We all have songs that we love, and I think intuitively know that somehow music affects us. But I think a lot of us are not necessarily sure how and why. That is why I loved the article I just read on Why Music Moves Us, from the July / August edition of Scientific American.
Some three interesting facts that the article pointed out:
1. Recent research has shown that what we feel when a piece of music is played in the room is remarkably similar to what another person feels. I think that is amazing, when you consider the range of emotions we have and variety of cultures and languages. However, it is a universal language and theme.
2. Some experts that study the brain and music think that music's influence over us is a 'chance event', as it takes over other systems of the brains and has them work together - parts that are responsible for language, emotion and music.
3. Songs bring us together as cultures. They facilitate bonding and connections among people - marching, dancing, drumming. They also affect us on an individual level, manipulating our mood and human physiology more effectively than words can. I find this fact amazing.
It is interesting because they compare words and music - music brings forth an emotional response where words generally don't (of course many do, but in general conversation). Yet they both use the sense of sound. It is magical if you really think about it.
We are going to be studying how different music affects moods, and will be launching mood music in the future to go with our other product lines. Engaging all senses is so important if you want to feel a certain way - and this includes knowing the research behind how different sensory experiences affect moods. We plan to be experts in all areas.
Let us know how music has transformed your life.
