Music is the only universal languageWhen people think of the term literacy, they most commonly define it as the ability to read and write, in a verbal sense. But beyond that there is a wide range of literacy skills, which also require mastery of a number of crucial skills. One such example is musical literacy, which is the ability to read, write, or appreciate music. Musical literacy isn't that different from verbal literacy. Leonard G. Ratner, speaking of the music of the 18th and 19th centuries, writes "Both language and music had their own vocabulary, their own syntax, and arrangement of formal structures, subsumed under the heading Rhetoric" (xiv). In other words, music, like language, is based on its own set of learned rules, and both serve as a form of communication. But what exactly does it mean to be musically literate? An example is the ability to look at a piece of music and know how its components fit together, such as scales, key signatures, crescendos, and other parts. This is known as sight reading, where people play an unfamiliar piece of music at first sight, because they understand the counting and the basic principles behind it. But musical literacy also has a broader definition. Listening to a symphony, playing a musical instrument, or even humming a song on the radio demonstrates a general understanding of musical principles. Once an individual gains this understanding, doors open. That person can appreciate music on a more complex level, and musical literacy adds to a well-rounded personality and worldview. Once people actually understand what's going on behind the music, they gain a new appreciation of its sounds. On a personal level, I have been playing the piano for about 8 years and it has opened doors for me... half of the paper......of skill. Music can be used to express anything from emotions to political opinions. It uniquely calms us when we are unhappy and echoes our highest spirit. Simply put, the world would be an emptier place without the literacy that translates those feelings into a language that everyone can understand. Overall, music is unique in its duality. Different forms depend on a particular culture or time period, but each form can reach people around the world and over time. Being musically literate means spreading thoughts and expressions, and sometimes those musical ideas weigh more than language can. Music serves as a bridge between generations, societies and opinions, and without literacy, the world would be a much more restrictive place. WORKS CITED Ratner, Leonard G. Classic Music: Expression, form, and Style. London: Schirmer Books, 1980.