“Why do we respond to certain sounds which are structured in a musical way?”
Many of us have experienced the healing power of music, and some people have discovered their own personalised playlists that can facilitate mood lifts when listened to.
In this blog, I invite you to consider the question; “Why do we respond to certain sounds which are structured in a musical way?”
Our innate ability to respond to music and sound is well researched, when we grasp this concept, we will be further equipped to utilise music for our own wellbeing.
Cultural Identity
Diverse cultures throughout time have responded to unique melodies, tones and sounds flavoured by their own musical and cultural identities. Knowledge of place and stories of land and people have established deep connections through the medium of music.
Few of us search more deeply into cultural and ancestral heritage, the unconscious melodies and tunes of generations past. It’s not until we are moved in a profound way that we may choose to search out why that melody or song has affected us.
For example, listening to folk tunes may evoke a connection or sense of belonging to a land or place that you have never visited. Music can instantly uncover connections.
Structures of latent response
It has been said that humans are “a musical species no less than a linguistic one” (Oliver Sacks, 2006).[1]
That statement may give us some idea of why we respond the way in which we do.
The foundational structures of western music are built upon the 12 -note diatonic scale. I mention this because it is the way in which these notes are arranged that can uplift and alter our moods. For example, the major scale, fondly remembered by the solfege syllables; do re mi fa sol la ti do, is used by Composers in a deliberate way to solicit emotion. These syllables (representing tones) also have a numeric equivalent numbering 1 through to 8. Intervals are the space in between.
"We are a musical species no less than a linguistic one ." – Oliver Sacks
Music to lift us
Why do we respond to musical sounds which are structured in a certain way?
The 1-5 major musical interval can be perceived as sounding like completion. It has been used by composers to solicit an uplifting and even joyous response in the listener. It has the power to go deep into the listener's psyche and promote a calm sense of wellbeing and a strong sense of resilience.
Smaller intervals, for example, a minor 3rd (1-b3) can elicit a more melancholy and reflective mood which helps to process emotions.
Application is power
Many of us have an eclectic collection of songs that we love, each one holding personal memory and meaning. Whether it is an instrumental piece or a lyrical song, one will motivate, another will calm and yet another will bring back memories and feelings instantaneously.
Whether you yourself are creating the music or simply listening to it, the sounds, textures and tones of the created pieces all have significant effects on body, soul and spirit.
Singing is known to enhance the release of endorphins as well as oxytocin (Good and Russo, 2022). [2] Learning a musical instrument or participating in a musical activity is known to build strong neural pathways throughout the brain.
Consider the following ideas to change your mood with the help of music
Listen to a live concert or a carefully chosen playlist to lift your mental state, change the atmosphere or help you to process emotions.
Consider revisiting the songs that have held great meaning to you, and also explore new sounds and genres that you may not have experienced before.
Listen to instrumental music that calms the nervous system, like the song Selah attached below.
If you'd like to learn more about the power of music to change your mood, grab a copy of my latest book 'How Music Heals Us'
I'd love to hear your thoughts and invite you to leave a comment below to the following question...
What are some of the songs and sounds that have inspired you the most?
[1] Oliver Sacks, The power of music, Brain, Volume 129, Issue 10, October 2006, Pages 2528–2532, https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awl234
[2] A. Good & F.A. Russo (2022). Changes in mood, oxytocin, and cortisol following group and individual singing: A pilot study. Psychology of Music, 50(4), 1340-1347.
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