Every now and again I like to post/share something completely different and todays post is! I think the post title may have given the subject away because it is to do with music, and Mozart does get mentioned ... read on to find out more.
"You may have heard people say that if you listen to classical music, it makes you more intelligent.
But is this true or just a myth? It is said that music feeds the soul, so in this article, we will look at how classical music is the antioxidant of music.
Why do we listen to music?
Let’s start with a bit of background before we dive into the specifics of classical music.
For hundreds of years, humans have felt the need to create music, to move with a rhythm or a beat.
It is said that music could have derived from a protolanguage, and could have come from an early form of communication between humans.
In 2013 researchers found that the reasons why people listen to music can be put into three categories; mood analysis, self-awareness, and social reasons.
Music can affect our mood, it can make us feel an abundance of emotions from feeling happy, sad, energetic, passionate, and inspired.
But why is this?
Musical effects on the brain.
There are many theories as to why music affects us in such a way.
One theory is that tense music and music with an upbeat tempo will change our heart rate which can create discomfort if it is unexpected or it can make us feel energized and want to move to the beat.
In 2015 a study by the BBC said “Upwardly rising, staccato sounds tend to put us on edge, while long descending tones seem to have a calming effect.”
This study shows that we tend to react in a positive way to calmer more smooth music as our heart rate doesn’t increase which means we tend to relax more.
A study published in Nature in 2014 suggested that music has the ability to stimulate parts of our brain that wouldn’t otherwise be used.
This is also linked with emotional channels and is perhaps one of the main reasons why we all react differently to what we hear.
Sometimes we associate certain memories or feelings with music and this can sometimes be stimulating to our productivity.
Why classical music is different.
Music and dopamine.
Dopamine is released when we become calm and relaxed. In 2011 the first experiment looking at relations between dopamine and listening to music was carried out at McGill University.
The study had eight volunteers who allowed their brains to be scanned whilst they listened to music they liked.
The outcomes showed that dopamine levels in the brain rose by around 9% when the person was listening to music they liked.
Only instrumental music was used for the experiment to make sure that there were no verbal associations with reactions to the musical piece.
Although you might not think that you enjoy classical music, you might find that its calming aura has a positive effect on your brain.
Listening to classical music as a baby.
Experts have researched and come to the conclusion that listening to classical music helps brain development.
It is suggested that listening to classical music helps babies develop better memory skills.
When the smooth soothing music is played regularly it allows the baby to develop their ability to remember rhythm.
This means they will find it easier in the future when learning things like languages.
It has also been proven that calm and soothing music will relax a baby and a happy calm baby will do better at growth and development, which overall means they will be healthier.
What is The Mozart Effect?
But is this true or just a myth? It is said that music feeds the soul, so in this article, we will look at how classical music is the antioxidant of music.
Why do we listen to music?
Let’s start with a bit of background before we dive into the specifics of classical music.
For hundreds of years, humans have felt the need to create music, to move with a rhythm or a beat.
It is said that music could have derived from a protolanguage, and could have come from an early form of communication between humans.
In 2013 researchers found that the reasons why people listen to music can be put into three categories; mood analysis, self-awareness, and social reasons.
Music can affect our mood, it can make us feel an abundance of emotions from feeling happy, sad, energetic, passionate, and inspired.
But why is this?
Musical effects on the brain.
There are many theories as to why music affects us in such a way.
One theory is that tense music and music with an upbeat tempo will change our heart rate which can create discomfort if it is unexpected or it can make us feel energized and want to move to the beat.
In 2015 a study by the BBC said “Upwardly rising, staccato sounds tend to put us on edge, while long descending tones seem to have a calming effect.”
This study shows that we tend to react in a positive way to calmer more smooth music as our heart rate doesn’t increase which means we tend to relax more.
A study published in Nature in 2014 suggested that music has the ability to stimulate parts of our brain that wouldn’t otherwise be used.
This is also linked with emotional channels and is perhaps one of the main reasons why we all react differently to what we hear.
Sometimes we associate certain memories or feelings with music and this can sometimes be stimulating to our productivity.
Why classical music is different.
In 1993 physicist and professor Dr. Gordon Shaw conducted a controlled experiment with classical music.
At the University of California Shaw played Mozart to a group of students and noticed an increase in IQ level.
Although the experiment is not relied on as significant evidence by many scientists it does show that classical music has positive effects on the brain.
Researchers believe that not only does listening to classical music help relax and calm us, which makes us perform better but it can change our thought too.
Listening to Mozart helps to warm up parts of the brain that allow us to develop abstract thought.
A separate study by Dr. Kevin Labar showed that music has the power to improve focus and therefore performance.
This is because when we listen to calming classical music, dopamine is released as we become calm and relaxed.
This prevents the release of stress-related hormones which means mood is improved and what we are working on becomes more enjoyable.
Listening to classical music will relax and calm the mind so it can then work to its full capacity and open channels of creativity that are otherwise dormant.
At the University of California Shaw played Mozart to a group of students and noticed an increase in IQ level.
Although the experiment is not relied on as significant evidence by many scientists it does show that classical music has positive effects on the brain.
Researchers believe that not only does listening to classical music help relax and calm us, which makes us perform better but it can change our thought too.
Listening to Mozart helps to warm up parts of the brain that allow us to develop abstract thought.
A separate study by Dr. Kevin Labar showed that music has the power to improve focus and therefore performance.
This is because when we listen to calming classical music, dopamine is released as we become calm and relaxed.
This prevents the release of stress-related hormones which means mood is improved and what we are working on becomes more enjoyable.
