The Healing Power of Music: Changing Lives One Note at a Time

As music creators, we know personally about the healing power of music. It is a universal language that has the power to evoke emotions and change lives. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Music can reduce stress and anxiety: As a music creator, we should aim to create music that can lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies. It can also reduce anxiety and improve mood by stimulating the release of dopamine and endorphins. Unfortunately, most labels push harmful music to sell drugs, consumption, products or alcohol. Knowing what we do about music, as creators, we should strive to change that narrative.
  • Music can improve cognitive function: I have seen that listening to music can improve memory, attention, and overall cognitive function. It is a powerful tool that can improve brain plasticity and enhance executive function. I’ve experienced family members with dementia and Alzheimers, who don’t remember my name, but remember all of the lyrics to their favorite song.
  • Music can help with pain management. Music has been shown to reduce pain and increase pain tolerance by up to 21%. It can also improve the quality of life for patients with chronic pain conditions.
  • Music can enhance social bonding: Music has the power to bring people together, and as a music creator, we should strive to create music that enhances social bonding. It can also improve communication and emotional expression.
  • Music can heal: music has been used as a complementary therapy for a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This can have a transformative effect on people’s lives.

In conclusion, the healing power of music is a gift that we should be proud to provide to the world. It has the ability to change our moods, reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function, manage pain, enhance social bonding, and even heal us. Let’s continue to create music that touches people’s lives and brings healing to those who need it most.

References:

  1. Lai HL, et al. Effects of music intervention on stress-related outcomes: a systematic review and two meta-analyses. J Adv Nurs. 2012;68(1):28-39.
  2. Herdener M, et al. Jazz improvisation enhances brain connectivity and self-generated creativity. J Neurosci. 2014;34(19):6526-6533.
  3. Bradt J, et al. Music for pain relief. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(5):CD004843.
  4. Tarr B, Launay J, Dunbar RI. Music and social bonding: “self-other” merging and neurohormonal mechanisms. Front Psychol. 2014;5:1096.
  5. Chan MF, et al. Effectiveness of music intervention on the quality of life of older people. J Adv Nurs. 2009;65(11):2240-2250.
  6. Bensimon M, et al. Therapeutic use of music for patients with burn injuries. J Burn Care Res. 2009;30(4):574-580.