Music and Its Relation to Work and Academic Performance

When we listen to music, multiple areas of the brain are activated including those associated with movement, planning, attention and memory. It changes our brain chemistry as well. Listening to music we enjoy stimulates the release of dopamine that makes us feel rewarded. Who hasn’t found it easier to run a little further, or work a little faster to keep up with the tempo of the music we are listening to? All that jumping around and moving to music – that we call dance, boosts our level of alertness, the release of endorphins and helps burn off stress.

Sometimes though we question the value of music to academic and work performance. Is there a parent who hasn’t had the conversation with their teenager about whether they should attempt to study while listening to music? The research has shown that kids who learn a musical instrument often do academically better at school, especially in science, mathematics up with the tempo of the music we are listening to? All that jumping around and moving to music – that we call dance, boosts our level of alertness, the release of endorphins and helps burn off stress. Sometimes though we question the value of music to academic and work performance. Is there a parent who hasn’t had the conversation with their teenager about whether they should attempt to study while listening to music? The research has shown that kids who learn a musical instrument often do academically better at school, especially in science, mathematics and literature, are more focused, have greater self-esteem and coordination

The impact of music and how the brain works is being investigated in those areas where the brain has been damaged through injury or disease. Many thanks to all those who brought to my attention the recent Catalyst program that explored this beautifully in relation to those with dementia or Parkinson’s disease. Elsewhere “Singing for the Brain” groups have been running for a while in a number of countries. Here those living with dementia and their careers come together for a sing-along – and while the power of conversation and speech may have been lost, the memories of songs instantly come flooding back..

The Catalyst program on the ABC revealed how personalized playlists are being trialed to assist those with dementia to reconnect with themselves and how music can assist to unlock bodies frozen by movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Music also helps those afflicted by stuttering as brilliantly portrayed in the film “The King’s speech.” When we listen to music, multiple areas of the brain are activated including those associated with movement, planning, attention and memory. It changes our brain chemistry as well.

Listening to music we enjoy stimulates the release of dopamine that makes us feel rewarded. If music can influence your mood, your ability to concentrate and stay on task, should we all be working while listening to it? Chilling out to calm, soothing quieter music can help to alleviate anxiety, which for stressed out students or high intensity operatives could prove advantageous to reduce stress levels and emotion to improve concentration and focus. Personally the thought of having to work in a place such as retail/hairdressers salons or supermarkets where music that you have no control over the selection of is playing makes me want to run for the hills. Others may not mind so much or “tune out” from actively listening. For students if the music is in the background only, not being actively listened to and is without lyrics, it may help focus by eliminating other potential distractors in the environment While listening to music may bring greater health benefits, creating it can be an effective therapy, too. A unique orchestra for people with dementia helped improve their mood and boost their self-confidence, according to researchers at the Bournemouth University Dementia Institute (BUDI) in Dorset, U.K.

The orchestra is one of several BUDI research projects that aims to demonstrate how people with dementia can still learn new skills and have fun. Eight people with dementia and seven caregivers participated in the project, along with students and professional musicians. Working together to produce a collaborative output is a powerful way to bring out the best in people — not just in terms of their musical skills, but their communication skills, friendships, care, and support for one another,” she added. Music forms a big part of our lives. We listen to it on the way to and from work, while exercising and while relaxing. It becomes part of our identity. Our musical preferences as teenagers stay with us as we age. While noise is a stressor to the brain, music that we like will boost our mood, keeping the brain in a more relaxed state that is open to learning, new ideas and greater insight Music connects us at a deeper level with each other, which is why we love going to concerts, dance parties and singing together. We collectively synchro no When we listen to music, multiple areas of the brain are activated including those associated with movement, planning, attention and memory. It changes our brain chemistry as well. The impact of music and how the brain works is being investigated in those areas where the brain has been damaged through injury or disease. Many thanks to all those who brought to my attention the recent Catalyst program that explored this beautifully in relation to those with dementia or Parkinson’s disease.se our beating hearts and brain waves. That’s great for enhancing collaboration and relatedness. It changes our brain chemistry as well. Listening to music we enjoy stimulates the release of dopamine that makes us feel rewarded.