Music and Therapy

When we listen to music it is apparent that it can have a hold on our emotions. Some people listen to certain music when they feel sad, or listen to a different type of music to make themselves feel happy. I like to listen to slower songs, usually played in a minor key, when I am feeling a little down, like R&B. I listen to more upbeat music when I am in a really good mood, such as the oldies that I like to listen to. Even when music makes me feel sad, it still helps my state of being, just because the music is sad I feel like I have something to relate to. Sometimes when I am stressed rock music helps relieve the stress, because it feeds into my frustration, and I feel like I can relieve that frustration when listening to music. Music is a great stress reliever. Music also contributes to other human factors as well, through music therapy. Music therapy can promote wellness, alleviate pain, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation. In my psychology of music class we learned that some people, who have had strokes and communication problems, are not able to speak, but they can sing. Also people who have motor impairments, such as having trouble walking, they will be able to walk better with music as opposed to with no music. Music therapy can be quite effective. It promotes motivation, arousal and emotions. Listening to music is great way to get some more enjoyment in our daily lives. One speaker in my psychology class stated that music is a way to feel a part of something bigger then ourselves. I agree with that statement. Music is very cultural and people come together through music. If someone is depressed, music can be helpful in making that person feel more secure and less alone. Music therapy works, and is very useful for those who need therapy.