Though genres differ and we all choose what we like, hardly there’s a person who doesn’t like listening to favorite compositions from time to time. Scientists studied the effect of music on the human body, analyzed MRIs, and came up with evident proof that music beats have a positive influence on particular parts of our brain. And depending on which part of the brain is affected, the positive impact of music differs – from improved concentration to enhanced memory.
Let’s figure out together how it works.
How Does Your Brain React to Music?
So, you turn on the music or plug in your earphones. At this very moment, your brain starts to perceive music as a signal – and commands your body to release dopamine, the small thing that makes you feel happy (in science, they call it a neurotransmitter). The release of dopamine when we listen to music is very similar to what we experience when we eat a tasty dish or make love with a partner.
And do you remember when you listen to the music that you really like a lot and the very best moment is going to happen in three, two, one second? While you are waiting to start singing aloud together with your favorite music, your brain is also busy. It anticipates your pleasure peak and initiates an early dopamine rush. So just in time for the favorite la-la-la your body is fully ready to explode with hormones of joy and happiness. Scientists say that the effect of music on our brain is somehow similar to the effect of illegal drugs as it stimulates the part of the brain responsible for pleasure and reward.
Music Affects Your Health
Yes, music makes us feel good, no science is needed to prove that. But…this is not the only positive effect. Scientists say that listening to music can boost our immunity cells and help us fight bacteria. So, do you have a sore throat? Turn on your playlist!
Even more, music is proved to help premature newborns breathe easier and grow healthy. The rhythm should be similar to the mom’s heartbeat. And it is better if the mom or dad sings to the child themselves. Such kids have a lower level of stress and have better breathing and heart rate.
Music also has the power to tackle depression, Parkinson’s disease, and memory loss. And learning to play a musical instrument helps you to cultivate gray matter and improve your memory and auditory processing. In addition, listening to music can boost neurogenesis in the hippocampus, so new neurons are produced and your memory gets stronger.
Do Your Genre Preferences Matter in Health Effect?
Well, music genres definitely have different influences on our brains. But in general, the idea is whether your brain and body feel familiar with and like this particular music or not. So rock lovers will have the same positive effect on their immunity as the admirers of classics.
As for the particular effects of music on our brain, you can use upbeat music to energize yourself before a dull task and prepare your brain to work. When you have to concentrate, whether to read, write, or learn something, pick soothing music and instrumental compositions.
A study carried out by the University of Arizona showed that the majority of their students use blues, metal, pop, Christian, and avant-garde music. About 13% of students learn with county and classical music, while R&B and ambient music help 10% of people. About 6.5% of learners say that electronic, trance, and rock music are great for studies. Relatively small percentages of students prefer Jazz, Soul, and meditative compositions.
It is also scientifically proven that classical music improves synaptic function (the connections between cells in your brain), learning, and memory.
Heavy metal is good to boost the level of group identity in people. Pop and Rock are cool to energize you and enhance your physical ability, however, these beats can distract you if your goal is to study hard. Rap is good to boost emotions and motivation.
So, it looks like music is not only a pleasure but also a healer and remedy for our brain. Have you noticed a particular effect of your favorite music on you? Let’s discuss it in the comments!
Btw, have you checked our previous article dwelling on the effect of music on our relationships?