then-Prime Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, intended a day specifically dedicated to celebrating music. This idea gained momentum and ever since became a global event, celebrated annually in over 120 countries around the world.

The idea of World Music Day is about bringing together cultures and music. From professional musicians to amateurs, everyone who enjoys music comes together to share the joys music brings to their lives. One thing becomes clear when celebrating this day; No matter who you are or where you come from, music unites people, bridges cultural divides, and creates a world where harmony rules.

In 2024, World Music Day continues to transcend borders, cultures, and languages – connecting people!

Also Read: What is Music Meditation: How To Meditate With Music

World Music Day And Mental Health

Over the years, music and its benefits have been studied to offer help and comfort in times of distress. Music’s influence on mental health has been profound, offering emotional comfort and expression. Music and its impact on mental health includes;

• Helps Reduce Stress: Listening to calming music can reduce stress levels as it activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This response helps your body relax and lower cortisol levels.
• Helps Improve Mood: Listening to upbeat music can boost your mood and provide an escape from negative emotions. Music therapy can be used to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety as well.
• Helps Stimulate The Brain: Music can stimulate various parts of your brain, improving cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and even problem-solving skills. Someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia can also benefit from music therapy.
• Helps Express Emotions: Words can be hard, I understand, so what to do when you want to express your feelings, but can’t? Music! This medium can be a non-verbal outlet for expressing your emotions.
• Helps Improve Social Connections: Music brings people together, indeed. Listening to music, playing music, or even singing can bring a sense of community and belonging. Group activities involving music can deepen social connections.
• Helps Improve Sleep: Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t listen to music before going to bed. I have been doing that since I was old enough to have my Walkman by my side. Even today, I listen to relaxing music and sleep sounds to improve my sleep quality.

World Music Day 2024 Theme

The World Music Day 2024 theme hasn’t been announced yet. For 2023 and 2022, the theme for International Music Day had been “Music on the Intersections” and for 2021, “Make Music Day”.

You can still celebrate World Music Day! Here are some ways to enjoy the benefits of music;

• Host or attend live music events near you
• Organize or participate in flash mobs
• Listen to global music
• Attend virtual concerts
• Explore music therapy
• Connect with people who enjoy similar music tastes and preferences

The Importance of Music

The significance of International Music Day is in the participation, celebration, tradition, and support of music and musicians all around the world. The idea of this day is to make music accessible to all – regardless of their age, background, or skills. Music should be in our everyday lives and to live up to this principle, World Music Day invites everyone to enjoy music publically.

The day is about celebrating music traditions and encouraging people to exchange cultural knowledge to invite a more inclusive world. And let’s not forget the power of music. World Music Day is a reminder to all to use music as a medium to stay united in the joys of shared celebration.

Music And Its Impact on Youth

The youth is influenced by music, more often than not. World Music Day offers youth all types of opportunities to learn and express themselves. Here are some other ways music impacts you – as a youth;

• Music Inspires: When you’re exposed to the music of the world – genres and performances – it can inspire you to explore your tastes and preferences.
• Music Helps You Grow: During World Music Day, participating in workshops or music classes can allow you to learn and grow. This can improve your musical knowledge and skills.
• Music Transcends Borders: With World Music Day, you can understand and respect different cultures, traditions, and musical styles.
• Music Builds Connection: When you listen to music, you share your favorite tunes with your friends and loved ones. This can build connections. Moreover, if you join groups and choirs, then you meet people with similar tastes, strengthening those connections.
• Music Helps in Expression: As a young adult, putting words to feelings can be hard. Music, here, can act as an outlet for expressing your emotions.

How Music Helps…

Professionals from different fields recognize the benefits of music. Neurologist Olivia Sacks says, “Music evokes emotion, and emotion can bring memories… it brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.”

The Director of the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine, Dr. Loewy opined, “Music therapy can help people heal faster by reducing pain and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and providing emotional support.”

Professionals also believe that listening to music involves almost every part of the brain. From the ability to focus to improving memory. Music, indeed, is emotional and activates the pleasure or reward system of the brain.

Quotes For World Music Day

• “Without music, life would be a mistake.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

• “Music is the universal language of mankind” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

• “There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music” — George Eliot

• “Music can change the world because it can change people” — Bono

• “Musicians want to be the loud voice for so many quiet hearts.” — Billy Joel

• “Music is life itself.” — Louis Armstrong

• “Music expresses feeling and thought, without language; it was below and before speech, and it is above and beyond all words.” ― Robert G. Ingersoll

• “When we listen to music we are not listening to the past, we are not listening to the future, we are listening to an expanded present.” — Alan Watts
• “Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes

Wrapping Up…

World Music Day is more than just a day; it’s an international movement to bring forth the power of music. It might have started in France, but the idea of celebrating music has reached global lengths. Whether it’s the positive impact of music on mental health or inspiring younger generations, music continues to be an important part of our everyday lives.

On this World Music Day, take a moment to enjoy music that you love, explore new genres, and share your love of music with people around you. It’s the universal language of music that binds us all together, reminding us of the beauty of harmony – in existence and music.

Share your favorite music, album, and artists with us in the comments below, and share your love of music with your loved ones this International Music Day.

Take Care!