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.
Sing, Sing A Song
At the age of 64, Ruth-Ann Bode is singing her song out loud and strong as a member of the Cathedral of the Assumption Choir in Louisville. “I’ve been singing in the traditional choir for around 15 years now and I love it,” Ruth-Ann says. Her love of music started in her childhood when she began piano lessons at the age of four, french horn at age seven, and started singing in her church choir at the age of six. Through career changes and motherhood, she played in community and church-related orchestras. “But singing is something I love to do. I love singing a cappella, and I love singing in small groups,” says Ruth-Ann.
One aspect of the musical experience that keeps Ruth-Ann going back is a sense of shared community. “You develop friends who share a similar passion for making good music,” she says. Ruth-Ann hopes the songs her choir sings during Mass bring someone a sense of peace for the day, a smile, or maybe make them think of a happy memory. “Music is definitely a mood lifter,” Ruth-Ann says.
By Tonilyn Hornung | Photo by Baher Khairy
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