Have you ever wondered why a certain song can instantly change your mood or bring back certain memories? Music has many effects on the brain, shaping our emotions, memory, and even how we think. So why do we dance to some songs and cry to others? 

Music affects us so much because our brains are built to react to sound. A very long time ago, early animals depended on hearing to survive, and we still use those parts of the brain today when we listen to music. 

Music can change our heart rate and our emotions because it activates many parts of the brain at the same time. That’s why music can make us excited, calm, scared, or happy. 

“I listen to music when I’m sad and it makes me happier.” Sophomore Hendrix Stagge said.

The brain also reacts to the tension and release in music — like when a song builds up and then finally drops — and this uses some of the same brain areas involved in OCD. It is like how when you watch a mystery and it finally resolves in the end. It makes you feel satisfied and complete. 

Music can even help with some medical conditions. Certain songs may reduce seizures, help people with Parkinson’s move better, or support memory in people with Alzheimer’s. Repeatedly listening to music can also help the brain form new pathways. 

Music can also make you learn better and do better on tests because it gets many parts of your brain active and working. 

“I listen to music to help me study and do homework because I work better with it.” Sophomore Allie Burton said.

Allie shows how music helps you focus and work better, and yet another fantastic way that music affects the brain.  

Overall, you can see music affects us in so many ways including activating many parts of the brain, helping with medical problems, and helping you study.