Deepstash

The Brain On Music

Happy/sad music
Our brains respond differently to happy or sad music. One study revealed that participants interpreted a neutral expression as happy or sad to match the tone of the music they heard.
8 Amazing, Little-Known Ways Music Affects the Brain
Ambient noise can improve creativity
A moderate noise level is ideal to improve our creativity. It increases the processing difficulty which stimulates abstract processing, leading to higher creativity. High noise levels impair our creative thinking because we feel overwhelmed and struggle to process information properly.
8 Amazing, Little-Known Ways Music Affects the Brain
Music and personality
Different genres correspond to our personality. For instance: Blues and Jazz fans have high self-esteem, are creative, outgoing, gentle and at ease Classical music fans have high self-esteem, are creative, introvert and at ease Opera fans have high self-esteem, are creative and gentle Rock/heavy metal fans have low self-esteem, are creative, not hard-working, not outgoing, gentle, and at ease
8 Amazing, Little-Known Ways Music Affects the Brain
Music can distract our driving
Another study tested drivers while listening to their own choice of music, silence or “safe” music provided by the researchers. The results showed that d rivers made more mistakes and drove more aggressively when listening to their own choice of music. Unfamiliar music resulted in safer driving.
8 Amazing, Little-Known Ways Music Affects the Brain
Motor and reasoning skills
One study indicated that children who had three years or more of musical instrument training performed better in: auditory discrimination abilities fine motor skills vocabulary nonverbal reasoning skills
8 Amazing, Little-Known Ways Music Affects the Brain
Classical music
In one small study, stroke patients showed improved visual attention while listening to classical music. Silence resulted in lower scores.
8 Amazing, Little-Known Ways Music Affects the Brain
Music helps us exercise
An American researcher, Leonard Ayres, found that cyclists pedaled faster while listening to music than they did in silence. This is because music overrides the signals of fatigue while we are exercising, and our bodies do not realize we are tired.
8 Amazing, Little-Known Ways Music Affects the Brain
Music benefits us
One study showed that people with Alzheimer's disease handle their stressful emotions better when they listen to music. Other studies revealed that certain types of music may change our perception, and cheerful music can foster creativity.
How music motivates the brain to learn
Music rewards us
In a musical reward experiment, researchers found that music is, in itself, a viable reward to motivate the brain to learn new information.
How music motivates the brain to learn
How the brain processes music
Music is processed in different ways: one part of our brain decodes pitch and tempo other parts tap into memory and emotion if you are playing an instrument, the body is also involved.
How Music Helps Your Brain
Music, dementia, and rehabilitation
Some studies show that music can help improve movement in patients who have Parkinson’s disease, or people who have lost mobility or battle with language due to a stroke. In one study, in particular, Alzheimer’s patients seem to maintain the ability to recognize music.
How Music Helps Your Brain
Music is good for you
Listening to music engages a huge network throughout the brain because music has so many components to it. It keeps your brain fit and healthy. Music is also very therapeutic. It can lift your mood and help you to relax.
How Music Helps Your Brain
Music helps creativity
One of the most remarkable effects of music on the brain is that it stimulates the release of dopamine, which is a brain mediator that lifts your spirit. We produce 9% more dopamine from the music we particularly like. What does that have to do with creativity? There's evidence that dopamine helps the creative effort.
7 Different Effects of Music on the Brain, Backed by Scientific Studies
Ambient for creativity
Moderate noise cultivates creativity, too loud or fast music leaves you hyperstimulated, while complete silence makes your brain bored.
7 Different Effects of Music on the Brain, Backed by Scientific Studies
Music and exercise
Upbeat music makes you feel more energetic while you are exercising. It shifts your focus from the intensity of the exercise. Your body also needs less oxygen during the workout. The best tempo for exercise is 145BPM. Faster music does not produce more stimulation.
7 Different Effects of Music on the Brain, Backed by Scientific Studies
Classical music for attention
A Stanford study found that listening to classical music increased scores on attention tests. It could be due to the lack of lyrics. Other studies show that any type of background music without words increases your concentration.
7 Different Effects of Music on the Brain, Backed by Scientific Studies
Classical music for memory
Participants from a study scored higher on a memory test while listening to classical music than those that listened to rap music.
7 Different Effects of Music on the Brain, Backed by Scientific Studies
Music builds long-term memory
Music builds powerful emotional connections in your brain. This is especially true in dementia patients, where studies suggested that music helps them stay more mentally alert.
7 Different Effects of Music on the Brain, Backed by Scientific Studies
Metal for anger issues
Studies found that metal music calms people with anger issues and makes them feel better.
7 Different Effects of Music on the Brain, Backed by Scientific Studies
Music and memory
Music helps with making memories from long ago feel relevant again. When you hear a song that had specific meaning to you in the past, the memory of that moment will come back with unbelievable details. Alzheimer’s patients can sing the songs that they learned as young adults. This is a promising step in treating patients suffering from dementia and those with brain injuries.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music improves your focus
This happens because music stimulates the entire brain and not just segments of it. Using this knowledge can help you in various ways. Meditation . Some people use music to help them clear their minds. Listening to music while studying or working can help you remember more of the information. During exercise. It takes the mind’s focus off of fatigue. Focus on sleep . Music calms the mind and causes you to focus on your rest.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music increases your creativity
Ambient music at 70 decibels will increase specific creative tasks by activating the parts of the brain that think in abstract ways.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music can increase your IQ
Studies found that 90% of children exposed to music experienced physical changes in their brains and that allowed for increased transfer of cognitive information. In a study conducted by York University, children exposed to music tested higher on verbal IQ tests involving word recall, information analyzation, and language-based reasoning.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music changes your perception
Fast melodies make time seem to accelerate. Slow songs make time seem to slow down. Grocery store checkout lines and waiting rooms both use music because it alters a person’s judgment of time.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music can help you to control pain
Music is powerful enough to control all levels of pain when an injury occurs. Music helps bridge the gap between events when the brain experiences it. Creating music can have a positive effect on physical comfort, energy, fatigue, and anxiety.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music and personalities
Several studies confirmed that particular character traits correspond to musical preferences. For example: Opera fans are generally found to be gentle, creative, with a high level of self-esteem. Country music fans are found to be outgoing and very hardworking. Reggae fans are found to be far more laid back and much more at ease.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music improves productivity
Listening to your favorite music will help stimulate adrenaline secretion, and other hormones, which will boost your mental focus and physical energy levels. This is also true during exercise sessions and other household chores.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music improves visual attention
Certain types of music increase a person’s visual attention levels. Stroke patients who participated in a small study. showed improved eye movement and task completion during the times when they listened to pleasant music.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music and hormonal balance
Hormones like cortisol get released by the body when we listen to music that we don’t enjoy . When the cortisol levels increase, higher levels of anxiety begin to appear. When we listen to music which we are fond of , then dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins are released. This makes us feel glad, confident, and relaxed.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music improves your reasoning
The rhythms of a song, together with physical actions, can help the brain to transfer memories of that moment to your long-term storage centers. Dancing to music has the same effect.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music makes it easier to engage
Music provides the foundation for social activities that help to connect people. This is especially true if they share similar tastes in music.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music and heart disease
A common side effect associated with heart disease includes stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that by listening to music, stress and tension levels dropped in patients treated for coronary heart disease.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global
Music can increase your emotional IQ
Listening regularly to music that brings you joy can help you to identify facial expressions and body language associated with happy emotions. Music therapy shows the largest improvements in emotional IQ with children on the autism spectrum.
Music and the Brain [Effects of Music on the Brain] - Thrive Global