Ambient Music is a broad term for atmospheric music of a compositional style that falls outside of the common structures of for instance rock, pop and classical genres.
In the absence of strong emotions, predictable verse with rousing chorus pattern and uptempo hook lines Ambient Music dissolves time-space orientation, and can induce liquid, dream-like states of expanded consciousness.
A clear mind and deep relaxation may be the natural result of listening exposure, the reason why tranquil music is universally played in the background during relaxing treatments at spas.
“Ambient” refers to atmosphere or mood; when in context of background music to enhance or even determine the feel of a place, much like ambient lighting or color designs are used to create mood. Using the same analogy compare lighting at the workplace versus a romantic dinner setting where softer lights creates a “softer” space. Lighter genres of ambient music includes music for spa’s or even shopping malls and elevators, serious ambient music is considered by fundi’s as on a par with classical music, a form of art to be listened to attentively. Classical music such as Albinoni’s Adagio or Bach is of course often used as background, ambient music, sometimes to the dismay of classical purists.
“Dark ambient” has more cinematic suspenseful drones, or even horror elements – ambient music is often used as soundtracks, cinematically or for audio visual presentations. Many advertisements use ambient music to heighten the impact of usually stylish, natural or high end technological products that benefits from poignant, lyrical marketing strategies. The soundtracks used to accompany astronomy projections in domes, much like it may be used in sci-fi films, and are often great examples of ambient music. Citing these examples shows why rhythmic drumming or chant like singing has been used since ancient times to induce trance like ambient states during shamanistic or ritual practices.
Ambient Music may be generated by traditional or, usually, electronic instruments, or a combination of acoustic, electric and synthesisers sources. There may be melodic and rhythmic elements present though there is often an absence of obvious hook lines and beats. When ambient music is performed on traditional instruments the instruments may be played in unorthodox ways. A bass normally used rhythmically may be bowed instead of plucked, to create a low drone, or a single note on the piano may be repeatedly and gently sustained for a very long time, for example.
Some composers of ambient music are satisfied that their work is used in the background, and take special consideration to have their music blend with the environment for intended use. Other ambient composers specify that their work deserves attentive listening and be acknowledged as art. Ambient Music serves us powerfully, either way, as a conscious listening experience or a means to “pad out” a space we are in.
Be sure to use the correct ambient music optimal stereo speaker position for an immersive listening experience.
Listen to examples of ambient music styles represented from the library of Being Ambient Music beingambientmusic.com on the Collection of Shorter Tracks.
Binaural beats technology can enhance meditation and deep state therapy use of Ambient Music.