Music is all around us and it has been for many years. It is used for so many things such as to soothe, bring different emotions to situations, and can even dictate moods. Mothers use lullabies to soothe a baby. Music is also played at other important times such as holidays, birthdays, and weddings. These events are important and music plays to give it a more meaningful and fun aspect. Music has been proven to always be with us. Even patients with Alzheimer’s can pick up a toon and sing along. Dancers who have aged and aren’t the same body-wise are also able to sway to a song. There are also other examples where athletes will use upbeat music to get them ready and excited to play at a game.
When you hear music it releases special dopamine in the brain, which is a happy response, and usually occurs when you are listening to something you enjoy. When the brain is presented with certain notes it releases dopamine and your body, and mind, get excited to continue listening to the song. Music reduces stress and pain as well as depression. These are strong emotions that can be reduced with something as simple as music.
Many people also use music to enhance their memories. Oftentimes if there is a song made to help learn certain facts, a student will be more likely to memorize it if they learn the song. Examples of this would be the American state song taught to many students at a young age to help them learn all their states. The article Why and How Music Moves Us states “Evidence suggests that listening to music may help brain cells process information more efficiently and may facilitate the brain’s ability to adapt”. This shows that the brain will process information better when music is included in the learning process. However, music is also known to distract. People play music while someone is in the hospital to relieve pain by taking the focus off of their worries.
Music is an overall amazing thing to include in a person’s life. It will soothe, enhance enthusiasm, reduce stress, relieve pain, help memory, and distract. All these benefits are why music is all around us.
