Music’s Effect on the Brain
By Meghan Senik
Music is an important part of many people’s daily lives. Some people play an instrument, sing in a choir, or listen to it for enjoyment. Classical, rap, pop, jazz, and rock are different types of music that entertain very different types of people and is there for them to enjoy, but it does more than that, and it has a really big effect on our brains and bodies. It has the ability to affect the way we learn, our mood, and our memory.
Depending on the person, music can be very comforting and calming. On the American Music Therapy Association website (http://www.musictherapy.org/) it says that music therapy can be used to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation. It has had a part in relieving some of the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and can help to soothe stress. It also helps people all over the world fall asleep by listening to calming music and sounds.
Learning an instrument is great for developing brains, and helps students begin to hear and process sounds they couldn’t before. Children who take music lessons have improved memory, and kids with learning disabilities benefit from it. This translates into improved academic results for kids if they’re actively engaged in the process and higher graduation rates for music students. Even with all of the benefits, school music programs are in danger of being cut.
By Meghan Senik
Music is an important part of many people’s daily lives. Some people play an instrument, sing in a choir, or listen to it for enjoyment. Classical, rap, pop, jazz, and rock are different types of music that entertain very different types of people and is there for them to enjoy, but it does more than that, and it has a really big effect on our brains and bodies. It has the ability to affect the way we learn, our mood, and our memory.
Depending on the person, music can be very comforting and calming. On the American Music Therapy Association website (http://www.musictherapy.org/) it says that music therapy can be used to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation. It has had a part in relieving some of the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and can help to soothe stress. It also helps people all over the world fall asleep by listening to calming music and sounds.
Learning an instrument is great for developing brains, and helps students begin to hear and process sounds they couldn’t before. Children who take music lessons have improved memory, and kids with learning disabilities benefit from it. This translates into improved academic results for kids if they’re actively engaged in the process and higher graduation rates for music students. Even with all of the benefits, school music programs are in danger of being cut.