In 2009, archaeologists excavating a cave in southern Germany discovered a flute carved from a vulture’s wing bone. The delicate artifact is the oldest known musical instrument on Earth—evidence that humans have been making music for more than 40,000 years.

We may never know exactly when we started listening to music, but researchers have learned a lot about why we do it.

Listening to music can benefit us as individuals and as a group. Here’s what research suggests about the power of music to support physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Music connects us

Researchers suggest that one of music’s most important roles is to create a sense of togetherness and social connection.

Scientists note that humans may have developed a reliance on music as a tool for communication because our ancestors came from arboreal species—tree dwellers who called to each other through the canopy.

So how does music benefit us as individuals?

How music affects the mind

It may support learning

Doctors at Johns Hopkins recommend listening to music to stimulate the brain. Scientists know that listening to music activates the brain—they can see active areas light up on brain scans.

Researchers have found that even the prospect of listening to music can increase motivation to learn. In a 2019 study, people were more motivated to learn when they expected to hear a song as a reward.

It may help support memory

Music may also have a positive effect on the ability to remember.

In one study, participants were given tasks that required them to read and then recall short lists of words. Those who listened to classical music did better than those who worked in silence.

The same study looked at how quickly people could complete simple matching tasks—pairing numbers with shapes—and found a similar benefit. Mozart helped people finish the task faster and more accurately.

The Mayo Clinic notes that while music does not reverse the memory loss experienced by people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, it has been found to help slow cognitive decline and support people with mild or moderate dementia in recalling episodes from their lives.

Musical memory is one of the brain functions that tends to hold up longest in dementia. That’s why some caregivers have had success using music to calm people with dementia and build trust with them.

It may support mental and emotional wellbeing

Music can literally change the brain. Neurological research has shown that listening to music can trigger the release of various brain chemicals that play a role in brain function and mental health:

• Dopamine, linked to pleasure and “reward” centres
• Stress hormones such as cortisol
• Serotonin and other chemicals related to immunity
• Oxytocin, which can support the ability to connect with others

How music affects mood

Some researchers have interviewed groups about why they listen to music. Participants varied widely in age, gender and background but reported strikingly similar reasons.

One of the most common uses of music? Helping people regulate their emotions. Music has the power to shift mood and help people process what they feel.

It may help ease anxiety

There is a lot of evidence that listening to music can help you feel calmer in situations where you might feel anxious.

Studies have shown that people recovering from a stroke were more relaxed after listening to music for an hour.

Other studies suggest that music combined with nature sounds may help people feel less anxious.

However, evidence is mixed on whether listening to music changes the body’s physiological stress response. Some research suggests the body releases less cortisol, a stress hormone, when people listen to music.

It has also been observed that while listening to music before a stressful event may not reduce anxiety, listening to calming music after a stressful event may help the nervous system recover more quickly.

It may help ease symptoms of depression

A 2017 research review concluded that listening to music—especially classical combined with jazz—had a positive effect on symptoms of depression, particularly when there were multiple listening sessions led by certified music therapists.

Not a fan of jazz or classical? You might try a group drumming session instead. The same review found that drum circles also had above-average benefits for people dealing with depression.

Genre can matter when you’re feeling low

An important note: nostalgic, sad music has been found to potentially increase symptoms of depression, especially if you tend to ruminate or withdraw socially. It may not be surprising, but it’s worth knowing if you want to use music to support your mood.

How music affects the body

It may support heart health

Music can make you want to move—and the benefits of dance are well documented. Scientists also know that listening to music can change your breathing rate, heart rate and blood pressure, depending on the tempo and intensity of the music.

It may help reduce fatigue

In 2015, researchers at Shanghai University found that relaxing music helped reduce fatigue and maintain muscle endurance when people did a repetitive task. Music therapy sessions have also been found to reduce fatigue in people undergoing cancer treatment.

It may support performance during exercise

Fitness enthusiasts have long known that music can boost physical performance.

Working out with music may improve mood, help the body exercise more efficiently and reduce the sense of effort while increasing motivation. Training with music has also been linked to more consistent workouts.

It may help support pain management

Specially trained music therapists use music to help ease pain in hospitals and outpatient clinics. A 2016 meta-analysis of more than 90 studies reported that music may help people manage both acute and chronic pain as a complement to other care.

About music therapy

The American Music Therapy Association describes music therapy as the use of music in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, schools, correctional facilities and substance-use programmes to address patients’ physical, emotional and cognitive needs.

Music can have a strong influence on us. It may help support memory, boost endurance during tasks, lighten mood, ease anxiety and depression, reduce fatigue, support how we respond to pain and help us exercise more effectively.

Working with a qualified music therapist is one way to make the most of the many benefits music can have for the body, mind and overall wellbeing.

For more on supporting your mind and mood, see How to Support Your Mental Health Through Nutrition and Managing Work Stress.

Happy Life Team