Appreciation of Music: A Guide Author : Himmat Chakyar

Music is the art and science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds or tones in varying melody, harmony, rhythm and timbre, especially so as to form structurally complete and emotionally expressive compositions. To appreciate music the listener need not know the definition of music. The knowledge of science is desirable in that it helps him or her to substantiate his or her conclusions. However, it is not a must, because music and human psyche are so inter-related that the mind involuntarily responds to music like a plant to sunlight. ‘Music appreciation’ is teaching a person what to listen for and how to understand what they are hearing in different types of music. Music appreciation is a division of musicology that is designed to teach students how to understand and describe the contexts and creative processes involved in music composition. The concept of music appreciation is often taught as a subset of music theory in higher education and focuses predominantly on Western art music, commonly called “Classical music”. This valuable book on music introduces the meaning and various forms. The book will be useful for music students, teachers and music lovers.

Himmat Chakyar holds a PhD. in Musicology from the University of Delhi. Himmat possesses a diverse range of musical expertise, having studied and practiced various genres and styles throughout his life. He has also worked as a research scientist at the Centre for Performing Arts, University of Kerala. His comprehensive understanding of music theory, composition, and performance allows him to provide valuable insights into the world of music appreciation. Beyond his writing, Himmat actively participates in musical events, seminars, and workshops, where he shares his knowledge and passion with fellow musicians and enthusiasts. His engaging presentations and insightful discussions contribute to the broader discourse on music appreciation and inspire others to explore the depths of music.