Music transcends notes on a page; it’s an art form that can change the molecular structure of any room instantaneously, evoke emotions unquantifiable by any meter, and tell stories you won’t forget. A good song can make us cry, laugh, dance and remember old memories; music offers us an escape from everyday stressors and fosters connection among its listeners.
Music remains a great mystery to us all and its source remains unclear. While some scholars consider music an integral component of human evolution, while others see its origins in specific animal mating calls.
Music has long been part of our culture since before recorded history began; evidence from ancient bone flutes suggests humans have been singing together musically for more than 40,000 years! Today neuroscientists, musicologists, psychologists and anthropologists continue their investigations of why we love and need music so much.
Professor Jeremy Montagu from Oxford University states that music’s primary use has always been social cohesion. Montagu explains this through examples such as mother and infant bonding through singing or ancestral men singing before hunting or battle to form societies; all examples of shared emotional experiences.
Some philosophers, such as the 5th-century BC Greek Pythagoreans, believed musical tones determined the harmony of the stars. Others, like 16th-century French Platonist Rene Descartes (1596-1650), saw music as being mathematical; prescribing simple rhythms and melodies without imaginative or exciting effects that might lead to distraction.
Studies have revealed that listening to music we enjoy increases our focus and ability to concentrate. According to research at the University of Miami’s Brain and Creativity Institute, participants who worked while listening to their preferred tunes completed tasks more quickly with more creative solutions than those who worked without music accompaniment.
Music can be fascinating for anyone, regardless of your instrument playing experience or not. Learning music theory can improve mathematical and reading skills while practicing an instrument can strengthen cognitive and physical capabilities. Early musical exposure has proven beneficial for children’s intellectual, social-emotional, motor and overall literacy development – while playing an instrument has even proven positive for individual self-esteem and mental health! But music’s benefits extend far beyond these tangible measures – studies show its positive effect on an individual’s self-esteem and mental wellbeing!