Photo taken by: Nick Russo

         Music has been altering the mindset of humans for as long as it has existed. Ancient Psalms were used to portray a feeling of power and uplift ones spirit, but were also used to convey a feeling of misery at times. Humans have subconsciously known that music affects the brain for centuries, but we now have the technology to know exactly how and why music changes our brain.

              We all listen to music at least once a day, whether it be intentional through headphones or a speaker, or background music in an elevator or on the radio in a store. Believe it or not, the type of music you listen to affects how you think, feel, behave and even your state of mind. It isn’t dependent on the actual genre, but how the listener approaches the genre. Even though songs can be labeled as sad or depressing, it doesn’t necessarily have to make the listener upset. Different genres or music can make you sad, boost happiness, relieve stress and even release anger. For example, in a scientific study listeners were exposed to the happy, upbeat music from the American rock band Copeland, and by studying their brain waves scientists concluded that their mood was geared towards happiness after hearing the music. But, what is interesting about this is that when they listened to the sad-sounding tunes of composer Igor Stravinsky,  it had no affect on their mood because they were told to try and stay positive while listening to the music. So, scientists have inferred that music can change your mood, if that is your intention. This is the reason most people like modern pop music. It can have many sounds to it, be it happy, sad or angry, but most people just want to listen to a song for entertainment and not to boost or decrease their happiness.

        In further studies, music has been shown to enhance physical therapy. In a recent medical study, music was actually found to be able to reduce physical pain. In the study, people with traumatic brain injuries were exposed to relaxing music or sounds and the studies have shown that this dramatically improved the mood of the individual and reduced their pain. This type of therapy is actually on the up-rise. Patients with mental disorders such as depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, and other mental conditions are played specific songs and sounds through noise-canceling headphones to try and alter their brain waves and their way of thinking. This has been known to drastically improve the lifestyle and overall mood of the patient.

            Music is also believed to be linked to our bodies. Through brain wave research, Nina Kraus (neurologist and professor at Northwestern University) has concluded that our bodies are naturally inclined to be synchronized with the music we listen to, much like the our rhythmic heart beat. This is said to be the reason that we listen to a certain genre or type of music when we want to work out, sleep, or have a good time at a party.

             So, what do you think about this? Next time you hear a song on the radio or listen to a tune on your phone, you’ll  be thinking about if you feel any different. Well, science says that you absolutely do. This new research is going to change medical science forever. We’re already using audio therapy to treat mental illness and reduce physical pain. What will we use music for in the next five, ten, or even twenty years? No one can deny that this research is very fascinating and is something to think about next time you listen to your favorite song.

Sources Used:

• https://www.connollymusic.com/stringovation/different-genres-of-music-affect-your-mood
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/06/29/how-music-affects-your-mood-according-to-science_a_21421589/