“What actually happens in our brains when we listen to music, and why doctors are taking note.”
Picture this: you’re stuck in traffic, the kind that seems never-ending. Your stress is bubbling up, your grip on the steering wheel tightening, when suddenly, that song comes on the radio—the one that never fails to lift your mood. Your shoulders relax, you start tapping along to the beat, and suddenly the traffic feels a little less apocalyptic. That’s the power of music.
Now imagine a world without it. No playlists for motivation, no tearful breakups soundtracked by Adele, no live gigs that give you goosebumps. Just silence, punctuated by the mundane sounds of life—dishwashers, car horns, and Karen slurping tea during a Zoom meeting. Grim, isn’t it?
But here’s the thing: music isn’t just about filling silence or livening up a dull commute. It’s a scientifically backed powerhouse for your mental health. From reducing stress to sparking joy, music has a profound effect on our brains, and the experts are starting to catch on. Doctors, neuroscientists, and therapists are all saying what we’ve known instinctively for centuries: music matters.
Yet, despite all the evidence, music is still treated as an “extra” in many parts of our society—particularly in schools. It’s seen as something fun but expendable, a luxury rather than a necessity. This blog isn’t here to gently challenge that notion—it’s here to smash it with the force of a drum solo.
Today, we’re diving into the science of music and mental health. What exactly happens in our brains when we listen to music? Why are doctors prescribing it as therapy? And, more importantly, why isn’t this knowledge being embraced in our education system and beyond?
So, buckle up, turn on your favourite playlist (we’ll wait), and let’s explore how music isn’t just entertainment—it’s essential.
The Brain on Music—A Symphony of Science
Let’s start with the basics: your brain loves music. It doesn’t just like it, the way you like a cup of tea or a sunny afternoon—it adores it. When you listen to music, your brain lights up like a Christmas tree, engaging multiple regions simultaneously. It’s like a party where everyone—from your emotions to your memory, from your motor skills to your creativity—gets an invite.
Dopamine: The Feel-Good Conductor
First up, let’s talk dopamine—the brain’s very own “yay” chemical. When you hear music you enjoy, your brain releases a surge of this neurotransmitter, giving you that warm, fuzzy feeling of pleasure and reward. A study published in Nature Neuroscience in 2011 revealed that listening to music activates the brain’s reward centres in the same way as eating chocolate or even winning the lottery (though sadly, without the accompanying bank balance). That perfect drop in your favourite song? It’s not just catchy; it’s biochemically euphoric.
And dopamine isn’t just about making you feel good. It plays a crucial role in motivation and focus. Ever notice how the right playlist can make you power through a daunting task? That’s dopamine at work, keeping you engaged and energised.
Cortisol: The Stress Hormone That’s Told to Take a Seat
On the flip side, music can also help lower levels of cortisol—the stress hormone that fuels our fight-or-flight response. High cortisol levels are great if you’re being chased by a tiger but less helpful when you’re trying to survive a Monday morning meeting. Enter music.
A 2013 study from McGill University found that listening to music can significantly reduce cortisol levels, particularly calming genres like classical or ambient music. It’s as if music pulls up a comfy chair in your brain and says, “Relax, I’ve got this.”
This is why so many hospitals are incorporating music therapy into their treatment plans. From pre-surgery anxiety to chronic pain management, music has shown time and again that it can help patients relax, heal, and cope. If music can make you forget about a looming root canal, imagine what it can do for everyday stress.
Memory Lane: Why Music Is a Time Machine
Ever heard a song and been instantly transported back to a specific time and place? That’s your hippocampus and amygdala—the parts of your brain responsible for memory and emotion—having a little dance party. Music taps into these areas like few other stimuli can, which is why it’s so effective in treating conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Studies have shown that familiar music can unlock memories in people who struggle to recall names or recognise faces. In these cases, music isn’t just therapy; it’s a lifeline. It reminds us that while some parts of the brain may falter, the rhythm remains.
Synchronised Minds: The Brain’s Group Activity
Listening to music doesn’t just affect individuals; it synchronises us with others. When people sing, dance, or play music together, their brainwaves actually start to align. This phenomenon, known as neural entrainment, boosts feelings of connection and trust. It’s why choirs feel like communities and why festival crowds bond over a shared love of live music. Your brain doesn’t just hear music—it shares it.
