Music is an art where sound is the medium. It has been around since the evolution of man. From tribal rhythmic drum beating, alternating hand clapping and foot stamping to solemn chants.
Music is a personal experience, wherein its definition varies from one person to another. Music is a major part of society, culture and one’s individuality.
Listening to music activates different parts of the brain, having a rush of both serotonin and dopamine, responsible for causing pleasurable feelings such as eating chocolates, having orgasms, and even taking drugs for drug addicts.
Music influences humans in both good and bad ways. Music has that ability to take you back in time, which makes it a great tool for studying and learning. Listening to music in a foreign language that you are trying to learn has double benefits!
Over the course of time, music has evolved. People’s taste in music varies and no same people can feel the exact same feeling from hearing one particular music.
Based on surveys and research, Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven’s classical masterpieces are found to be relaxing, yet stimulating at the same time. Before a group of participants were asked to listen to classical music, their electroencephalograph (EEG) was taken. Afterwards, they were exposed to classical music and their EEG results revealed that there was a relaxing effect. A drop in blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature were significantly noted, making the subjects more alert and even more concentrated all throughout their day.
Baroque music. The term baroque in art is defined as “grandiose, massive, detailed but baroque music often seems to have very little of these characteristics. A similar test was also done to another set of participants, only this time they were asked to listen to baroque. A drop in blood pressure, pulse rate and temperature was also noted. In their EEG, it was found out that the music activates their left and right hemispheres. This simultaneous left and right brain action resulted in maximization of learning and improved information retention. Studying activates the left cerebral hemisphere, while listening to music activates the right cerebral hemisphere. Study while tuned in to Bach or Mozart and you might get that ideal grade!
Music is music, while noise is something else. Noise is an audible result of aperiodic vibrations. According to information theory, anything which interferes with transmissions of messages as well as any diverting, confusing element in what they perceive. Modern music seems faster nowadays and it was found out that listening to fast, upbeat music speeds up pulse rate, breathing and increases temperature and blood pressure as well. Pupil constriction was also noted. It is true that this kind of music can jump start your day and can even motivate you to hit the gym!
Music has a lot of brain benefits.