Take a walk down memory lane with me. Do you remember the first song you danced to? The name of your favorite band? That time you skipped class to listen to your new album by them? Whether it’s classic rock, R&B, country, or classical music, the songs you listened to in your formative years are oftentimes marked as the soundtrack to your life; it’s the rose-colored glasses through which we sometimes view our younger selves.
Music is what moves us, it’s what guides our emotions and evokes memories that we didn’t even know we had. At one point or another in our lives, everyone has realized there’s an added depth to the songs we listen to. I didn’t want to write this blog because I wanted to talk about why music is important, I wanted to prove it.
The General Importance of Music
Music plays a crucial role in our lives. It can help us focus and be more productive, as well as relieve stress, improve our mood, reduce anxiety, improve our sleep quality and increase our workout endurance.
1. Helps us Focus and Boost Productivity
Listening to music while you work is a great way to boost productivity. It’s well known that when you’re trying to focus on a task, listening to music can actually help you concentrate and stay on task—as long as the song’s lyrics aren’t distracting.
The classical genre has been shown to improve focus, but if you’re not keen on Mozart, there are plenty of songs without words that can help turn your office into a productivity powerhouse
If you get distracted easily while working at home, putting on some headphones and playing some instrumental tunes might be just what the doctor ordered. The key is finding a style of music that helps drown out background noise and keeps you from getting caught up in distractions.
2. Makes us Smarter
Music can actually make you smarter. Studies show that high students who learn to play a musical instrument are more likely to excel in math, science, and language arts. Learning to play music forces your brain to work harder and more efficiently.
This exercise makes the brain work more efficiently by utilizing both sides of the brain at the same time: one side controls rhythm and beats while the other side focuses on melody and tone. People who learn how to play instruments are usually better than their peers at solving spatial-temporal problems, which means they’re able to think ahead further into the future than most people.
3. Relieves Stress
Music is therapeutic. It can help reduce stress by activating the brain’s reward system, which releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that generates pleasure. Listening to music can also relax your muscles and relieve tension, further contributing to stress reduction.
Stress causes the release of cortisol in the body, a hormone associated with increased heart rate and blood pressure that leads to long-term health issues.
You can use music as a form of therapy to release negative emotions and improve your mood with positive ones. How? By listening to songs that make you happy or have a special meaning for you in times of stress. The songs will not solve your problems but it will help you feel better while you face them.
4. Music can Boost Your Mood
Music can improve your mood!
This may seem like a no-brainer. Who doesn’t feel better after listening to their favorite song or album? But the science behind how music affects our moods is remarkable. One study from McGill University used brain imaging on a group of participants who listened to music that induced chills. The results showed that when people receive goosebumps from listening to music, it activates the reward center in their brains. The effect of this is that you get a rush of euphoria and feel good (similar to eating chocolate or spending time with someone you love).
It’s also been proven that listening to happy songs can change your mood from sad to happy very quickly. It’s been found that we respond quickly to sounds, even before we recognize them consciously—and this includes music! That means that when we hear a happy song playing in the background, our brains will automatically associate positive emotions with it; thus improving our moods!
5. Reduces Anxiety
We all have bad days. We get anxious or upset about our problems. Music can help us relax, calm us down, and make us feel better.
This is important because when you’re relaxed, your body is able to fight off illness more effectively. Music does this by lowering levels of cortisone and adrenaline, two hormones secreted during times of stress.
Generally speaking, any type of music will help reduce anxiety (though I’d steer clear of hardcore metal or anything with a lot of dissonant sounds). Classical music has been shown to be particularly effective at reducing anxiety in the short term. If you find yourself needing to lower your blood pressure or calm down after a stressful day, try listening to 15-30 minutes of classical music right before going to sleep.
6. Improves Motor Skills
Musicians have to send signals from their brains to many different muscles in their bodies at the same time. This means that when you play an instrument, your mind is practicing sending messages to several different muscles all at once! The more complex the instrument, the more difficult this task becomes. For example, not only does a pianist have to use both their hands and feet while playing, they also have to coordinate which hand is playing which notes.
At first glance it may seem like learning the piano makes children better at playing piano, but in reality, what’s really happening is that it makes children better able to move multiple parts of their body independently!
