Music and humankind
Music is not a creation nor a discovery. It is an existence that resonates with life. Without realizing it, humankind and music share parallel attributes, forming the bond between the two. For instance, we humans adjust to living united amidst the differences in life. This is similar to how various elements of sounds combine in harmony to form the music itself. Also, the way that humankind is so alike yet completely different from each other is analogous to the fact that every kind of music is unique.
Evolution of music
Growing along with the divergent race, music has developed in numerous genres. From the roots of western culture originated Classical music, complex in composition yet light and clear in texture. This organized style of music emphasizes beauty, elegance, and balance and has evolved into what is now called Contemporary Classical music. From the African-American origins formed the dotted rhythms of Jazz, also called the Classical music of America.
Jazz was widely popular, and so was Rock music that came to track in the 1950s. Rock's repetitive and catchy melodies sent energy through the audience, making it the popular modern genre like the internationally recognized Pop music. The upbeat Pop songs are meant to soak the listeners in the rain of music. Only time can tell us if Pop music will flood the world or flourish into a new genre like all its predecessors.
Music and health
In tune or not, all humans sing and hum. We recognize music to be much more than just entertainment. Recently at higher rates, researchers are finding that music has major effects on many aspects of health, ranging from memory and mood to cardiovascular functions and athletic performance.
It is known that the human brain is hardwired to distinguish music from sound, and it reacts to music by triggering the pleasure centers to release dopamine. Not only does it evoke pleasure, but it can also sometimes increase the grey matter volume in certain areas of the brain. In layman’s terms, music helps our brain to function better. It may improve our auditory processing, cognitive performance, and memory.
The positive effects of music on the brain are not limited to any specific kind of music genre. Whether it is the soothing style of Jazz, the classical sounds of Country tracks, or the powerful spirits of Rock music, different styles result in the same effect of elevating your mood, as long as the choice of music is of your liking. The brain also triggers the release of biochemical stress reducers.
Like the brain, the human heart is also eased by music. Blood flows with more ease when music is played. It lowers our heart rate and blood pressure, decreases stress hormone levels, and increases endorphin levels in the blood. Besides this, listening to music additionally increases workout endurance during a tough exercise session.
The promising capabilities of music have unveiled a new service called Music therapy, a conventional treatment for illnesses like depression, management of pain, and enhancement of functioning after degenerative neurological disorders, making it a perfect companion in rehabilitation processes.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/music-and-health
https://www.northshore.org/health-benefits-of-music/
What more can music do?
These biological explanations and examinations imply that the relationship between humans and music is no accident. We are designed to get influenced by the art of harmonious arrangement of sounds. Right from the first time a mother sings a lullaby to her infant, music is imprinted onto us. Biomusicologists explain that lullaby triggers the hormone oxytocin, also called the love hormone, strengthening the bond between the mother and the child.
From this lullaby to the songs now in your playlist, music has been nurturing us to become everything we are today. Many researchers are keen to know “what more can music do?” while I am lost in the silence of the question “what can music not do?”
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