The Effect of Music and Color on People - Essay Example

and Section # of Music and Color which ones positively affect men and women, which ones negatively affect them   Introduction: Music and color these are two words which to a normal human mind describe the following: Music is meant to soothe your soul, color makes everyday life beautiful. When explored further there have been research findings where, men and women have described music and color in their own individual perceptions. Another majority of men and women, think music and colors seem nice and wonderful and seem to effect them positively only if they are in positive moods. Other wise it is vice versa. Some men and women would not like listening to loud music when they would be in a bad mood. Some might not even wear bright colors when they are feeling sad or gloomy. ‘Several studies have been conducted in the last decade on the effects of music instruction on cognition, health, and social behavior (8). However, there are currently no books on this topic, and educators and parents are often forced to rely on news reports and websites that sometimes present the information in a biased and sketchy fashion. As a result, there is a great deal of confusion about the benefits of music listening and instruction. Music has been touted to cure backache, asthma, obesity, writer’s block, alcoholism, schizophrenia, prejudice, heart disease, drug addiction, headaches, and AIDS. Claims have been made that music makes bread rise better and improves the taste of beer. In Florida it’s now the law that all childcare facilities receiving state aid include at least half an hour of music exposure every day. The governors of both Tennessee and Georgia give newborns in their states classical music CDs. An Indiana obstetrician even markets a device that administers music in-utero. Clearly, most of these claims are unsubstantiated, despite the (usually) good intentions of their supporters. Unfortunately, the exaggerated claims that have often accompanied the research have caused some academicians to be skeptical of any research suggesting the benefits of music. Although music is important in its own right, a book that systematically reviews what is known about the power of music to influence non-musical domains is necessary for scientists and laypeople alike’.(Sabattical , 2 ) ‘Color conveys meanings in two primary ways - natural associations and psychological symbolism. No, it’s not mind control. The truth of the matter is that people are comfortable when colors remind them of similar things. For example, a soft shade of blue triggers associations with the sky and a psychological sense of calm. Successful design requires an awareness of how and why colors communicate meaning. The source of these meanings can be quite conspicuous, such as those found in nature — red is the color of blazing fire and blood, blue the color of cooling waters and the sky. Other meanings may be more complex and not universal. As a starting point, the communicative properties of a color can be defined by two categories: natural associations and psychological (or cultural) associations. Occurrences of colors in nature are universal and timeless. For example, the fact that green is the color of vegetation can be considered a universal and timeless association. Color may generate another level of meaning in the mind. This symbolism arises from cultural and contemporary contexts. As such, it is not universal and may be unrelated to its natural associations. For example, green’s associations with nature communicate growth, fruitfulness, freshness and ecology. On the other hand, green may also be symbolic of good luck, seasickness, money and greed — all of which have nothing to do with green plants. These associations arise from a complex assortment of sources. Furthermore, color may have both positive and negative symbolism. For example, although blue is the beautiful color of the sky on a sunny day, it can be symbolic of sadness or stability. Idiomatic American English reflects these traits in phrases such as “singing the blues” and “blue chip stocks.” Red is another example of dual symbolism. On one hand, as the color of fire and blood, it is an energizing, aggressive and bold color. In direct contrast, red is used for “STOP” signs throughout the world today. Psychological or Cultural Associations Although there are no absolutes, there are logical sources for the range of complex and sometimes contradictory psychological/cultural meanings of colors. These may arise from any of the following: 1. Cultural associations: the color of currency, traditions, celebrations, geography, etc. (For example, green is associated with heaven (Muslims) and luck (U.S. and Ireland) 2. Political and historical associations: the color of flags, political parties, royalty, etc. (For example, green is the color of Libyas flag; it’s the favorite color of Emperor Hirohito and the source of "Green Day" in Japan, and in the U.S., the Green Party.) 3. Religious and mythical associations: the colors associated with spiritual or magical beliefs (For example, the green man was the God of fertility in Celtic myths, a symbolism that carries over into today’s associations of Green M&M candies with sexuality in the U.S. Also, in contemporary Western culture, green is associated with extraterrestrial beings.) 4. Linguistic associations: color terminology within individual languages (For example, South Pacific languages refer to shades of green by comparison to plants in various stages of growth. In Scottish Gaelic the word for blue (gorm) is also the word used for the color of grass.) 5. Contemporary usage and fads: current color applications to objects, sports, and associations generated by modern conventions and trends. (For example, green is used world wide for traffic lights signifying "go." In Scandinavia, green has been a popular color for many decades. In the U.S., “avocado green” was a popular color for appliances in the 1960s. Today, lime green has been a hip and trendy color in fashion and advertising in the US since the late 1990s.)’ (Morton 1) The above quotes definitely place us in the direction of the argument as to how generally in some authors and researchers view can Music and Color effect human lives in general. The following lines will specifically cove the argument of: Music and Color which ones positively affect men and women, which ones negatively affect them.    Effects of Music Positive Effects of Music "What came first, the music or the misery?" Rob Gordon (John Cusack) asks in the movie "High Fidelity." "People worry about kids playing with guns, or watching violent videos, that some sort of culture of violence will take them over. Nobody worries about kids listening to thousands, literally thousands of songs about heartbreak, rejection, pain, misery and loss. Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?" "High Fidelity," one of the best music movies to come out in the last few years presents an interesting but perhaps a bit extreme example of the power of music. Most people dont think that what they listen to affects their mood, but some professionals think otherwise. Music therapy has been exploring the idea of music as a cure for ailments for a long time. There is scientific evidence that what you listen to can help set your mood or in many cases correct it. So in true "High Fidelity" fashion here are the top five benefits to listening to music. Music makes you smarter "Neurological evidence proves that listening to Mozart can raise your IQ," www.studynow.com/braintune states. Listening to music can help people filter out distractions as well encouraging them to focus and study. Classical music is usually the top choice by experts for raising IQ but the argument could be made for any music as long as it is a benefit to your study habits instead of something that hinders you. Almost everyone has heard that if you are exposed to classical music in the womb youre more likely to be a genius. There are music classes offered for newborn children to continue their learning through music. Hopefully all is not lost for those in college who wish to boost their IQ by listening as well. Music enhances creativity Writers block is often said to be cured by a bout of music listening. Somehow listening to others creativity causes us to enhance our own. Music is processed on both sides of the brain, www.studynow.com says, meaning that listening may just spark some creative energy that is hiding there. Music reduces pain Marion Good, an assistant professor of nursing at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing did a study in Cleveland that found listening to music as well as relaxing can help limit post-operative pain in patients. "This study showed that during both walking and rest, patients who used relaxation, music, or the combination along with their medication had less pain than those who used medication alone did," according to www.hindustanlink.com/doctortex/musicpain. If it can work in patients after major surgery it can work in a less serious setting as well. There are numerous other websites dedicated to stopping pain by listening to music, so a simple search can turn up lots of cures and suggestions. Music reduces stress Leading up to the stress of finals it is important to remember that one easy way to escape is by listening to music. It may not stop you from worrying about your test the next day but it can help relieve some of that stress, at least temporarily. Many people also meditate while listening to music to increase its benefit. Music is fun On top of all the emotional and physical benefits you can gain by listening to music there is also the option of listening to it for enjoyment. After all, it doesnt require much time and you can listen while doing other things. So pop in a tape, and enjoy it. So while music probably doesnt cause us to have horrible relationships with others it could be a factor in our emotional wellbeing. So the heartbreak, rejection and pain you suffer are probably not because of your music, but it may be why you dont recover as quickly afterward. (Maroney, 1&2) ‘Colours have the ability to invoke in us a variety of moods. Although not everybody will have the same feelings seeing a certain colour (think about age and positive/negative memories related to a specific colour), the psychological effects are shared by the majority (my interpretation: at least the majority of the european countries). Yellow This is a bright cheerful colour closely related to the sun. Especially on dull grey days it will cheer you up, makes you more mentally alert and enthousiastic. Too much and too bright yellow make induce restlessness and freak you out. Orange Orange is quite a stimulating colour, related to action and vitality, but when used excessively it may induce restlessness like yellow. Red Very stimulating, and excites the brain. Also related with alertness, vitality and excitement and in a negative way with aggression and violence. A darker red invokes feelings of richness (the "red pluche", royalty and the church) and reverence. The brighter version has "amorous connotations". Purple when used in full or near-full chroma, purple is another colour inducing the impression of richness and reverence. The other side of the medal is instability and uneasiness, as some countries relate this colour to death. But if you use it as a pastel tint, it is said that purple can trigger soft, romantic feelings; soothing and sedative. Blue the psychological effect strongly depends on how the colour is used: dark blue is connected to richness, royalty and the church, invoking feelings of calmness and sedation. However, if used indiscriminately, it can produce strong feelings of melancholia and uneasiness and can be quite depressing. Green Pure green and grayed out green: coolness, tranquility and sedation. If mixed with a bit of yellow, it probably will induce biliousness (whatever that means, it wasnt in my dictionary, but it sounds like bile and meant negatively). At the end of the day, all colors do have positive as well as negative effects on your mood and the effect strongly depends on how you use the colors (contrast/harmony), the combination (scheme), the purity of the colour, the purpose of the room, the type of people whore going to use the area, etc. And interior designers can add this information to their wooly speeches :)’( Witnie, 1) Conclusion Hence it can be concluded that both Music And color have positive and negative effects on the lives of men and women. A very vital point to be noticed here is that all of the researches that have been conducted, in lieu of the fact. The individuals attitude and behavior and their frame of mind when they listen to specific piece of music or look at a specific color. That really changes the impact of the piece of music and color on that specific individuals mind and behavior. Thus, it sets it to being a positive effect or a negative effect. Works Cited 1. J.L.Morton, Article source: Color Logic for PowerPoint - Copyright 2003) http://www.colormatters.com/symbolism.html . Graphics and Text: Copyright (c) 1995-2007, All rights reserved 2. Sabbatical Request: 2005-2006 Academic Year Project title: Music and the Mind beyond the Mozart Effect: Book Development, http://www.uwosh.edu/grants/Rauscher_sabbatical_Music_and_the_Mind.doc. 3. Tara Maroney, Positive Effects of Music, How Music Improves Health , 4/3/06 http://media.www.dailycampus.com/media/storage/paper340/news/2006/04/03/Focus/Positive.Effects.Of.Music-1777357.shtml. Read More