The Magical and Musical Remedy: How Classical Music Helps With The Brain

Emerging in the 17th and 18th century, classical music has been a part of society for a very long time. However, many researchers have only recently discovered the many mysteries of this music. As we listen to classical music, it is almost as if our brains reboot. There are several benefits to listening to classical music. Listening to classical music improves intellectual performance, boosts memory, and reduces stress and anxiety which helps with better sleep. Behind the scenes, classical music somehow alters the brain and allows for improved and strengthened cognitive function, and these improvements are evident through the many studies and experiments conducted in hopes of uncovering this mystery.

Listening to classical music while studying improves one’s intellectual performance due to the release of neurotransmitter dopamine, making studying more enjoyable. In 1993, Dr. Gordon Shaw, a physicist and professor at the University of California, conducted a study, and he saw “a spike in IQ in his college students after listening to Mozart” (“The Effects”). Thus, he labeled the result the “Mozart Effect.” Years later, Dr. Kevin Labar, a professor of psychology and neuroscience, conducted a similar study that revealed how “music [has] the power to improve intellectual performance and cognitive function” (“The Effects”). What happens is when one listens to classical music, the brain releases neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, increases pleasure and prevents the release of stress hormones. Thus, the release of dopamine into the brain naturally improves mood and cognition (“The Effects”). Consequently, when one listens to classical music while studying, the brain releases dopamine, and their mood is improved, which makes studying more enjoyable and bearable. Evidently, listening to classical music helps boost intellectual performance and cognitive function.

Not only does listening to classical music improve academic performance, but it also boosts memory. Researchers at the Department of Medical Genetics from the University of Helsinki did a study that showed how listening to classical music once a day can positively influence “the genes responsible for brain function and memory” (“The Effects”). In participants who listened to classical music, the research team found “an increase in dopamine secretion, synaptic function, and the genes associated with learning and memory” compared to the control group who didn’t (“The Effects”). With increased activity and strengthening of these parts of the brain, memory and cognitive function are able to flourish. Moreover, Julie-Ann Ruthenburg performed a study that consisted of two groups: the experimental group who listened to music, and the control group who didn’t. Both groups were then given a memory test. The results revealed significant score differences between the two groups, with the experimental group scoring 84.2 percent and the control group scoring 74.2 percent (Ruthenberg). Consequently, the biochemistry and brain activity behind listening to classical music reveals the notable benefits and effects classical music has on memory processing and recall.

Finally, listening to classical music can reduce stress and anxiety which in turn helps with sleep. When people suffer from excess stress and anxiety or depression, they most often experience bad quality sleep simultaneously. However, a study published in the journal, Psychology of Music, in recent years showed “a link between listening to classical and instrumental music, and improved mental health. The study found that people who listened to [classical] music experienced lower anxiety, depression, and stress levels,” marking a positive impact on one’s mental health (“How Classical”). Additionally, a study done on college students conducted by Laszlo Harmat, an associate professor in psychology at Linnaeus University et al., found that those who listened to classical music before bed fell asleep more quickly and had better quality sleep than those who did not. Consequently, “relaxing classical music is an effective intervention in reducing sleeping problems” (Laszlo). In addition, those who listened to classical music before bed showed fewer risks and symptoms of depression. Alleviating feelings of tension and stress, classical anxiety relaxes the brain from stress and anxiety which in turn allows for better-quality and more relaxing sleep. Sleep is extremely important since without it, many of people’s daily tasks become challenging and difficult. Thus, it is vital that one experiences good sleep, and classical music is able to help accomplish that. In conclusion, listening to classical music helps reduce feelings of tension, stress, and anxiety, resulting in better sleep.

Listening to classical music can benefit the brain in various ways, such as improving academic performance, enhancing memory, and alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety for better sleep. Something as simple as listening to classical music can have great impacts on one’s mental health and well-being. Thus, if you are feeling stressed or feel like you need a boost of productivity, listen to some classical music, and you may experience one or more of the many benefits of this beautiful genre of music.

References

“How Classical and Instrumental Music Affect Mental Health.” Better Sleep. 16 Oct. 2022. www.bettersleep.com/blog/how-classical-and-instrumental-music-affect-mental-health/#:~:text=Classical%20music%20has%20been%20found,%2C%20cognitive%20function%2C%20and%20memory. Accessed 17 Mar. 2023.

Laszlo, Harmat, et al. “Music Improves Sleep Quality in Students.” Journal of Advanced Nursing, vol. 62, no. 3, May 2008, pp. 327-335, www.researchgate.net/publication/5427263_Music_improves_sleep_quality_in_students. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

Ruthenberg, Julie-Ann. “The Effects of Classical Music on Memory” Unisia Psychologia, vol. 29, 2003, www.academia.edu/26790939/The_effects_of_classical_music_on_memory. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

“The Effects of Classical Music on the Brain.” Symphony Central Coast. 30 Oct. 2019. www.symphonycentralcoast.com.au/classical-music-effects-on-brain/#:~:text=What%20actually%20happens%20is%20that,studying%20a%20lot%20more%20enjoyable. Accessed 17 Mar. 2023.