Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Erin Rogers
UofU Writing
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.