A Note on Neuroplasticity: Music as Brain Gym
Here’s the kicker: listening to or playing music actually changes the structure of your brain. This process, called neuroplasticity, is your brain’s way of adapting and reorganising itself. Think of music as a workout for your mind, improving everything from auditory skills to emotional intelligence.
For children, learning an instrument boosts brain development in ways that last a lifetime. For adults, it’s a way to keep cognitive decline at bay. And for everyone in between, it’s a reminder that your brain is always ready to learn and grow—so long as the music’s playing.
In short, music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a full-brain workout. It makes you feel good, calms your nerves, triggers your memories, connects you to others, and even rewires your brain for the better. And if that doesn’t deserve a standing ovation, what does?
Why Doctors Are Tuning In—Music as Medicine
It’s not just neuroscientists and Spotify curators who are giddy about music’s effects on the brain—medical professionals are joining the chorus too. From operating rooms to mental health clinics, doctors are increasingly using music as a legitimate therapeutic tool. But why is this happening, and what does the science say? Let’s break it down.
Pre-Surgery Jitters: Music as a Sedative
Imagine you’re about to go under the knife. The sterile smell of the hospital, the bright lights, the beeping machines—it’s enough to make anyone’s heart race. Traditionally, patients might receive a dose of anti-anxiety medication to calm their nerves. But studies now show that music can achieve similar effects, without the groggy side effects.
A 2015 study published in The Lancet found that patients who listened to music before surgery reported lower anxiety levels compared to those who received medication alone. The soothing tones lowered blood pressure, reduced heart rates, and provided a sense of control in an otherwise nerve-wracking situation. Think of it as nature’s Valium, delivered via headphones.
Even during surgery, music is proving its worth. Surgeons often play calming playlists in the operating room—not just for the patient, but for themselves. The rhythmic flow of music helps reduce stress, improve focus, and maintain a steady hand. A 2020 study in BMJ Open confirmed that surgeons performed better and felt less stressed when their preferred music was playing.
Mental Health: Music as Emotional First Aid
We know music can boost mood and reduce stress, but its role in mental health care is deeper than a simple pick-me-up. Music therapy is now being used to treat everything from depression to PTSD, and the results are striking.
One standout example is its use in managing anxiety disorders. A meta-analysis published in Psychology of Music revealed that participants in music therapy sessions showed significant reductions in anxiety symptoms compared to those receiving standard care alone. Therapists use techniques like songwriting, drumming, or guided listening to help patients express feelings they might struggle to articulate.
For PTSD sufferers—such as veterans or trauma survivors—music offers a safe outlet for processing memories. Drumming, for instance, has been shown to synchronise brainwaves and induce a meditative state, helping patients regulate emotions and reduce flashbacks. Some hospitals even run drumming circles specifically for PTSD recovery, proving that sometimes, banging on a drum really does help.
Dementia: Unlocking the Mind with Melody
Perhaps one of the most astonishing uses of music in medicine is in the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As memory fades, music remains, offering a unique pathway to connection.
A 2013 study by the Alzheimer’s Foundation found that music therapy improved mood, reduced agitation, and enhanced cognitive function in dementia patients. Why? Because music taps into the brain’s emotional and procedural memory systems—parts that are often left intact even as dementia progresses.
There’s a reason viral videos of dementia patients lighting up at the sound of a favourite song bring tears to our eyes. These aren’t just feel-good moments; they’re a testament to the enduring power of music to reach where words and logic cannot.
Chronic Pain: Music as a Distraction and a Balm
Chronic pain is notoriously difficult to manage. Painkillers come with risks, and alternative treatments don’t always work. But music has stepped in as a surprising ally.
A 2019 review in Frontiers in Psychology found that listening to music reduced pain perception in patients with chronic conditions, from arthritis to fibromyalgia. The key lies in music’s ability to divert attention. When we focus on a melody, our brains process fewer pain signals, effectively turning down the volume on discomfort.
