1. Merriam’s Cultural Functions of Music The Anthropology of Music (1964)

2. Emotional Expression: the releasing of emotions and the expression of feelings

3. Aesthetic Enjoyment: the use of music for deep emotional & intellectual enjoyment, for experiencing artistic and nonverbal expression’s of life’s beauty

4. Entertainment: the use of music as diversion and amusement

5. Communication: the conveying of feelings & emotions that are understood by people within a particular culture

6. Symbolic representation: the expression of symbols exists in the texts of songs and in the cultural meaning of the musical sounds.

7. Physical Response: the use of music for dancing and other physical activity

8. Enforcement of conformity to social norms: the use of music to provide instructions or warnings

9. Validation of social institutions and religious rituals: the use of music in religious services and state occasions.

10. Contribution to the continuity and stability of culture: music as an expression of cultural values

11. Contribution to the integration of society: the use of music to bring people together