MUSIC

 Music, of all the arts, is considered to have universal appeal and acceptance. This universality, however, does not imply that music lacks personality. Each country has a distinct style of music that encapsulates the complete experience, the collective consciousness of its people. Thus, music is the collective manifestation of an individual's musical genius. This is the case with Philippine music, which is now recognized as a unique synthesis of two major musical traditions - Eastern and Western. Being musical by nature, the Filipinos have absorbed these traditions and woven their musical inventions around these mainstream musical ideas from the beginning to the present. Philippine society has witnessed the evolution of music in many forms and artistic subtleties over time. The Filipinos, endowed with a high sense of musicality, use music to communicate their deepest emotions. As a result, each song they sing, each instrument they play, and each piece of music they create is a direct, almost spontaneous expression of their hopes and longings, frustrations and fulfillment, as well as failures and victories.

   Philippine music can be classified into four distinct eras or traditions: ethnic, Spanish Colonial, American Colonial, and Contemporary. Most Philippine music is influenced by Western cultural influences, mainly owing to almost three centuries of Spanish and American occupation. Oriental (ethnic) musical traditions exist but are primarily found in highland and lowland barrios with little Western influence.

   Music is a time-based art form that expresses thoughts and emotions through rhythm, melody, harmony, and color. The tones or sounds used, whether in a single line (melody) or numerous lines (harmony), and sounded or intended to be sounded by one or more voices, instruments, or both. Musical compositions or works for singing or playing. The written or printed score of a musical composition. Any noises or sounds that are lovely, attractive, or harmonious. Mindanao's music is vibrant and distinctive. They do this to entertain as well as to demonstrate their culture to their younger generation and visitors. Their vocal music is divided into nine distinct styles.

Islamic traditions thrive in western Mindanao's coastal and lowland areas. Folk culture and court music date back to the tenth century or even earlier in the pre-Islamic society's musical traditions. Music is frowned upon in the core Islamic concept. However, the inflow of Arabs and Persians' Islamic cultures has altered this stance. The people's musical traditions in Western Mindanao's coastal and lowland areas are critical components of their social lives and serve as the primary source of their ethnic identities. These indigenous people's musical practices are a synthesis of Western and non-Western concepts. The significance of Mindanao music in the culture and people is that it acts as an identity, allowing the rest of the world to learn more about Mindanao culture. Mindanao music is a reflection of people's lives. Mindanao's contemporary music art promotes, communicates, and demonstrates the beauty of its music, as well as the unique sound and storytelling of its vocal music and instruments.