Music is an art form involving the combination of vocal or instrumental sounds to express beauty in form and emotion according to cultural standards of rhythm, melody, and harmony. Music comes in all forms from folk songs to electronic compositions – both can bring out positive feelings such as happiness or excitement that can increase productivity or inspire new ideas – listening to happy music can also relieve stress while increasing immunity levels.
Many artists begin the creative process for songwriting by choosing a title and concept, then experimentation with chords and melodies to shape it into an attractive final product. Others might start from scratch by writing verses and choruses for each structure that clearly communicates its message before adding an optional bridge (based on lyrics, melodies or key changes (modulation)).
“Row, Row, Row Your Boat” is an iconic example of this concept; its title and concept inspired composer to craft a catchy chorus with images of water and boats that would resonate with listeners while the lyrics focused on finding happiness. Writing catchy choruses for popular songs can be difficult – fortunately there are plenty of examples from successful songs available for study and learning from.
Aristotle believed music to be a form of emotion that played an essential part in human experience, placing importance on its ability for people to perceive and understand individual tones, while understanding that music had an direct effect on heart and soul.
Later philosophers such as Epicureans and Stoics were more focused on sound as an aesthetic experience rather than its mathematical construction, yet still held music to be an aesthetic form that expressed emotions through sound.
Music’s unique ability to engage almost all brain regions and networks simultaneously makes it a powerful way of fostering well-being, improving learning outcomes, stimulating cognitive function and improving quality of life. Few activities have such a broad influence over brain processes.
Next time you need to tackle paperwork or are feeling low, put on your favorite music! You’ll be amazed how much more quickly you complete tasks when your attention is focused by an uplifting tune. Studies have even proven that people who listen to happy tunes complete tasks faster and with greater accuracy! So what are you waiting for – press play! And get to work!