Beyond distraction, music also triggers the release of endorphins—our body’s natural painkillers. Combine that with its stress-reducing effects, and you’ve got a multi-faceted approach to pain management that doesn’t require a prescription.
Music in Neonatal Care: A Soothing Start
Even the tiniest patients benefit from music’s magic. In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), lullabies and gentle melodies are played for premature babies to help regulate their heart rates and encourage better sleep. A 2010 study in Pediatrics found that live music interventions improved feeding behaviours and oxygen saturation levels in preemies, promoting faster recovery and growth.
And it’s not just about the babies—music helps parents too. The NICU experience can be overwhelming, and music therapy sessions often involve parents singing to their infants, creating a bond and easing stress for the whole family.
Side Note: The Role of Music Therapists
Let’s give a shoutout to the unsung heroes of this movement: music therapists. These professionals aren’t just playing tunes and hoping for the best—they’re trained specialists who design personalised interventions based on a patient’s needs. Whether it’s helping stroke survivors regain motor function through rhythmic exercises or guiding trauma patients in songwriting, music therapists bridge the gap between art and science.
And they’re making waves globally. In the UK, organisations like the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) are leading the charge, integrating music into healthcare settings nationwide. Meanwhile, NHS hospitals are increasingly recognising music therapy as a cost-effective and evidence-backed treatment option.
Here’s where we pull the thread back to the bigger picture. Despite all this evidence, music is still treated as an “extra” in many parts of our healthcare system. While some hospitals embrace it, others lack funding or awareness, leaving patients without access to a therapy that could transform their experience.
And let’s not even get started on the education system. If we taught kids about the science of music’s impact on the brain, maybe we’d raise a generation that prioritises this incredible tool for mental and physical health. But no, music budgets are slashed, arts education is sidelined, and we’re left wondering why mental health statistics are so bleak. (Spoiler: it’s all connected.)
Doctors Are Listening—Why Aren’t We?
The fact that medical professionals are increasingly prescribing music therapy speaks volumes. The science is there, the results are undeniable, and the applications are growing. Whether it’s helping patients recover, cope, or simply find joy in difficult times, music is proving itself as one of the most versatile and powerful tools in healthcare.
So, if the doctors are taking note, perhaps it’s time we all listened a little more carefully. Because when it comes to health and well-being, music isn’t just a side dish—it’s the main course.
Why the System Still Doesn’t Get It
So, we’ve established that music has the power to calm nerves, reduce pain, build emotional resilience, and reconnect dementia patients to their memories. Doctors are prescribing it, therapists are embracing it, and researchers are proving its worth. And yet—here comes the twist—our government and education system still treat music like the garnish on the plate of life. Nice to have, but not really necessary. Let’s unpack this baffling oversight with a touch of humour (and a healthy dose of frustration).
The Budget Blind Spot
Ah, budgets—the great black hole where the arts go to die. Despite all the evidence of music’s benefits, funding for music programmes in schools and healthcare remains about as reliable as a British summer. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s being axed in the name of “core priorities.”
Take schools, for instance. Over the past decade, music has been increasingly sidelined. Instruments are gathering dust in cupboards, and “music lessons” often involve a tired teacher with a tambourine and a YouTube video of Beethoven. Never mind the fact that engaging with music can improve maths, language skills, and overall mental health—apparently, it’s more important to squeeze in yet another SATs practice test.
The irony? While music budgets are being slashed, the NHS is spending billions on mental health treatments. How about we connect the dots? Invest in music education early, and we might save on therapy bills later. But alas, long-term thinking doesn’t always make it into policy discussions.
Here’s a fun fact: music is still often classified as an “extra-curricular” activity. As if it’s some sort of luxury, like learning to juggle or joining a cheese-tasting club. This is particularly infuriating when you consider that music has been a part of human culture for tens of thousands of years. Cavemen didn’t sit around wondering if rhythm was “extra-curricular.” They knew it was vital—whether for bonding, communicating, or making life just a bit less grim in the Ice Age.
Yet in 2024, we’re still debating whether music deserves a place in the curriculum. Let’s be honest, if cavemen could figure it out, surely our policymakers can too? (Perhaps there's a link here...)
