As a
teenager, I could sit for hours at end and study with music playing in the
background. When I look back at those memories I am intrigued by the question
how could I concentrate while listening to my favourite songs.
Well my curiosity lead me to do some in-depth
research! Psychologists, neuroscientists and researchers have done extensive study
in the field of memory and music.
A Stanford
study found that "music moves [the] brain to pay attention."
Researchers found that "music engages the areas of the brain involved with
paying attention, making predictions and updating the event in memory"
(Baker).
Consolidating
my findings I present to you how music is beneficial for us.
Stress has
always been an old friend and enemy of human beings.
Music is a
powerful tool to reduce stress and anxiety. Listening to soft and slow music
induces calmness over mind and body. During exam time or any time when one is
overwhelmed tuning into music which is relatable is cathartic (releases pent up
emotions). Relaxing music (instrumental) leads to production of happy hormone
"dopamine". Dancing, singing, producing and playing music is related
to endorphin release.
Memory is
the mental capacity for storage and retrieval of information. And music
certainly affects our memory.
Since memory
is better consolidated when we experience positive emotions, listening to
"your type" of music generates feel good neurotransmitter! A lot of
studies have been done on the effect of music on memory. The Mozart effect and
the Vivaldi effect are a few examples of how music without distracting lyrics
can lead to deeper concentration. In my personal experience solving
mathematical problems with calming music in the background proved to be
beneficial. I can certainly list down the songs but to each their own is a
better option.
Our emotions, needs and desires make us human.
There are days when we are highly motivated and
There are
times when our motivation is at abysmal depths.
Grooving to
inspirational high octane tracks lifts our spirits and is positively
motivating. I can recall so many times when I have faced disappointment and
felt highly demotivated. During those times I have turned to uplifting music
and honestly felt a surge of energy propelling me to put in my best effort.
I noticed an
interesting fact, listening to English songs over a period of time has lead me
to clearly hear the lyrics and understand the true meaning behind the choice of
words.
Music can improve your language skills.
Listening to songs and trying to make sense of the lyrics expands vocabulary
and enhances active listening. Music gives expression to our inner feelings.It
helps us in putting forth our thoughts lucidly.
"Standing
in the hall of fame
And the
world’s gonna know your name
Cause you
burn with the brightest flame!"
Lyrics like
these have far greater impact than plain and simple words.
According to
science daily, structured music lessons significantly enhance children's
cognitive abilities -- including language-based reasoning, short-term memory,
planning and inhibition -- which lead to improved academic performance.
Music is
nothing short of therapy belting out of speakers.
So surround
yourself with music and feel its calming and elevating effect as rightly said
by an American solider John Logan "Music is the medicine of the
mind." It increases our concentration, our memory and it soothes our soul.
Time to put
on your favourite tracks and dance your blues away Hasta la Vista!
Authored by:
Prof. Anuradha Singh
Wouldn't it be a good idea to create a course?
