Music’s Impact on the Brain’s Chemistry
Introduction
Prior to the existence of language, expression of feelings and communication must have been articulated through other means. Given modern research of the evolutionary history of humans and other organisms, the “other means” was likely music. Music is presumably the foundation for the fundamentals of language and expression. As characterized by an NIH article, the “meaning in music came ... before meaning given by words” (Trimble, 2017). With such profound effects on influence on communication and emotional expression, what exactly allows music to have such a powerful impact?
Dopamine
Music alters the brain’s chemistry by inducing the release of hormones responsible for “good” and “pleasurable” feelings. In 2011, researchers used a combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans to monitor dopamine levels in the brain when people listened to music they particularly enjoyed. The results demonstrated that in distinct regions of the brain responsible for the “reward process,” the caudate nucleus, the putamen, the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), there was increased dopamine activity during the music listening.
Serotonin
In addition to dopamine, music can influence the production of serotonin, another key neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood. Serotonin is often associated with feelings of well-being, happiness, and calmness. Research indicates that music can elevate serotonin levels, particularly in relaxing or uplifting tunes. For instance, slow-tempo or harmonious music can foster a sense of peace and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression. This connection between music and serotonin regulation helps explain why music therapy is often used to treat mood disorders, offering emotional relief and stabilizing mood. Serotonin's influence is particularly beneficial in promoting mental health, as it has been shown to reduce rumination, a common feature in conditions like depression and anxiety. When music triggers serotonin release, it can provide an emotional reprieve, counteracting negative feelings and fostering a sense of emotional balance. Studies have also suggested that music's impact on serotonin can enhance cognitive functions such as memory, problem-solving, and focus, providing additional benefits beyond emotional well-being.
Oxytocin
Furthermore, music is known to influence the release of oxytocin, a hormone often associated with bonding, trust, and social connection. Research has demonstrated that music can enhance feelings of empathy and trust, which is why it can be so effective in fostering social bonds ingroup settings. For example, listening to music with others or engaging in musical activities such as singing in a choir can lead to a sense of collective experience and social cohesion. This release of oxytocin can reduce stress and feelings of isolation, enhancing group dynamics and strengthening social connections.
Conclusion
Music's ability to influence brain chemistry through the release of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin not only explains its power to evoke emotions but also its ability to communicate and connect people on a profound level. As the body responds to music by releasing these "feel-good" hormones, individuals experience emotional states that are deeply connected to both personal well-being and social interaction. This dual impact—on both the individual and the collective—highlights music’s unique role in emotional expression and human connection.
References
"Harmony & Healing: History of Music in Healthcare." Harmony and Healing, www.harmonyandhealing.org/history-of-music-in-healthcare/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.
“Music, Medicine, Healing, and the Genome Project.” Psychiatry (Edgmont), vol. 6, no. 9, Sept. 2009, pp. 43-45. PMC, PMID: 19855860. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024
“Psychiatry and Music.” Indian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 56, no. 2, Apr. 2014, pp. 128-140. PMC, doi:10.4103/0019-5545.130482, PMID: 24891698. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024