The Benefits of Music Therapy

Neriah Martinez, Staff Reporter

One of the many things we do every day is actually beneficial for our mental health. 

This particular thing is listening to music. According to a report done by Nielsen Music in 2017, Americans spend just slightly more than 32 hours a week listening to music. For Millenials, the hours came out to a staggering 39 hours a week.

The main benefit of listening is the immediate increase in happiness, while you have fun singing and dancing to your favorite songs, there is actual science behind it. By listening to your favorite music for just 15 minutes your brain will release a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which is responsible for feelings of joy and happiness. Dopamine is a significant chemical messenger within the brain that fulfills various purposes. As dopamine is released in substantial amounts, it gives one feelings of pleasure and reward, which motivates one to repeat that specific behavior. 

Music plays a large role in many people’s life because of this “feel good” neurotransmitter. Senior Sam Valasic is sure to fit music into her daily schedule because of the way it makes her feel, “I listen to music mostly all day. Music always improves my mood by being able to go to my playlist and find a song that describes exactly how I’m feeling!” 

For athletes, daily music listening can improve their athletic performance. Athletes at all levels listen to music as they train, warm-up, even as they compete. Many athletes have noticed that fast beats and an upbeat tempo encourage their body to move faster, focus, and get fired up. 

The most vital benefits of music are the ones that directly relate to students attending Rancho Cucamonga High School. Senior Lianna Hernandez says, “If I’m studying, I tend to listen to instrumental music just because it does not distract me as normal songs do. I believe that music helps you focus on whatever you’re studying.”

Music can help with memory. It’s proven that listening to music can help you recall information more efficiently. Along with stronger memory, the benefits of music to students include a decrease in stress, depression. High school students have some of the highest rates of stress from school, family life, and social pressures. Music biologically counteracts stress by minimizing the levels of the hormone cortisol in your body.

All the benefits of music are waiting to be unleashed, just press play and your brain will thank you!