Special thanks to my Ethnomusicologist Professor Marc Benamou.

Music & the Nature of Human Experience

Music, as a universal art form, transcends boundaries, cultures, and time. Its elements—pitch, rhythm, melody, and harmony—bring countless pleasures to people worldwide, often framed within the Western musical system. But does this system capture all the meaning music holds? As ethnomusicologist Carol Robertson observed, “Our ways of talking about music are all formulated by a particular kind of experience with music.” Music is not merely a series of pleasing sounds; it is a culturally relative phenomenon deeply embedded in human identity.

By examining the Mapuche people’s tayil and reflecting on the role of music in both individual and communal life, we can explore how music shapes and reflects the human experience.

Tayil: Sacred Music of the Mapuche

Tayil is a sacred vocal genre performed by the Mapuche people of Argentina, primarily used in spiritual and ceremonial contexts. It serves as a means of connecting the living with their ancestors and deities, incorporating unique melodies and syllables that hold deep cultural meaning. Each tayil is associated with specific patrilineages or cosmological realms and is traditionally performed by women during significant rituals.

Two examples of tayil include the weke tayil and the wenu tayil. The weke tayil connects members of the weke patrilineage, while the wenu tayil bridges worshippers with deities and ancestors inhabiting the celestial realm.

At first glance, these melodies may seem like simple sequences of notes—the weke tayil descends from C♯ to G, while the wenu tayil ascends from B♭ to C. But interpreting them through a Western lens reduces them to mere contrapuntal motion. As Robertson explains, truly understanding these melodies requires setting aside our preconceived categories—like “music” itself—to uncover the cultural meanings behind them.

Tayil is often performed during ceremonies like the Nguillipun, where music plays a vital role in creating a spiritual connection between humans and gods. In this ritual, the kultrun drum—played by the witakultrunfe (female ritual specialist)—represents the layered structure of the universe. While its rhythmic patterns can be notated as “–///” or “/-//–,” such technical analysis pales in comparison to its emic (insider) significance. From a Mapuche perspective, the kultrun amplifies spiritual energy, allowing divine blessings to flow to worshippers.

**The Mapuche Flag**

Flag of the Mapuche people (Chile).

Personal Reflections: Music and Flow, Faith, and Memory.

For me, music is both a refuge and a tool for personal growth. Instrumental music, in particular, helps me reach a state of flow. Practicing challenging pieces like Chopin’s Études requires intense focus and repetition, which cultivates discipline and mastery. But it’s not just about technical improvement—this process deepens my relationship with the piano as both an instrument and an expressive medium.

Music also serves as a spiritual bridge. As a practicing Christian, Gospel music enables me to connect with God, amplify my worship, and find comfort during distressing times. Songs about forgiveness and grace remind me to grow as a believer, nurturing both personal and spiritual development.

Music evokes memory and emotion, too. Michael Jackson’s Heal the World takes me back to a school play about environmentalism, flooding my mind with joyful moments from childhood. How can a single song bring such vivid nostalgia? That’s the mysterious power of music: it intertwines past and present, emotion and memory, into a living experience.

How Music Builds Community

Music’s impact extends far beyond the individual—it nurtures belonging, joy, and emotional well-being in communities. For example, fans of BTS find comfort in the group’s lyrics and build friendships through online communities. These interactions create a sense of belonging that strengthens both the fan base and its shared identity.

Rhythm, in particular, plays a crucial role in uniting people. One of my friends once noted how synchronized rhythms encourage collective participation, turning passive listeners into active dancers. The result? Joy, movement, and a communal experience of being part of something larger.

This communal power also supports mental health. One of my African American friends shared a lyric from a poem that captures this beautifully:

“Music can make me forget all of my pain.
It brings out the sun when I can only see the rain.”

Whether through pop music’s challenge to societal norms or its celebration of self-love, music validates and uplifts. That validation ripples outward, fostering empathy and solidarity in broader communities.

Across the World, Across the Soul: Music in Cultural Context

Across cultures, music reflects deeply held beliefs and traditions. In Javanese gamelan music, the sacredness of bronze instruments stems from the spiritual connection between the earth’s elements and the craftsmen who forge them. Similarly, the Mapuche kultrun serves as both a ritual tool and a cosmic symbol. In both cases, music becomes more than sound—it is an offering to the divine, a tribute expressing reverence and gratitude.

Gender roles also intersect with music in meaningful ways. Among the Mapuche, the performance of tayil is reserved for women, emphasizing their societal importance and spiritual authority. Merriam’s insight that “music serves as a method to validate social institutions and religious rituals” resonates here. Through these ritual performances, the Mapuche preserve their cultural identity and pass down traditions across generations.

Music’s Limits and Moral Complexities

Yet, music’s power has its limits. As scholar Robert Fink observed, even the most moving compositions cannot solve systemic issues or prevent human failings. History reminds us of this sobering truth—consider the fate of Johann Sebastian Bach’s daughter, who lived in poverty despite her father’s enduring musical legacy.

But these limitations do not diminish music’s value. Instead, they invite us to engage with it more thoughtfully. Exploring unfamiliar sounds—whether tayil, gamelan, or Gospel—helps us appreciate both the diversity and the universality of musical expression.

Conclusion

What does music do for humans? The answer is as varied as the cultures and individuals who engage with it. Music connects the living and the divine, fosters personal growth, strengthens social bonds, and preserves cultural traditions. It transcends boundaries while reflecting the unique values of each community.

By embracing the rich tapestry of global music, we not only expand our understanding but also uncover common threads that unite us. The journey to uncover music’s meaning is endless, but each step brings us closer to understanding its profound role in the human experience.

Special thanks to my Ethnomusicology Professor, Marc Benamou.
https://earlham.edu/faculty-staff/marc-benamou/

Bibliography.

Becker, Judith. Earth, Fire, Śakti, and the Javanese Gamelan.
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Fink, Robert. "Music and Morals."
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Robertson-DeCarbo, Carol E. "Tayil as Category and Communication among the Argentine Mapuche: A Methodological Suggestion." Yearbook of the International Folk Music Council 8 (1976): 4–18.
Robertson-DeCarbo, Carol E., and Casamiquela. "Tayil as Category and Communication among the Argentine Mapuche: A Methodological Suggestion." Yearbook of the International Folk Music Council 8 (1976): 17.
Sacks, Oliver. Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain.
Scruton, Roger. Music and the Transcendental.
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Music & The Human Experience: Culture, Memory & Identity