Definitely don’t stop at piano though! Try singing or dancing along with your favorite song- these activities require even more coordination than just playing an instrument does. And if you want an even bigger challenge for your brain, try jamming with a friend – now you’ll need to not only coordinate all of your own movements with music but keep up with someone else’s too!
7. Great Bonding Tool for Family and Friends
Music can be used as a great bonding tool for family and friends. Maybe you have a favorite song that you like to listen to together or make playlists for each other. Maybe you go on road trips, where you sing along with the radio. Or maybe your friends know what songs get you pumped up before a big game and help motivate you to succeed.
People enjoy listening to music together in social settings, too. It can set the mood at parties or restaurants, or even while walking through downtown areas. Many cities have street performers playing songs that draw in large crowds of people who want to listen and dance.
Music is also something that can span generations, bringing older people together with younger ones who are just discovering their own musical tastes – perhaps parents playing Beatles tunes when they were young but then introducing their children or grandchildren to Taylor Swift today! Music has universal appeal regardless of age group because everyone enjoys listening to it!
8. Stimulates memories.
Your favorite song may remind you of your first love, a vacation you took with your family, or your worst heartbreak. There are no rules about what songs remind us of; as each piece speaks differently to every person.
When you hear a song that brings back vivid memories, it’s because of the rich information-processing system in your brain. This makes music more important than other types of auditory stimulation because it has a greater ability to tap into personal experiences, feelings, and places. Perhaps this is why music plays such an important role in how we experience our culture and engage with each other through dance and song.
Songs are so much more than just entertainment; they can trigger memories, moods, and feelings.
9. Eases pain
Music has been shown to significantly lower the perceived intensity of pain, particularly in geriatric care, acute care, and palliative medicine.
It can be used to treat pain in a non-pharmacological and complementary manner. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of music on pain sensation.
For instance, research has shown that listening to music can reduce labor pains by over 10%. It’s no wonder then that many hospitals have begun using soothing music for patients recovering from painful surgeries.
10. Increases Workout Endurance
If you are a runner, cyclist, or do any other activities that are repetitive (such as using a rowing machine) you will know how boring it can be. That’s where music comes in.
Interesting, isn’t it? It can serve as a distraction from physical discomfort as well as improve your mental state for better performance.
When listening to your favorite songs you tend to get lost in the beat and forget about what you are doing. If you need some extra motivation for the upcoming marathon or just want to go for a longer run than normal, try putting on a good playlist and see how much further and faster you can go!
11. Improves sleep quality
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes conducted research that stated, an estimated 40 million Americans annually live with chronic sleep disorders, while 20 million more have trouble sleeping regularly.
The researchers tracked 557 participants with chronic sleep disorders and found that sleep quality was significantly improved with music and concluded that “music can assist in improving the quality of sleep in patients with acute and chronic sleep disorders.”
12. Source of Income
Music is important because it is a source of income for many artists. There are different ways in which individuals make money from music.
Producers; They make money by producing songs and instrumentals for artists.
Composers; They compose music for artists. These music compositions may range anywhere from instrumental compositions to lyric writing.
Disk Jockeys; They are popularly known as DJs. They make an income through staging performances where they sequentially and creatively play music from different artists.
Performing artists; Make an income through staging and performing in live performances. These are events, parties, and music festivals among other celebrations.
Music distributors; They market and sell an artist’s music. The proceeds are later forwarded to the artist with them taking a certain percentage.
15 Most Successful Independent Artists
13. Enhances Creativity
The idea that music fosters creativity is nothing new. In fact, there’s evidence of this as far back as ancient Greece. Yet, in recent years researchers have become increasingly interested in studying this idea and have made some intriguing discoveries regarding the link between music and creative thinking.
Music can stimulate both sides of your brain through rhythm and melody which makes music a very effective tool for improving creativity. Music provides inspiration that can help you overcome barriers that are holding back your creative thinking.
Listening to certain types of music while working on a creative project has been scientifically proven to improve creative problem-solving skills as well as simply enhance one’s mood.
Importance of Music in Films
Music is an important part of filmmaking. It helps to control the mood of a film, create the atmosphere and setting, plot progression, and draw your attention to the main parts of a scene.
