It serves as both a reflection of, and a catalyst for sociological and technological growth. Music is both art and science. As an art, it manifests itself as the result of a creative process and of performance skill, in both cases requiring practice and refinement. As a science, its manipulation is subject both to physical laws and to theoretical structure. Innovations of musical performance result from and contribute to broader innovations.
Musical function can be as much utilitarian as emotional.
Music can fulfill extra-musical objectives in influencing human behavior. Its therapeutic value derives from physiological and psychological effects which can be manipulated to encourage wellness in the infirmed and handicapped. The value of music as an instructional tool for extra-musical purposes is well documented. Music has unique properties as a form of human intelligence which may be developed or remain undeveloped, but are a part of the whole person, regardless. For some individuals, musical intelligence is a primary way of knowing.