How Music Affects Mood

Music affects everyone in different ways and more importantly, it affects people’s emotions.  Some may think that music may not play a large role in one’s mood but it often has a dramatic effect.  Interestingly enough, we tend to listen to music that reflects what mood we are in.  If we are happy, we listen to lively music and if one is sad, they listen to sad music.  People do this naturally and wonder why we turn to music in times of a mood booster. The big question is how does music affect our mood?

Music is what people turn to when they are in all kinds of moods.  It has been scientifically proven that music helps people feel less stressed, relaxed, and even motivated.  It can influence mood in either a positive or negative way. For example, Rap or Screamo music have more of a negative connotation which puts people in a bad mood. There is also positive music like alternative or pop.  These happy songs send brain waves and cause an elevation in your mood.  What happens when listening to enjoyable music is dopamine will be released, which is basically a “feel good” chemical.  This chemical is also involved with relaxation and motivation. Since listening to music releases dopamine, scientists have realized that music can help determine things such as human pleasure. “Music is going to be a useful tool in trying to explain all sorts of aspects of pleasure, addiction and maladaptive behaviors”.  -David Huron

Music does not only appeal to adults, but also to kids. 

Studies have been done to prove that music does not only put people in good or bad moods, but it can put them in a motivated or relaxed mood.  People listen to music that reflects how they are feeling on the inside so in order for them to get motivated by music, they need to already feel a little motivated.  If one is not feelings motivated then the music will not help much because it is not what their internal state is.  Songs also have a way of relaxing and taking away stress.  When people sit down and listen to music, it lowers their heart rates and starts slower breathing. This helps go from a stressed busy mood to a relaxed one.

Music has many purposes and effects on people and they are all in different ways.  However, the one thing in common is how it can make people happier.  Sometimes it may not put someone in a happy mood, but it does have a major affect on their emotions. This is why music is such an amazing gift in everyone’s lives.  It has the power to make people the happiest in the matter of a few minutes.  Music is such an amazing thing and has the powerful affect to bring people together and be happy.