Music connects people to time and place. For instance, many of you may remember a song that comforted you during a difficult time or that was playing during a happy occasion like a graduation or engagement. Despite varying tastes, the one constant across humanity is that music can play a role in times of comfort and celebration.

This weeks writing assignment asks you to consider what songs are important to you and why. Or, if you would prefer, you may interview another person and use their replies to write this essay from their point of view. You can think of this as collecting the soundtrack of someones life or a musical autobiography.

In 7501,000 words, consider and explain the role of music in your life story or of your interview subjects life story. Your assignment should be written in essay format with a thesis, main points, and substantive conclusion. You must incorporate a connection to the Unit 8 text reading material, so you need to cite at least one source. Be sure to incorporate APA citations throughout the analysis, and include a reference page at the end of your analysis.

For each of the following categories, you must include at least one specific song and artist. Express the music and link it directly to an experience and the emotions you felt. Remember to link your individual experience to broaden your understanding of the impact of music at large.

In your analysis, address the following to examine music in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood:

What music do you associate with childhood? How did/does this music make you feel? How do your choices reflect your childhood experiences? What can you conclude about the nature of music and its impact after this reflection on your personal experience? As you discuss this time in life, include at least one specific song/artist. Explain their role in this experience.
What music do you associate with adolescence? Was this music a way to fit in or rebel? What can you conclude about the nature of music and its impact after this reflection on your personal experience? As you discuss this time in life, include at least one specific song/artist. Explain their role in this experience.
What music do you associate with comfort or inspiration in your adulthood? How do these songs help you deal with disappointment or stress? What can you conclude about the nature of music and its impact after this reflection on your personal experience? Include at least one specific song/artist for this category.