The Science Behind Why Music Makes Us
Feel So Good
Music plays an
important role in our lives. Our coming of age is marked by a personal
soundtrack and we can evoke vivid memories and emotions by listening to music.
People who make music can attest to this further and are said to have high
levels of intelligence, especially if they can read and create original music
by playing a variety of musical instruments or using their voice as an
instrument in song. There is a lot of research about
music and its relationship to intelligence.
If you have
ever been moved by a piece of music or experienced a life changing live musical
performance; if you’ve created music or have found solace in playing an
instrument or listening to your favorite artist, you will be interested in the
science behind why music makes us feel so good.
Enjoying music
is unique to humans. Unlike food or sex, music isn’t necessary for our
survival, but it is extremely rewarding and pleasurable. It taps into the same
parts of the brain that pleasure from sex and food does. Music floods the brain
with a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is the chemical in the brain
associated with pleasure, motivation and reward.
Studies have
shown that certain pieces of classical music will have the same effect on
everyone. They trigger the same changes in the brain regardless of past musical
experience or preference. Of course everyone is different and music will make
us respond according to our own taste and familiarity. Our enjoyment is simply
determined by whether or not we like it. However these investigations have
shown that some music will cause our brains to respond unanimously and gives
people a universal experience, especially when being enjoyed simultaneously
like at an orchestral concert.
Neuroscientists Dr Valorie Salimpoor and Dr
Robert Zatorre conducted research using PET scans (positron
emission tomography) to detect the release of dopamine in the brain when
subjects listened to their favorite songs. They later used MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to view the pleasure center of the brain
where the dopamine is released and then mapped out its connection with other
areas of the brain associated with emotion, learning, memory and decision
making. It was these connections that were the most interesting revelation.
The pleasure
center of the brain predicts what king of music we will enjoy based on the
connection it makes to other parts of our brain, according to what our brain is
‘programmed’ to like.
“It predicts the reward that you’ll feel from a given
piece of music based on similar types of music you’ve heard before. If you like
it better than predicted, it registers as intense pleasure. If you feel worse
than predicted, you feel bored or disappointed.” Virginia
Hughes, National Geographic
New music fits
into patterns already mapped out in the brain by our past musical tastes. It is
pleasurable not only because it is familiar, but it deviates just enough to
feel new and exciting. It doesn’t seem repetitive.
Music therefore
can be used as a mood enhancer or elevator. For the brokenhearted, a sad song
is empathetic and validating. It is an elixir of motivation to compel the
completion of the most mundane of tasks. There are many ways to participate in
and utilize music and broadening musical experience and taste can become a
journey of self discovery, for like any art form, in music we see our humanity.
There are
several ways to participate in music on a daily basis.
Listen
to it.
Put on the
radio, get out your old records, plug in your device. Whatever you are doing,
music can be present in the background or the foreground. For example; listen
to something energetic while you wash the car. Some classical music playing
softly in the background is a great compliment to reading or studying.
Make it.
Play an
instrument. If you don’t know how, improvise or better still, learn. It is
never too late and even without formal music reading education and training,
anyone can tune into their own musicality and learn the intricacies of an
instrument. Try a simple percussion instrument like a bongo or tambourine if
you have rhythm or something more complicated like the piano or guitar with
formal lessons. And sing. Sing your heart out. In the shower or the car, to
your children. Do karaoke, make up songs and sing along to the ones you know
and love. Singing is a fantastic stress reliever and can be meditative too.
Understand
it.
Learn to read
and understand music, the composition of a song, melody, lyric writing,
different styles – the list is endless. Exploring music can be determined by
your own personal interests. Maybe music history is your forte, or indulging in
the classics. Read the biographies of your favorite musicians or artists, they
are always extremely fascinating.
Go
global.
Find out about
musical styles and instruments from around the world and try and witness them.
Music is a wonderful way to learn about a culture while you are traveling. Make
an effort to see a traditional show or concert every time you are abroad and
broaden your musical horizons.
Music makes us
feel so good and the benefits of music are many. It calms and soothes us when
we are anxious or sad. It motivates and energizes us when we need incentive.
It’s a great tool for distraction and redirecting our focus. It educates us and
opens our minds to the common human experience, our history and our hope for
the future.
http://www.lifehack.org/361240/the-science-behind-why-music-makes-feel-good?mid=20160211&ref=mail&uid=687414&feq=daily
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