Listening to classical music will relax and calm the mind so it can then work to its full capacity and open channels of creativity that are otherwise dormant.
Music and dopamine.
Dopamine is released when we become calm and relaxed. In 2011 the first experiment looking at relations between dopamine and listening to music was carried out at McGill University.
The study had eight volunteers who allowed their brains to be scanned whilst they listened to music they liked.
The outcomes showed that dopamine levels in the brain rose by around 9% when the person was listening to music they liked.
Only instrumental music was used for the experiment to make sure that there were no verbal associations with reactions to the musical piece.
Although you might not think that you enjoy classical music, you might find that its calming aura has a positive effect on your brain.
Listening to classical music as a baby.
Experts have researched and come to the conclusion that listening to classical music helps brain development.
It is suggested that listening to classical music helps babies develop better memory skills.
When the smooth soothing music is played regularly it allows the baby to develop their ability to remember rhythm.
This means they will find it easier in the future when learning things like languages.
It has also been proven that calm and soothing music will relax a baby and a happy calm baby will do better at growth and development, which overall means they will be healthier.
What is The Mozart Effect?
French researcher Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis first used the term to describe what he considered to be a mind-changing effect put upon the human brain when listening to Mozart.
It is also suggested that it will raise your IQ.
Although there is very little scientific evidence to back this up, it is often debated by scientists and the term is very popular amongst some researchers.
So if we start listening to classical music we have the ability to shape our performance and get the most out of our hard work.
Even better if we introduce classical music to babies or children then we are helping shape and develop their brain so they can be more productive and overall healthier human beings.
Next time you are struggling with something why not put on some Mozart to help open up the creative channels of your brain to help improve your work."
It is also suggested that it will raise your IQ.
Although there is very little scientific evidence to back this up, it is often debated by scientists and the term is very popular amongst some researchers.
So if we start listening to classical music we have the ability to shape our performance and get the most out of our hard work.
Even better if we introduce classical music to babies or children then we are helping shape and develop their brain so they can be more productive and overall healthier human beings.
Next time you are struggling with something why not put on some Mozart to help open up the creative channels of your brain to help improve your work."
Above words from here
Mozart Music can be found on You Tube here
----- xxxx oooo xxxx -----
Of course Mozart may not be your choice and there may be readers who do not enjoy classical music, but it would be interesting to read your thoughts, do please share them in the comments.
Please be aware, you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.
All the best Jan
27 comments:
You know a have a very similar article saved for a post. Very interesting.
This is very interesting and makes sense to me. I listen to many varieties of music. I like faster, jazzier music when I doing things like cleaning and calmer music at other times. I don't like music where I feel they are just screaming and yelling - puts me on edge! I do like classical music at times too. Thanks for sharing this one.
Hi Jan, fascinating article, thank you so much for sharing! I love music from the early 1900s to 1940s, not classical per se, but older than me! (I was born in 1956) :) I love all types of music, disco, oldies, the ones I mentioned above, smooth jazz. I love the pan flute such as Zamfir! I find it hauntingly beautiful. I also like the flute and the violin and soft piano. I like Liszt and a few others, as you can see, my music tastes vary. What I do not like is loud music, rap, hip hop, and a lot of today's music doesn't appeal to me because I find it loud.
I listen to classical music as well as other kinds depending on how I feel.
I do like music. I wish my husband did.
Some of this is familiar to me (Rick is a classical music nut) but some new, too, so I'm happy to share this with him. I think it makes loads of sense. I like all kinds of music but not ALL kinds of music! Not fond of yelling/screaming or rap or metal and not all country/western. But classical, broadway, jazz, Celtic/traditional and more! It can definitely affect mood.
Interesting -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
Interesting read
There was a period of time where parents are playing Mozart to new born lol
I studied Mozart and other composers when doing my degree, music.
Love classical music as well as pop I suppose you would call it.
Sometimes I listen to quiet classical music when doing my blog.
Very interesting. We have classical music playing in the background all day long as my husband particularly enjoys it. I prefer silence or dialogue as a background.
Thanx for a very interesting article, Jan. What would Mozart make of today's style of music?
God bless.
Like Mari I listen to different kinds of music for example for cleaning or cooking/baking.
...life without music would be bland.
Interesting post! I like songs I can sing along to, classic rock is a favorite.
Take care, have a great day!
Thank you for sharing. Our family enjoys classical music.
There are really interesting information in this post.
The Moody Blues are about as classical as I get! I like all different kinds of music really. :-D
Very interesting! Hugs and blessings dear friend.
I'm always listening to music as I'm blogging and visiting to other blogs.
I love listening to music and this post is so interesting, thanks!
I found the part about dopamine release particularly interesting it makes so much sense that feeling calm and relaxed would open up those creative channels. And the idea of music as the "antioxidant of music" is just brilliant!
Thanks for sharing such a thought-provoking piece. It definitely makes me want to put on some classical music next time I'm trying to focus or feel inspired.
Years ago, I read a research study about plants being exposed to music. Plants stopped growing when jazz was constantly played, and died when metal rock was constantly played. They actually thrived when classical music was constantly played. I like SOOTHING classical music, but not discordant. Thanks for the info.
I don't listen to classical music but after reading this I think I should give it a try, especially when I am a little stressed out and see if it is calming.
I love music of most types, but don't listen to much classical these days.
I wonder if it's the rhythms of the music that does so much good. They say music helps with math because of the musical patterns. I sometimes listen to classical music, and I guess I need to listen some more. :) Happy July, a few days late but I hope it's been a good month so far.
Oh, I love this post. I do listen to classical music. I do agree that this music does calm the brain and the soul. Thank you for this post.
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