And here’s the kicker: the same people cutting music funding are often the loudest voices in the “wellness” movement. You’ve seen the tweets—“Take care of your mental health!”—often accompanied by a blurry photo of a latte and a yoga mat. Lovely sentiment, but you can’t advocate for mental health while pulling the plug on one of the most effective tools we have.
If we truly care about mental health, we need to do more than talk about it. That means ensuring every child has access to music education, every hospital has funding for music therapy, and every community has the resources to use music as a tool for well-being. It’s not rocket science—it’s rhythm and melody.
Now let’s throw some cold, hard facts into the mix. According to UK Music’s 2021 report, the music industry contributed £5.8 billion to the economy in 2019, pre-pandemic. Meanwhile, studies show that integrating music into healthcare settings can reduce hospital stays, lower reliance on medication, and improve patient outcomes. So why isn’t this a bigger priority?
Imagine a world where the government treated music as an investment rather than an indulgence. Schools could afford instruments, hospitals could fund therapy programmes, and local communities could host music workshops. Instead, we’re stuck in a cycle of “cut now, regret later.”
And here’s the frustrating part: this isn’t new information. We’ve known for decades—centuries, even—that music has profound effects on the mind and body. The Greeks understood it, the Egyptians understood it, and even the Victorians, for all their stiffness, made room for music in education.
Yet here we are, in 2024, with policymakers still humming the same tired tune: “There’s just no money.” Meanwhile, billions are spent on initiatives with far less evidence of efficacy. It’s like ignoring a fire extinguisher because you’re too busy buying bottled water to put out the flames.
A Call to Action (With a Dash of Sarcasm)
To the powers that be: if doctors, neuroscientists, and therapists are all shouting about the benefits of music, maybe it’s time to listen. Instead of treating it as a luxury, let’s recognise it for what it is—a powerful, evidence-backed tool for improving mental health and well-being.
And to the rest of us: don’t wait for the system to catch up. Play that guitar, join that choir, and support music in your local schools and hospitals. Because while the government might still be faffing about, we don’t have to. Music is here, now, ready to change lives. Let’s make sure it gets the respect it deserves.
Next time you hear a politician talk about “building resilience” or “supporting mental health,” feel free to ask them how they’re funding music education and therapy. If the answer’s “we’re not,” just smile, nod, and suggest they start practicing their tambourine skills. They’ll need them when the next election rolls around.
The Prescription for Progress
We’ve covered the science, the societal disconnect, and the glaring missed opportunities. Now let’s talk solutions. If music is such a game-changer for mental health (and spoiler alert: it is), how do we turn this untapped potential into practical, everyday progress? Yet another spoiler: it starts with recognising music as more than just a hobby—it’s a prescription for healthier minds and happier communities.
Step 1: Treat Music as Essential, Not Optional
First, let’s stop treating music like a side salad—it’s the main course. Music education in schools, for example, isn’t just about creating the next Adele or Ed Sheeran (or in fact someone good...ahem). It’s about giving every child access to a tool that enhances brain development, emotional intelligence, and social skills. A study from the University of Vermont found that children who played an instrument had more robust brain structures in areas related to emotional regulation and decision-making. In other words, a piano lesson might just help your kid ace their GCSEs and navigate the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence.
Governments need to step up here. Music shouldn’t be a “nice-to-have” but a “must-have.” That means ring-fencing budgets for music education, ensuring every school has access to resources, and providing proper training for teachers. It’s not just an investment in music; it’s an investment in mental health, academic performance, and future innovation. You can’t argue with a win-win-win.
Step 2: Scale Up Music Therapy
The NHS loves to talk about “innovative treatments” and “patient-centred care.” Well, here’s a revolutionary idea: more music therapy, please. We already know that music therapy helps patients with PTSD, dementia, depression, and anxiety, among other conditions. Yet access is patchy at best, often limited to specialised hospitals or charitable programmes. If we’re serious about integrating music into healthcare, it’s time to make it a standard offering, not a postcode lottery.
Imagine a world where every hospital had a dedicated music therapist, where GP surgeries prescribed music workshops alongside medication, and where care homes used tailored playlists to connect with residents. It’s not just wishful thinking—it’s already happening in pockets of the UK. Let’s make it the norm.