A movie without music is akin to a dessert without seasoning. Salt is not always apparent, but you can taste it, which is what occurs with music. Music adds a new depth to a film. Movies would be far less appealing to us if they did not include music.
Take away this important element from any movie and you will notice the difference.
Learn more about the benefits of music in film from the list below:
1. Directs the Mood of Films
Music’s ability to heighten emotional responses without words is an advantage seldom utilized by contemporary filmmakers.
The emotional power of music in cinema is a tool that has been used since the first silent films, and it continues to be one of the easiest ways directors can manipulate mood.
For example, “The Imperial March” from Star Wars helps put audiences in an ominous mood when they hear it start to play; John Williams’ iconic music provides a cue that the evil Empire is near.
2. Create Atmosphere and Setting
Music is used to create atmosphere and set the mood of a scene.
It can establish feelings that range from joy and peace to dread and fear. For example, you hear music playing softly in the background when the characters are feeling relaxed. However, music can also take on a more sinister tone when danger lurks around the corner.
It can also be used to set a location and time period for a scene. For instance, it may include an acoustic guitar playing at a sunny beach or the sound of honking cars in the busy city streets of New York City.
It can also be used to set the personality of a character, such as an upbeat song for an adventurous character or a slow melody for one who is feeling depressed or downcast.
This technique not only gives you insight into what kind of person he/she might be but also how they’re feeling at any given moment during their journey through life!
3. Plot Progression
The primary function of music in a film is to support what’s happening on screen and tell the story. Its role can be divided into three major groups: narrative, thematic and symbolic.
The narrative refers to the plot development, character development, and setting, including conflict, resolution, climax, and denouement.
Thematic music contributes to the theme of a film and plays an important role in expressing the main ideas. For example, a common musical cliché associated with love scenes is using violins to express romance or affection.
Symbolic music often foreshadows future events or establishes motifs that will later appear in a different context (such as a villain hearing his own theme while lurking in the shadows).
To Culture
Music is essential to culture and has been since the beginning of modern civilization. It has been used in rituals and ceremonies, in celebrations, for entertainment, as a teaching tool, for storytelling, and even to promote healing. Its uses are nearly endless. As humans progressed through time, music evolved with them, taking new forms that have changed lives and continue to do so today.
When we think of the earliest music, we imagine it as something simple—a few beats on a drum or a flute made from hollowed-out bone. But if you think about it: there was no need for musical complexity in such early times. We were simply hunting and gathering; there was not much reason for entertainment or elaborate rituals. That changed as human culture evolved into more complex systems of social interaction and structure.
The more complex our culture became, the more uses we found for music: it became a way to tell stories, especially in oral cultures before writing; it was used in connection with religious ceremonies; it could be used to express emotions that would otherwise go unspoken (think of wedding vows); it could even be used to teach math concepts (for example, rhythmic counting).
Fast forward to today: we use music in nearly every aspect of our lives.
1. Makes it easy to celebrate
It’s a proven fact that music makes it easier to celebrate in our culture.
Just think back to one of the last few major occasions you’ve celebrated. The wedding you attended last month? The graduation party you went to? The birthday party of your favorite niece or nephew?
If any of these events had no music, would you have stayed for long? Probably not.
Music does something incredible for the people who are experiencing it together: It creates an atmosphere of celebration and lets everyone know that they’re there to have fun. Even the boring stuff, like the birthday song itself, is made enjoyable by music!
The next time you’re at a party, take some time to notice how much more fun it is just because there’s music playing. Music really does make it easier to celebrate in our culture!
2. Form of communication
Music has been used to evoke emotions, convey social messages, send subtle or obvious political commentary, and more.
Some issues in the culture may be difficult to address when addressed through conversation.
However, musicians can address certain issues effectively through music, such as difficult issues surrounding bigotry, injustice, pessimism, and other socially-charged topics.
This is effective because there is no immediate feedback that may cause intimidation.
3. Inspires people.
Music can be a powerful companion throughout life. For the proficient musician, it’s a way to channel his or her emotions and tell stories through an instrument. For everyone else, it can offer a form of escape from daily stresses or provide motivation during physical activities.
Beyond its ability to inspire, music is also known to have healing properties that help treat various ailments and conditions.
