Advantages of music - Essay Example

of the of the Concerned 21 June 2009 Advantages of Music Music lovers are destined to cherish thorough entertainment, good health and a wholesome personality. Music happens to be one of the most potent art forms because sounds do tend to have a more powerful impact on the human consciousness as compared to other sensory stimuli. Human feelings are often classified as emotions, moods and sensations. Music can influence all the aspects of the human psychosomatic framework. Music generates pleasant sensations by stimulating the human auditory system. Music also helps in creating positive emotions by the salubrious influence it often has on the sense organs. The impact of music on the human mind does sometimes get elevated to the level of intense passion when the listeners' emotions soar to higher intensity under the magic of musical compositions. Listening to music can also help one in getting into the right mood. Thus, music has a direct correlation with the human feelings and emotions, as the structure of many musical compositions is often somewhat akin to the structure of human feelings. Music has the immense power and ability to alter a person's attitude and mental state by the dint of its beats and melodies. There is no denying the fact that the history of music is as old as the history of humanity. Music does happen to be an integral constituent of most of the worthy civilizations. Manifold are the advantages of music as this art form has discrete personal, social and intellectual implications. Music is not merely a source of solace, but also a popular mode of self-expression. It will be interesting to touch upon some of the advantages of music. Entertainment First, music is the most vital source of entertainment and recreation (Berkman, 4). In today's time pressed work scenario, people often are subjected to intense stress and duress in their day-to-day life. To distress oneself, the modern man has to often take recourse to the available forms and modes of recreation. No doubt, in all the ages and times, music happened to be the most viable and accessible form and source of entertainment and recreation (Berkman, 7). Music can accompany and support the human moods and consciousness in all its shades and aspects. After a hectic day at the office, music can help a person to de-stress and unwind oneself and to get rid of the accrued stress and fatigue. A student sweating on bulky assignments and coursework can choose to play some good song in the background to create a creative and salubrious environment. It is not a surprise that one inevitably comes across music, being played at most of the social and public places like parks, eating joints and malls. In fact the modern man is so hooked to music that it has come out with innovative gadgets like iPods and Walkman, which enable one to carry one's music with oneself all the time. No Hollywood blockbuster is considered complete without being accompanied by an original sound track. Thus, music is the most portable source of entertainment and recreation that has seamlessly integrated itself with all the aspects of contemporary civilization. Health Music also has many medicinal and healing qualities that can significantly reduce stress and improve health (Campbell, 9). That is why many people prefer to tag good music with their fitness and exercise programs. Loud and upbeat music has been found to have a salubrious impact on the patients of chronic depression. Contrary to this, slow and melodious music is used as a sedative by many therapists. Harp music has been found to be particularly helpful to the people having some heart trouble (Campbell, 27). Many studies conducted at Harvard have established beyond doubt that the rhythms of a healthy heart are often very much like the rhythms of classical music (Campbell, 36). Therefore, harp music can stimulate a patient's heart to beat more normally. Many other studies conducted in the last two decades have concluded that the classical music has the potential to lower heart rate and to positively regulate blood pressure. Music has also been found to have the ability to normalize the respiration of the patients who have undergone surgery. Music therapy is particularly helpful in improving the motor skills of the patients of strokes. Music not only favorably stimulates the immune system, but also aids concentration. Music alleviates pain, calms down the feelings of anxiety and depression and promotes a general sense of well being (Campbell, 41). The healing powers of music are primarily attributed to its ability to stimulate brainwaves with its beats and melodies. The positive stimulus generated by music makes human brainwaves synchronize with the ensuing beats, which often facilitates a poised and calm state of mind. Thus, music has the power to better and uplift the society with the positive effect it has on the human consciousness. Owning a good music collection is the surest way to health, success and prosperity. Wholesome Personality Music also stands to be the harbinger of discipline, patience and perseverance in the human life (GuitarMasterClass.net). Mastering of any musical skill or instrument necessitates a strict affiliation to discipline and perseverance. Most of the renowned and successful musicians have to necessarily adhere to a daily routine of grueling hard work and intense pressure. Mastering of the musical skills makes it mandatory for a learner to resort to a disciplined routine of daily practice. The students of music do often end up learning the value of hard work, patience and perseverance in the day-to-day life. Practice of music in a group scenario enhances the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. There is no denying the fact that any orchestra or band can only perform to the best of its abilities if all its individual members perform in unison and harmony with each other. That is why experts often suggest parents to teach music to their progeny from a very early age. Hence manifold and multifarious are the advantages of music. Music is not only the most easily accessible, ubiquitous and portable source of entertainment and recreation, but it has many healing and medicinal qualities. Learning of music does help in inculcating the virtues of discipline, perseverance and teamwork in human personality. References Berkman, David. The Jazz Singer's Guidebook. New York: Sher Music Co. , 2008. Campbell, Don. The Mozart Effect. New York: Harper Paperbacks, 2001. "When music has advantages, what are they". GuitarMasterClass.net. 21 June 2009 Read More