Step 3: Collaborate with the Tech World
Technology has already revolutionised how we consume music, so why not leverage it for mental health too? Apps like Calm and Headspace are already proving the power of music in mindfulness, but we could go so much further. Imagine NHS-backed apps that use personalised playlists to reduce anxiety or wearable tech that syncs your heart rate to calming rhythms. The possibilities are endless if we’re willing to think creatively.
Of course, this requires investment. But considering the billions spent on other, less effective interventions, funding a few music-based tech pilots seems like a no-brainer. And while we’re at it, let’s get the tech companies involved. They’ve already cracked the code on getting us addicted to streaming; let’s see them channel that power into something truly transformative.
Step 4: Make Music Accessible to All
Let’s address the elephant in the room: not everyone has access to music in the way they should. Instruments are expensive, concert tickets are out of reach for many, and music lessons are often a luxury reserved for wealthier families. If we want music to be a tool for mental health, we need to make it accessible.
This could mean subsidising instrument rental schemes, funding community music programmes, or offering free workshops in schools and libraries. It could also mean working with local musicians to bring live music into under-served areas. Music isn’t just for the privileged few—it’s a universal language that belongs to everyone.
Step 5: Change the Narrative
Finally, we need to change how we talk about music. It’s not just a pastime; it’s a powerful force for good. That means more public awareness campaigns, more partnerships between healthcare providers and musicians, and more stories about how music is making a difference. When people see music as a legitimate tool for well-being—not just entertainment—they’ll be more likely to embrace it.
Let’s normalise using music for mental health the way we’ve normalised yoga, mindfulness, or even running (though, let’s be honest, music makes running bearable). When music is viewed as essential to our well-being, we’ll start to see the ripple effects across education, healthcare, and society.
Side note: Start by writing to your MP. You can even copy and paste my letter to Samantha Niblett MP if you want - What could be easier. www.musickids.org.uk/post/letter-sent-to-samantha-niblett-mp-20-november-2024
A Glimpse of What’s Possible
Imagine this: a school where every child learns an instrument as part of their core curriculum, a hospital where music therapy is as common as physiotherapy, and a community where live music is accessible to all, not just those who can afford it. Imagine GPs prescribing playlists tailored to reduce anxiety or parents using shared music experiences to strengthen bonds with their kids. This isn’t utopia—it’s a realistic, achievable goal. But only if we’re willing to make music a priority.
The science is there. The success stories are there. The only thing missing? Action. So let’s get started. Because if music can do all this for our mental health, why wouldn’t we use it?
Conclusion: A Sound Investment in Mental Health
Music isn’t just a collection of pretty sounds or a way to kill time on the commute—it’s a profound force for mental health, a prescription for resilience, and a connector of hearts and minds. From the dopamine rush of a favourite song to the solace of a shared melody, music has a unique ability to soothe, energise, and heal. The science is compelling, the stories are inspiring, and the potential is undeniable.
But here’s the rub: as powerful as music is, it’s only as effective as the access we provide to it. Whether it’s sidelined in schools, underfunded in healthcare, or priced out of reach for many, the barriers to making music a universal mental health tool are glaring. And these barriers don’t just limit our access to beautiful harmonies; they limit our access to a better, healthier life.
It’s time for us to change the tune. We need governments to prioritise music education, healthcare systems to embrace music therapy, and society as a whole to treat music as the essential resource it is. This isn’t just about creating a nation of virtuosos (though that would be nice); it’s about harnessing music’s full potential to tackle the mental health crisis head-on.
So, the next time you put on your favourite playlist, remember: you’re not just enjoying music—you’re engaging in one of the most accessible, affordable, and effective forms of mental health support we have. And if you want to see the power of music change more lives, start asking questions. What’s your school doing to support music education? What’s your local healthcare provider doing to integrate music therapy? What can you do to bring music into your community?
Music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a lifeline. And if we start treating it that way, the possibilities are endless.
Join us again next Thursday for our next blog: "Beyond Beats: How Music Helps Manage Stress in Today’s Chaotic World". It’s time to talk about how music can change the game for young minds, one note at a time. See you then! 🎵
Brendan
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