All human societies made music, and yet, for Darwin, it seemed to offer no advantage to our survival.


I am surprised that Darwin could have been so short-sighted.

Drumming, whooping and hollering are natural ways to warn of approaching danger. Whooping and hollering could be also used in the early hunts to drive herd animals over cliffs. Both would be beneficial to the survival of the species.

Rhythmic drumming and co-ordinated voices announce to any other humans within earshot that 'this is our territory', directly comparable to territorial bird song.

Dancing to the rhythmic drumming would demonstrate athletic prowess and increase the chances of finding a mate. Those musicians who displayed particular skills would gain street-cred and thus also increase their chances of finding a mate.

Music can be used to calm people down, work them into a fury, as a method of communication and identification and a demonstration of skill. All of theses are beneficial to survival. Add to this that both making and listening to music is enjoyable for its own sake, it's no wonder that "all human societies made music".

DC