Positive Effects of Music

As a result of my last post, I feel like I should do something slightly more along the lines of something that I believe, and that is the positive effects on music. As cliche and trite as it sounds, I truly think that music has the ability to change the world and make it a better place. Some of the concerts that I attend, I have not seen a more tight-knit group of people, coming together for a single purpose.

                                                          Okay, well yes, maybe in this instance.

But other than that, you have to admit, it does look strikingly similar to this.

Still, my point stands. Both are events that bring people together for a common purpose. Yet other than being a gathering event for humans from all walks of life, there are scientific benefits to listening to music.

1. Music Can Reduce Pain

     Now, as hold a statement as that is to make, it is one that is quite founded in evidence. In fact, some hospitals have even taken so far as to use it as a method to help with postoperative pain and ease the discomfort from childbirth, along with the use of drugs [1]. Imagine the possibilites that this could open up. People that are allergi to certain types of painkillers, or have moral objections to them, can still receive some kind of treatment and feel better.

2. Makes you Smarter

     There have been studies that have shown that listening to music makes you more intelligent. Indeed, there was a whole series of music aimed at new borns, mostly mozart, that was supposed to make your child smarter. This has been come to be known as the 'Mozart Effect.' However, recent research has shown that while the study done in 1993 by researcher Frances Rauscher did prove that Mozart helped children in reasoning tests, it has now been concluded that just listening to anything stimulates the brain better than a child sitting in a quiet room. Though I would not recommend blasting Metallica while your 2 month old tries to sleep [2].

3. Makes you Work Better

     Perhaps one of the most argued effects on music, is does it make you work better? While one study at Witchita University proved that, when choosing between listening to different kinds of music when working, Classical was the best, it has still been disproved in other tests as well [3]. My personal opinion on this, is that it all depends on the person. Myself, when studying German for the last 4 semesters, did find it easier to concentrate when I was listening to Beethoven. However, I would say the opposite for when I was working on Autocad (a rendering program) when I needed absolute silence. This is one effect, that will continue to be studied.


     But whatever your opinion on this is, there is no way one can deny that music has good effects. It is so ingrained into our society, that it will always hold a fascination to everyone.







1. Nilsson U, Unosson M, Rawal, N. Stress reduction and analgesia in patients exposed to calming music postoperatively: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2005 February; 22(2):96-102.

2. http://www.aolnews.com/2010/05/11/mozart-effect-on-babies-a-myth-research-says/

3. http://www.workplacedoctors.com/wpdocs/qdetail.asp?id=1297