The Power of Music
Music has been a fundamental part of our society since the very beginning. Barbara Else, a senior advisor of policy and research at the American Music Therapy Association once said, “We have such a deep connection to music because it is ‘hardwired’ in our brains and bodies.” Indeed, several recent articles in scientific journals point to the wide range of significant effects that learning and listening to music have on children and adolescents. But first, what makes music so special?
Music is a form of communication and often referred to as the universal language. “I think music in itself is healing,” American musician Billy Joel once said. “It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” Most of us would wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Music can be used to express and understand feelings that you otherwise cannot.
Given the connection we have with music, it is unsurprising that it has an effect on our brain. Christian Gaser and Gottfried Schlaug’s article written in 2003 gives us some insight into what music does to the brain. In their study, they compared the brains of professional musicians, amateur musicians, and non-musicians. Using a voxel-by-voxel morphometric technique, they found gray matter volume differences in motor, auditory, and visual-spatial brain regions. The professional musicians had the most gray matter while the non-musicians had the least. The amount of gray matter showed a direct correlation to improvement not only in one’s coordination but also in one’s emotional regulation and ability to inhibit responses to events. This, of course, enhances a child’s ability to handle frustration and avoid over-reacting to difficult situations. Another recent discovery found that learning instruments at a young age would increase the white matter in the center of the brain which in turn increases brain connectivity.
Enough about what music does to the brain, but what part does it take in your life? Suzanne Hanser, chair of the music therapy department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston explains in one of her interviews, "research shows that making music can lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, reduce stress, and lessen anxiety and depression. There is also increasing evidence that making music enhances the immunological response, which enables us to fight viruses.” Music has an essential place in everyone’s lives, may that be listening or playing. There are so many benefits to playing an instrument. Why hesitate? Give it a try!
- Written by Benjamin Tang | June 20, 2020
Conner, L. (2020, April 01). The Wonders of Music! Retrieved June 20, 2020, from https://www.empowerline.org/blog/the-wonders-of-music/
Gaser, C., & Shlaug, G. (2003, November). Brain Structures Differ between Musicians and Non-Musicians: Request PDF. Retrieved June 20, 2020, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5528582_Brain_Structures_Differ_between_Musicians_and_Non-Musicians
Cicetti, F. (2013, October 22). Is Playing a Musical Instrument Good for Your Health? Retrieved June 20, 2020, from https://www.livescience.com/40597-playing-musical-instrument-good-health.html