The Psychology of Music

Music: The art of sound and silence and the combinations of rhythms, pitches, harmonies, and dynamics.

Music is a major part of human culture and history and an art that's close to my heart: I was a professional musician from the time I was 17 and have a special connection with playing and singing.

So why is music so important to us? After all, isn't it just noise? (Well, nice sounding noise:-) It turns out music goes much deeper then that and actually has a profound effect on us psychologically and even physically. Music heals mentally and physically, enhances intelligence, improves physical performance, and helps use be more productive. Playing music is also one of the only activities that uses the entire brain.

The Effect of Music on Pain:

Music can help to reduce both chronic pain and postoperative pain and is used in a wide variety of practices. For chronic pain it is used for painful conditions such osteoarthritis, disc problems, and rheumatoid arthritis. For postoperative pain music is used to reduce pain during childbirth and other surgeries. Some theories on why music has this effect of pain relieving are that music serves as a distraction, it releases endorphin's that counteract pain, and it relaxes you. Reducing pain isn't the only healing effect music has. Studies have shown it can lower blood pressure, it can increase and decrease your heart pumping and breathing rates depending on the speed of the music, it is used for recovery after a stroke, it is used for migraines/headaches, and it even boosts your immunity by secreting immune-boosting hormones.

Music's Effect on Productivity and Development:

Of course studying music makes you smarter just as studying anything makes you smarter. Music is on of the few activities that actually utilizes your entire brain. Music benefits reading and literacy skills, spatial-temporal reasoning, mathematical abilities, and emotional intelligence. Music's effect on memory is so powerful that it not only helps people with functioning brains but it also helps people with injured brains to bring the memory back up to speed. On top of improving memory music also helps us to focus for longer periods of time leading to more productivity. Music can boost energy and minimize fatigue caused by long periods of work and it also sharpens your focus while working. Although it is still unsure what types of music maximize this benefit the studies are overwhelming.

How does Music affect Mood?

We've all heard people say they love to listen to music while working out or going for a run. This is because we feel like it either distracts us from the task at hand or gives us that little extra push of motivation that we need. The main theories around why music has such a positive effect on our physical abilities is that it reduces the feeling of fatigue, increases the level of psychological arousal, and improves motor coordination. Music has a really powerful effect of putting you in the right mindset to work out. It is an important mindset to be in because it gives you the motivation you need to get things done and that is a great reason for everyone to listen to music during a workout. Music also encourages us to move and dance and we all know that motion is emotion.

Tips on Using Music to your Advantage:

Listen to your Favourite Song at the Same Time each Morning. Your brain will remember the song as your 'wake up' song and you'll actually have an easier time waking up.

Start Your Children in Music Education at an Early Age. Since music education is proven to boost scholarly performance in other areas, starting your children early in music will give them a head start (and keep you free from headaches!)Unwind with Melodic and Slow Tunes: Music with a slower tempo is proven to reduce heart rate, which also can reduce stress and anxiety. Before going to bed, try listening to pleasant slow songs to begin the falling-asleep process. Always use an iPod when Running or Working Out: Listening to a fast tempo song (especially one that you love!) will keep your workout energetic and rhythmic - exactly the type of consistent movements your personal trainer will love.

Most of all, Enjoy the Experience Live! Live music stimulates the senses and feels good. Going to a concert or live show is invigorating and is fun too!