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Adam Overmoe

October 29, 2018

Erin Rogers

UofU Writing

Happy, Sad and Everything in Between

Music has been a vital part of human culture for centuries and continues to be very

influential today. There are a variety of reasons why one might play or listen to music - for

pleasure, entertainment, clarity, etc. Whatever the reason may be, the effect on the brain is the

same. Fortunately, with recent advances in technology, scientists are now able to fully analyze

how music stimulates the brain. This new type of research is referred to as neuromusicology,

which is defined as, “​the scientific study of the effects of music on the brain.”

There are many advantageous outcomes from listening to music and according to Dr.

Patrick Alban, “listening to and playing music can make you smarter, happier, healthier and

more productive at all stages of life” (Alban). This claim can be supported by brain scans of

professional musicians. It is reported their brains are not like most, and in fact are larger in size

with a better ​working memory, auditory skills, and cognitive flexibility.​ Of course not all of us

can be a professional musician, but we can still receive the benefits from incorporating music

into our daily lives. Alban states, along with the support from scientific data, “listening to and

playing music reduces chronic stress by lowering the stress hormone-cortisol.” (Alban).
Music has also been demonstrated to increase serotonin and oxytocin levels, which are the “feel

good” chemicals that make us happy and optimistic. Recent research has suggested there is a

connection between music and prosocial actions. Meaning that people who listen to and play

music regularly, are more likely to be altruistic members in society.

Speaking from a personal point of view, I have found that listening to music has greatly

influenced my outlook on life and emotions as a whole. I use music as a tool to satisfy a variety

of different needs. Whether I need an extra boost of inspiration, a sense of comfort in a difficult

situation or a lively upbeat atmosphere. The advantages of music are endless for myself and are

always something I can rely on to be there for me during my given mood. The effects I

experience from music are all on a conscious level, so it would not be surprising if there were

subconscious benefits as well.

After delving deep into research on how music affects the brain, there are many very

promising articles and studies which suggest there are psychological and physical benefits of

listening to music regularly. The Pfizer Medical Team argues there are countless health

advantages to listening to music: improves mood, exercise and memory - while also reducing

stress, anxiety and pain. These examples are just a few of many health and body benefits that

have been studied from listening to music.


Music amazingly has also been seen to alter the actions of people. The actions are not

always positive and sometimes can cause harmful or dangerous responses within an individual.

Fortunately those outcomes are not very common and the individual listening to music most

often receives a positive affect. Recent research within this area yields, “​Music has a positive

effect on the interpersonal skills of an individual. Lack of confidence and very less or no desire

to learn is most often the reason behind a failure. Music proves helpful in encouraging young

children to venture new fields. It increases their capacity to believe in themselves, that is, in

boosting confidence” (​PsycholoGenie). I believe this is a very powerful study, because it

demonstrates the immense power of listening to music. This also strongly suggests there are

chemical reactions taking place within the vast network of the brain and there are true

implications from hearing music.

Overall, music has many interesting facts and associations with the brain and how we as

people can utilize this tool to better ourselves and our sense of well-being. Countless studies

have shown a wide variety of advantages from listening to music on a regular basis.

Neuromusicology is still relatively new and we have much to learn in this area of research.

Despite the limited knowledge of the effects of music, there will always be a place for it in

society and culture as a whole. The production and consumption of this type of art, will live on

as long as humans desire the conscious and subconscious effects of enjoying music. After all it is

one of the few resources where one can experience any emotion they crave - whether that being a

source of happiness, sadness or anything else in between.


Works Cited

Alban, Deane, and Dr. Patrick Alban. “How Music Affects the Brain.” ​Be Brain Fit​, 24 Oct.
2018, bebrainfit.com/music-brain/.

“Effects of Music on the Mind You May Not Have Heard Of.” ​PsycholoGenie,​ PsycholoGenie,
28 Feb. 2018, psychologenie.com/effects-of-music-on-mind-brain.

“10 Health Benefits of Music.” ​Get Healthy Stay Healthy​, Pfizer Medical Team,
www.gethealthystayhealthy.com/articles/10-health-benefits-of-music.

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