Turn up the music, put on headphones and see what happens. You can feel your fingers and toes tapping. Your head may start to move, and your shoulders might bob. Soon, you may be dancing and singing along to the lyrics. Your body is now a part of the music.
Although it is obvious that music affects your body, understanding how music affects the brain requires deep research and the ability to explore the mysteries of the human mind. Music can impact brain development, mood, learning, and even health.
Music, Your Brain, & Wellbeing
When music is played in our brains, it triggers dopamine release. This neurotransmitter makes us happy. The brain responds so quickly that it can anticipate pleasurable music peaks and trigger a dopamine rush.
Music can be more than just a good feeling. Studies have shown music can increase immunity and protect against bacteria. Various conditions have been treated with music, including premature birth, depression and Parkinson’s disease.
Music can be a crucial part of brain development. Music, for example, can increase gray matter volume in certain brain areas, similar to how exercise can tone and expand muscles. musicians often notice improvements in brain functions such as:
- Processing of the auditory
- Learning
- Memory
You can learn to play an instrument at home by starting with a used or new instrument. You can find many options on sites such as Craigslist or visit your local thrift store or instrument shop to look for instruments like banjos and guitars, pianos, flutes, and guitars. To learn more, you can also find tutorial videos online. These are some great online resources that will teach you how to play the instrument you choose:
- YouTube
- GarageBand
- Yousician
- Simply Piano
Is Genre Important?
Music has many benefits for the brain, and they aren’t limited to one genre. Different styles can have the same effects, regardless of whether you listen to Billie Holiday’s smooth jazz style on vinyl or Johnny Cash’s classic country music on YouTube. As long as they are compatible with your musical tastes, other styles may produce similar results. The brain’s relationship to familiar and favored music is important.
The music style can also play a part in some cases. Experts recommend different music genres to suit different purposes when it comes down to the best music. Music with positive lyrics and upbeat beats can give you energy and help your brain learn. When it’s time for you to focus and buckle down, such as when you have to read, write or study your course materials–instrumental music and soothing genres will help you remain calm and focused. Each person will have a unique approach to music and studying. Explore the inner workings and psychology.
You might be able to find new music in these places:
- Spotify
- Pandora
- YouTube
- MoodFuse
- SoundCloud
To help you focus, you can download Rainy Mood and A Soft Murmur apps.
Experiencing New Music
You don’t have to listen to any music. There are many other ways that you can discover new music. To discover new music, take part in the following activities:
- Open mic nights are a great way to meet new people in your area
- Participate in local concerts
- Ask friends and family to recommend music on social media. Have them share their favorite songs, playlists, and genres.
- To find new music, you can use different tools such as Pandora, Spotify, MoodFuse and MoodFuse
- To help you remember what music you hear while out, use apps such as Shazam so that you can later download it.
You can learn more about the effects of music on your brain and what music students listen to while studying in our infographic “How Music Affects My Brain,” which is available below.