Music has the ability to stir our emotions and awaken deep memories. Have you ever noticed that listening to your favorite song, singing in the shower, or drumming along on the dashboard just makes you feel good? Research shows that listening to music can give you a positive emotional boost and improve memory and mental alertness. The relationship we have with music is powerful and musical experiences offer many benefits for your emotional and mental well-being.
Studies show engaging in musical experiences (including listening to music or playing an instrument) releases that “feel good” hormone, dopamine. Part of the “brain’s reward system,” dopamine allows us to feel pleasure. “So, when we’re listening to a song we really love, that euphoric feeling comes in that hit of endorphins,” says Elizabeth Barone, board certified music therapist (MA, MT-BC, CCLS). Music therapy is the use of music to meet nonmusical goals, explains Elizabeth. Music therapists use the power of music as a tool to help clients work through emotional or mental difficulties, manage stress, or enhance memories.
“The thing about music is that it’s processed in all areas of the brain and not just in one area like speech or memory recall,” Elizabeth says. This explains why somebody who might not have access to language (in the case of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia) can still sing songs and have moments of clarity because music is being processed in other areas outside the speech zone. Elizabeth reveals that listening to music can also assist with better sleep and a reduction in the stress hormone, cortisol. So, if you’re wondering how to get a little more music into your life, we spoke with three Louisvillians who are making music a priority.
Can’t Fight This Feeling
Married couple Rhonda and Jerry Day have been going to concerts since they were teenagers. Rhonda’s first concert was seeing Fleetwood Mac when she was 13 years old. “So, how do you top that, right,” she says. Rhonda went to all kinds of shows growing up, and when she and Jerry started dating, concert-going was a love they shared. Jerry’s first concert was the band Grand Funk Railroad with REO Speedwagon as the opener at 14 years old. But a big highlight was seeing Elvis in 1977. “Since I’m originally from Memphis, that was just a treat to get to see him perform live a few months before he passed away,” Jerry says.
Rhonda and Jerry still make attending live music events an important part of their lives, and Jerry adds, “We’ve always enjoyed live music and try to get out when we can.” Whether it be seeing a big-name group coming through town, a local band, or planning a trip to see a favorite solo singer, they both agree that seeing their favorite bands live or listening to music while driving improves their mood and keeps them feeling good. “It’s definitely a mood changer for sure and it just makes any situation feel better,” Rhonda says.
By Tonilyn Hornung | Photo by Travis Yewell
P.S. Check out part one in this series of Let The Music Play here.
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