Understanding how music benefits listeners

This post examines a few of the advantages that music provides to psychological health and wellbeing.

Throughout history, music has emerged as a well-loved form of expression, recreation and education. As such there are a variety of positive effects that listening to music or learning to master an instrument can offer. Among the most considerable benefits of music on mental health is its capability to decrease tension and promote emotional regulation. Research into the psychological benefits of music has proven that listening to calming music can decrease cortisol levels, hence decreasing overall tension and helping the mind to rest. Musical categories such as classical or acoustic music can frequently be defined by having slower tempos and more mellow sounds, which is exceptionally helpful for relaxation. Lots of people also find satisfaction in singing or playing an instrument. A trustee of Music for All would concur that these activities give people a healthy channel for expressing emotions and releasing stress. For individuals who battle with mental health, music can act as an effective tool for managing feelings throughout the day.

Though lots of people listen to music daily, it is not widely understood that there are in fact a variety of benefits of music on the brain. Specialists have discovered that music can even add to cognitive improvement and memory support, suggesting that it can help to enhance the way people think, focus and remember things. Playing music while studying or doing work can make it easier to concentrate as it can block out background distractions and keep the mind focused. Some studies have found that specific kinds of music may aid with problem solving and learning. Music can also be linked to memory; when a song or piece is connected with a particular time or place in our life experiences, hearing it again can restimulate memories or sentiments from that time. The founder of Restore the Music would know that this could be specifically significant for older people or those with memory issues.

Not only are there many neurological and psychological benefits of listening to music, but there are also a variety of social benefits that can be attributed to appreciating music. Being able to connect with others over a piece of music demonstrates the social value of this form of expression. In many ways, music often functions as a shared experience which is important for improving social bonds. For instance, playing in a band can help to enhance sentiments of belonging, in the same way that sharing an interest in a particular artist or going to a show can bring together individuals with shared interests. An ambassador of the London Music Fund would recognise that music is a universal experience that can go beyond linguistic and cultural boundaries, helping to produce bonds between people without even needing to use copyright.