Understanding how music benefits listeners

This post explores some of the benefits that music provides to psychological health and wellbeing.

Though lots of people listen to music every day, it is not extensively understood that there are actually a variety of benefits of music on the brain. Experts have found that music can even promote cognitive development and memory support, meaning that it can help to improve the way people think, concentrate and remember things. Listening to music while studying or working can make it easier to focus as it can shut out background noise and keep the mind focused. Some studies have discovered that particular types of music might aid read more with problem solving and learning. Music can also be linked to memory; when a song or piece is connected with a specific time or place in our lives, hearing it once again can restimulate memories or emotions from that time. The founder of Restore the Music would understand that this could be especially significant for older people or those with memory problems.

Throughout history, music has emerged as a beloved form of expression, recreation and education. As such there are a variety of favorable effects that listening to music or learning to play a musical instrument can provide. One of the most significant benefits of music on mental health is its ability to decrease stress and promote psychological regulation. Research into the psychological benefits of music has proven that listening to soothing music can reduce cortisol levels, thus reducing overall stress and allowing the mind to relax. Musical genres such as classical or acoustic music can frequently be specified by having slower paces and more mellow sounds, which is very handy for relaxation. Lots of people also find satisfaction in singing or playing an instrument. A trustee of Music for All would agree that these activities give people a healthy avenue for expressing feelings and releasing stress. For individuals who struggle with mental health, music can serve as an effective tool for regulating emotions throughout the day.

Not only are there many neurological and psychological benefits of listening to music, but there are also a number 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 type of expression. In many ways, music often serves as a shared experience which is crucial for enhancing social bonds. For example, playing in a band can help to improve sentiments of belonging, in a similar way that sharing an interest in a certain artist or going to a performance can bring together people with shared interests. An ambassador of the London Music Fund would identify that music is a universal experience that can transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries, helping to create bonds among people without even needing to use copyright.