Music can be used to induce tears and laughter, create tension, bolster spirits and motivate. TV shows use theme music to announce their presence, some comedians have signature tunes, and advertisers use catchy tunes to sell their products. When we hear this tune again we immediately make the connection to the advertised product. In kindergartens and primary schools music is one of the most important elements of teaching young children. The songs and rhymes we learn when we are young often stay with us most of our lives.
Many parents revisit the songs with their children and realize they know all the words.
Music can remind us of both happy and sad times in our lives and bring the memories flooding back. Popular music tastes change and the music of the 60's sounds totally different from today's mass market music. Some people keep up with the trends where others prefer to stay with the past. After playing Chopin, I feel as if I had been weeping over sins that I had never committed, and mourning over tragedies that were not my own. More detail is in the recommended reading list below.