Music Can Have Health Benefits

Humans have been making music for thousands of years; there is something inside of us that calls out for rhythm and sound. It could be that our ancestors felt some of the same health benefits from their music as we experience today.

Extensive research throughout the years has proven that music can help with a myriad of health issues and can even reach those who are in the depths of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. People who never move or make a sound will, when exposed to their favorite music begin to hum along or move their limbs; listening to familiar music can reach and move those who are considered unreachable. For patients experiencing early onset Alzheimer’s, music has been shown to slow down memory loss.

If an individual is lucky enough to receive massage therapy they will probably note that soothing music always goes hand-in-hand with the massage therapy. The calming music along with the effects of massage can induce a state that is almost trance-like and in some cases can be so calming that the patient will fall asleep during their session.

For some, listening to music while working helps them to concentrate and perform better on cognitive tasks. One study proved that students who listened to enjoyable music while testing completed the test faster and with fewer mistakes. Those who are making a big presentation at work might find that they perform better if they listed to upbeat music beforehand.

Music is almost magical in helping to relieve stress; for someone who needs surgery listening to music beforehand helps to calm them down and does the same for someone who is coming out of surgery. Music helps to ease the discomfort of cancer patients and lifts their spirits.

Children respond well to music; research has shown that children with learning disabilities perform better when exposed to music. Children who have the opportunity to study music while in school have greater comprehension when it comes to language and vocabulary, produce better tests scores and even have slightly higher IQ’s. Performing in the school band teaches a child how to work with others and causes them to become more social beings.

For those who chose to study and obtain a degree in music the careers available may be surprising; if an individual loves music but also enjoys computers a career in audio engineering may be their goal. For one who has an interest in the medical field, music therapy would be a good choice as it combines both music and the medical profession. If writing poems or rhymes is enjoyable, becoming a songwriter or a lyricist may be possible. Sound mixer, composer, MIDI technician, film scorer, music editor, jazz composer, personal manager, and choir director are all careers one would enter with a degree in music. There are literally dozens of different careers one could enter with a degree in music; it just takes a bit of research to determine which is best for you.

Music Can Have Health Benefits Credit Picture License: Camp ASCCA via photopin cc