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ESSAY OUTLINE

DESCRIBE THE EFFECTS OF MUISC ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

NAME- Arpandeep Singh

Phone no.- 4372657671

STUDENT ID- 4480664

COURSE- Writing Strategies

COURSE Code- COMM1133

Date- 27th March 27, 2023

SUBMITTED TO- Parisa Nafissi Rad

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Music has an irrepressible effect on the human soul. Its various acoustics makes a synchronous

connection with the unconscious brain furthermore, triggering distinct responses based on its

melody and symphonies. Its melodies originate directly linked to the development of brain

activities and their functioning. Jingles, notes, chords have been around since the paleolithic era

and still prevails today. Music modifies the frequent nervous response obliging a human to

become its unknown desired self, alleviating them from all psychological complications and

diminishing the social barrier to achieving body-soul harmony.

Music has various forms varying from one province to another, one land to another, like, hip-

hop, country music, Indian folklore, and many more. Similarly, music has evolved into a tool for

representation, a platform through which humans express themselves - their identities,

behavior, emotions, and perspective of the world (Amir, 2012), giving them a profound sense of

confidence and a true sense of belonging. Harvard business review article indicates that music

creates a ripple effect. Being a collaborative activity, it introduces a child to social skills- making

them a part of the group, providing them an opportunity to perform in front of an audience,

allowing them to express their emotions through their instrument, cultivating exceptional self-

control and self-assurance. The best aspect is music is timeless, providing always an opportunity

for self- discovery (Rice).

Secondly, music restores balance between the mind and body. All humans desire a better,

healthier, and richer existence, but in the 21st century, these goals are challenging to

accomplish. Human ability to live in peace has been robbed by the continual ambition to be
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exceptional. In times like these, singing a song is a very effective instrument as it alleviates

anxiety, reduces restlessness provides a serene mental state, and decreases cognitive

impairment like stroke, insomnia, and serious illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, and dementia

(Gepp & Raypole, 2022). Nowadays, it is used as a therapeutic intervention as it triggers the

muscle memory linked to those specifics serving dementia and Alzheimer’s patients as an

emotional bridge. It serves as a powerful documentary by triggering the neurochemicals like

dopamine and oxytocin, which stimulate the short episode and reduce mood symptoms like

depression, anxiety, and confusion. For instance, an elder AD woman who couldn’t remember

her family would recognize her family when the details of that song trigger the event it was

played, how she felt and the memorable moment attached to the song. Methods like

neurological music therapy, bonny method, guided meditation, and nordoff- robbins are a few

techniques invented to examine the effects of music on the brain and help patients to make a

steady recovery. According to the bonny method, personal growth is seen in patients after

conducting a 2017 study whereas as Nordoff- robbins technique benefits autistic patients more

than others by delaying occurring symptoms (Stanborough, 2020).

Music tends to evolve humans by shattering linguistic barriers. According to a study (Honing,

Cate, Peretz, & Trehub, 2015), music serves as a social glue, connecting people from various

cultural backgrounds. It stimulates emotional connections and induces a sense of mutual

understanding and unity. All ethnic groups in India come together under the national flag as

Indians rather than as Hindus, Muslims, or Sikhs as the national hymn is played on Republic

Day. It strengthens our compassion, peace, and patriotism—elements that give us life and make

us human. The oxytocin that is released when people dance and sing alongside has a soothing
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impact and reduces social anxiety and concerns, strengthening the belief that belonging is the

only important human urge (Hagan, 2021).

Researchers have discovered that listening to music acts as guided medication. In pursuit of

achieving body-soul harmony, music alters the regular nerve responses in humans, enabling

them to become their unknown ideal personalities, alleviating them of all psychological

difficulties, and eliminating cultural barriers.

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REFERENCE

Amir, D. (2012). The Nordiac Journal of music therapy - Issue 2. "My music is me": Musical

Presentation as a way of forming and sharing identity in music therapy group, 176-193. Gepp,

K., & Raypole, C. (2022, June 22). Music and studying: It’s complicated. Retrieved from

Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/unable-to-concentrate#diagnosis

Hagan, E. (2021, November 30). How Music Brings people together. Retrieved from Psychology

Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/science-choice/202111/how- music-

brings-people-together

Honing, H., Cate, C. T., Peretz, I., & Trehub, S. E. (2015). Philosophical transactions of the royal

society B. Without it no music: cognitive, biology and evolution of musicality.

Rice, E. (n.d.). How does music build confidence. Retrieved from Ensemble- Music schools:

https://www.ensembleschools.com/blog/lessons/how-does-music-build-confidence/

Stanborough, R. J. (2020, April 01). The benefits of listening to music. Retrieved from Healthline:

https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-music