THE EFFECT OF MUSIC ON THE BRAIN

THE EFFECT OF MUSIC ON THE BRAIN

·      More than 30,000 years ago humans were already familiar with music. And ever since, music has become an ever-present companion for many of us. An average person spends 18 hours a week listening to music. The American musician Billy Joel once said: ‘I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.’ We often hear that playing and listening to music can make us smarter, happier, calmer, healthier and more productive. But what makes music so important to us? Is music just a happy accident of evolution?

  Scientists have found that music stimulates more parts of the brain than any other human function. In fact, music activates almost every part of the brain. It provides a total brain workout. One of the first things that happens when music enters our brains is the activation of pleasure centres that release dopamine, a brain chemical that makes us feel happy and confident and is responsible for addiction. Playing music with other people or enjoying live music stimulates the production of oxytocin, another brain chemical which helps us trust others, making us more prosocial. Studies have also found that listening to our favourite music helps stimulate adrenaline levels. This combination makes us feel confident and relaxed. These are the same hormones which are released when we exercise, have fun, experience an orgasm, or consume foods which we enjoy eating, like chocolate.

  Music has a unique ability to improve our memory. It helps to bring back memories as far back as childhood. A specific moment comes back to us with incredible detail when we hear a very special song to us.

  Since 1992, different studies have shown that music changes a person’s judgment and perception of time when played in places where waiting is required. That’s why grocery store lines and waiting rooms employ music.

  Music greatly impacts our learning skills and focus. Listening to music at work can make you a more productive employee. Office workers who are allowed to listen to their favourite songs complete tasks more quickly and come up with better ideas. When surgeons listened to music while operating, they were less stressed out and worked more accurately. The presence of music in the background generates creative ideas because it activates the parts of the brain that think in abstract ways.

Listening to and playing music reduces stress, making you feel more hopeful, powerful and in control of your life. Actually, listening to your favourite songs can be just as beneficial as a 30-minute massage. The blood flow increases, and the mind clears itself of all the bad scenarios, worries and anxieties.

  Another amazing fact about music is that our heartbeat mimics the musical beats. Our heartbeat and respiration synchronize with the musical beats. But what about musical genres, do they matter? Classical music increases dopamine levels, as well as learning, memory and visual skills and lowers the heart rate. Rap stimulates emotion, language, and motor function. Metal can actually help us cope with negative and depressing feelings. Jazz soothes our body and our mind. Pop and rock enhance physical performance, while electronic music helps us focus and has positive influence on our cognitive functions.

  Besides, studies show that the brains of musicians are different than those of non-musicians. Musicians have bigger, more sensitive, and better-connected brains. Their brains are physically more symmetrical, which means that the two hemispheres are better at communicating with each other. Learning to play an instrument is one of the most effective ways to improve the powers of the mind.

  Music therapy has been very helpful to people with degenerative diseases such as Parkinson and Alzheimer, as well as people with dementia. Alzheimer’s patients lose their ability to have conversations with others and eventually stop speaking, but when hearing familiar music, patients often sing along.

  Music is still a great mystery and there are many questions we still need an answer to. Why do we get random songs stuck in our head? Why do we get chills when listening to specific songs? Why some people hear music in their dreams? Does music really affect babies before they are born? And how playing classical music to plants helps them grow faster?