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In response to my own question, yes. Everything in life has its own rhythm. Music as multiple rhythms melding and meshing and clashing to create a feel.

Hm...I don't really think music can change us all that much. I know I enjoy it, both playing and listening to it, and both can be pretty emotionally rewarding experiences. It's a part of who I am, for sure, but I don't think it's ever resulted in a change.



Why are people who listen to music more often more easily manipulated, again?

That is meerly the listening. Playing the music is something entirely. It takes discipline to play with a group. It takes patience so perhaps learning to play an instrument can change someone.

If you're right, then I'm screwed because I never stop listening to music...>.>
But then again, I'm not easily toyed with as is, so I guess I'll just be careful ;D

Well yeah. All but the most insightful think that. The key to good manipulation is making them think that it was there own idea and flattering them with what a good idea it is, all while being subtle enough about it all to not overplay one's hand.
Just because you think you're hard to manipulate, doesn't mean you are. Not only that, but this tends to make it easier. I'd watch yourself all the more.

Manipulating friends is really tricky, at least doing so covertly. I remember one time I manipulated my friend in such a way that she knew I was doing it, but was suckered in any way... But as I saw it was for the greater benefit of all three of us. I sure don't regret it.

In response to Josh, I don't agree with you. I listen to music a lot (since I was about 12). I listen to it walking to the train station, on the train from home to Auckland city, then on the bus to university itself, walking between classes, waiting for the classes to start, then walking back down to the train station, then on the train home, then on the walk home again. As soon as I get home I hook my laptop up to my stereo, and listen to it until my flatmates return home from work. Despite this, I do not believe I am an easily manipulated person. Whilst I find some music to be emotionally stimulating, I don't feel the need to listen to music just because I find it stimulating, and I don't have any set playlist for the emotional rollercoaster that is life. Manipulation preys more on someone's emotional state of mind, so in my opinion an individual needs to be in a pretty dark place (or be incredibly weak) in order for someone to be able to manipulate them because of their taste in music.

Now, to address lyrics. Lyrics are the part of music that I find to be emotionally stimulating, and they can affect my mood, or bring back memories. However, I'm just as likely to listen to Cobra Starship (nonsensical rubbish) as I am to crank up Pink Floyd (which has more meaning to the lyrics).

In regards to playing music: forming a band, or making it big has definitely got the potential to change someone. Making it big due to music can either be someone's downfall or greatest triumph. For someone who lost their way due to music, one must look as far as Sid Barret, or Britney Spears. Or someone who's been brought back from the edge; Gerard Way. Writing music can be as theraputic as witing a diary, and the majority of artists will agree. Because really, whilst Skylines and Turnstiles may mean the world to some emo kid, it will never mean more to the person who created it.

Finally (for now), I am amazed that noone has brought up conditioning. As seen in A Clockwork Orange, Alex is able to be conditioned away from violence through the use of something he loves: music. And not just any music, Classical Music. The scientists in the book make him watch acts of violence whilst playing him classical music in a controlled environment. I believe this to be entirely possible, and is therefore a viable pathway to alter someone's behaviour through music.