“In the intricate dance between music and the brain, melodies become the footsteps that guide our emotions.”
Music has been known to affect our energy and mood. This is why people pushing through intense workouts find it easier to perform when they are listening to their favorite songs. Similarly, after breakups, some people find solace in listening to calming music for anxiety, or soft soothing melodious tunes.
So, why exactly does music affect our brains to such a great extent? Let’s find out.
The neuroscience of music
Music therapy research is currently delving into the mechanisms behind our brain's ability to perceive and create music. When a stereo system emits vibrations, they propagate through the air and enter the ear canal.
These vibrations then stimulate the eardrum, converting it into an electrical signal that travels via the auditory nerve to the brain stem. There, the signal is reconstructed into what we perceive as music.
While there is still much to uncover regarding the intricate relationship between music and our brains, advancements in cognitive neuroscience have started illuminating certain facets of this fascinating connection.
Studies have shown that music stimulates the brain, leading to significant changes in our emotions. The same paper states that music can improve recovery outcomes in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, and other traumatic brain injuries.
So, how exactly does music benefit our brains? Let’s take a deeper look.
Three ways in which music benefits our brains
Music is a structurally, mathematically, and architecturally oriented art form, relying on the intricate relationships between individual notes. Despite often going unnoticed, our brains engage in extensive computational processes to make sense of these musical intricacies.
With this being said, let’s get right to the top 3 ways in which music benefits our brains.
1. Music strengthens memory, cognition and learning
A study on the impact of music on cognitive abilities revealed that listening to soft background music has the potential to enhance cognition.
Students were assigned cognitive tasks both with and without music, and those who had background music accomplished a more significant number of tasks accurately.
The researchers also stressed the significance of the music genre. They suggested that relaxing music, such as classical or smooth jazz, aids our cognitive abilities.
Additional studies have also indicated that listening to pleasurable music, or soft calming music for anxiety can enhance memory and learning. This effect can be attributed to the repetitive nature of music, which aids in the formation of patterns that improve our memory recall.
2. Music helps to cope with anxiety and depression
A 2013 study found that music can be an effective therapy for people suffering from anxiety and depression.
Listening to music has a positive impact on our brains.
It can lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase the levels of dopamine, which is also known as the reward hormone.
The reason behind this lies in the amygdala, which processes both our emotions and music.
This combination of reduced cortisol and elevated dopamine is beneficial for individuals who are suffering from anxiety and depression, as these conditions often have the opposite effect- increased cortisol and reduced dopamine.
Chronic stress can also lead to hormonal imbalances, headaches, insomnia, and other physical issues. However, music can help alleviate stress and consequently alleviate these symptoms.
Listening to specially tailored calming music for anxiety can alleviate anxiety, and also reduce symptoms of depression considerably.
3. Music boosts our memory
Music therapy research has shown that our brains naturally connect music and long-term memory.
When we hear familiar music, specific regions in our brain associated with personal memories, emotions, and past events are activated. This is why music can significantly improve working memory, especially in older adults.
Even individuals with Alzheimer's or severe dementia can benefit from music. It has the power to evoke deep emotional memories and create a sense of calmness by engaging the brain.
Personal favorite songs can help focus on the present moment and reconnect with others. In fact, studies have shown that listening to classical music improved memory test scores in Alzheimer's patients.
Furthermore, science has confirmed that music can be used to aid young brains in retaining information and enhancing the learning process.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the profound impact of music on the brain is undeniable. Through our exploration of the three ways in which music benefits our brain, we have uncovered its power to enhance cognition, boost emotional well-being, and strengthen our memory.
The next time you need to listen to soothing music, you can download the Sona app, and let your senses get whisked away by our tranquilizing tunes.