Music has shaped cultures and societies around the world, passed down from generation to generation. It has the power to alter one's mood, change perceptions, and inspire change. While everyone has a personal relationship with music, its effects on the culture around us may not be immediately apparent.

Music provides identity and the opportunity to tell others who you are. Music often provides a ritual function, either in the context of religion or in secular rituals like dance parties. Some traditional forms of American music focus mainly on the human voice and use minimal instrumentation or percussion.

Music is a reflection of society, culture, and identity. It is influenced by what is popular in society, cultural traditions, historical events, and movements. By examining the role of culture and identity in music, we can gain a better understanding of how music shapes and reflects the world around us.

For thousands of years, music has played an important role in bonding individuals and communities. Today, music is an important factor in determining friendships and peer culture. While this is true for older adults, music seems especially important for adolescents' social bonds.