4. Creative outlet
Those who are creative and need an outlet can create art through different types of music and put it out into the world to share with other individuals.
It’s something to be shared that is unifying because people can relate to the songs and feel inspired by it.
People also tend to enjoy things that are done in a diverse and artsy manner.
5. Self-expression
Music is a tool that helps us express our own identity. There are different types of music from different cultures around the globe and the music you like says a lot about you.
6. Influences fashion
Music is so powerful that it can impact other industries like fashion. At one stage of our life, we have all followed an icon and all we wanted to do was be like them and dress like them. As music evolves day by day, so does fashion.
Take a look at music videos from the 70s, 80s, and 90s and try comparing them with modern trends. It is also common for fashion brands to partner with music artists to promote their brands.
This is to elevate their sales when music lovers storm into fashion stores to buy merchandise because a certain artist was dressed up in the brand’s outfit.
7. Brings people together
Music is a great way to connect with people, especially those of like minds. You can discover new artists and songs as well as learn about the experiences of others through music.
Personally, I have met several people who I have become friends with because we shared similar musical tastes: from sharing mixtapes in middle school to making playlists for my significant other upon dating.
Festivals are one of the best ways people celebrate their love for music and dance culture with like-minded souls.
Importance of Music in Schools
Music is an integral part of a well-rounded education. The ability to play an instrument, sing, and dance can help students develop a solid foundation in basic skills like rhythm and pitch. Not only that, but it also helps with memory and brain development.
Here are some of the benefits of music education to students in schools:
1. Helps improve their language and communication skills.
Listening to music helps us retain words and expressions more effectively. The rhythm of the music, as well as the repetitive patterns and phrases within the song, help us memorize words.
Music also provides exposure to other languages, and this in turn creates a foundation for the learner’s ability to venture into bilingualism. Bilingual learners, in particular, can benefit from singing songs in their second language. This is because they learn new words and terms.
2. Help improve memory skills
Music is proven to help improve memory skills, and songs have even been used for centuries to help people remember things better. It’s called the “Mozart Effect,” and it shows that listening to classical music can actually increase your ability to learn new information by 10% or more.
3. Strengthens self and social awareness
The involvement in music also helps learners become more aware of themselves as well as others – it develops one’s social skills.
Students learn to understand the emotions of others and how to express themselves in different situations, which can be done through musical performances.
They also learn to take turns and express their opinions when collaborating with others. Greater self-esteem and confidence are often developed because of the repetition of playing a song or melody until it is perfected.
4. Fosters creativity
Learning to play music teaches you to think creatively and to come up with new solutions. It teaches your mind to think outside of the box.
This can help students find connections between seemingly unrelated things (for example, comparing the operations of the human body to those of the computer), which is how many inventions are created.
5. Builds teamwork and cooperation
Music education teaches students the value of compromise and teamwork.
When a child’s music teacher assigns a new piece to learn, each band member has his or her own part that he or she must master individually.
However, all parts must work together so that the class can produce a quality product.
This is a skill that will help a child throughout life. The ability to work well with others and understand how different elements contribute to one another is an important factor in many career fields.
6. Improves hand-eye coordination
Hand-eye coordination is the ability of your eyes and hands to work together to complete a task. It’s an important skill that often comes easily to children, but it can be challenging for some students with autism.
Luckily, there are many fun ways to develop this skill. Students who play musical instruments have shown significant improvement in their hand-eye coordination over time. In addition,
Due to the continuous repeated performance of music pieces, the youngest learners slowly develop their coordination skills.
7. Serves as a stress reliever
This is especially true for learners in school who are always under pressure. As they grow up, they have to cope with increasing academic demands and social pressures.
At the end of the day, it can be very hard to keep up with all expectations. Music acts as a great way to relieve some of this pressure. Schools tend to hold occasional entertainment sessions so that learners can unwind and enjoy themselves after a long day at school.
Some schools may even hold music festivals where students get the opportunity to participate in musical activities such as singing or dancing!
Final Thoughts
Music is a universal language. It helps those who are unable to speak to express themselves. It helps young people learn more about our world. And it may even be able to ease the symptoms of dementia, Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. The reasons that music is important are almost endless, and we hope you all will take the time to appreciate it, as well as all of the hardworking musicians out there.
