In 2021, the global music revenue generated by digital music was 1.1 billion U.S. dollars, according to Statista. Huron University College music therapist Elizabeth Kinghorn says listening to music or playing an instrument can help in many ways.
“Certain types of music can make you more energized and feel more alert, which can help you focus on certain tasks,” says Kinghorn.
She also says that music can be like anything else because it can also have the potential to be very distracting.
“Music therapy in early childhood can help develop some parts of the brain,” says Kinghorn. “It helps to have better connectivity between all the parts of the brain.”
The parts of the brain involved in emotion are not only activated during music, but they are also synchronized. Kinghorn says that music not only affects the brain but it also directly affects the nervous system.
“When humans hear a rhythm, their bodily rhythm can entrain to that rhythm,” Kinghorn added. “Rhythm in music can raise or lower the heart rate.”
According to John Hopkins Medicine, music has a powerful impact on blood pressure, that is why it has a lot of uses. Some people use music to entertain themselves, some others use it to train and there are some others who use it to relax and sleep.
Preston Lamothe – Photo: Mauricio Prado
Kinghorn says music can help people with their sleeping habits bringing their arousal and energy levels down. Musician Preston Lamothe says that music, for him, has been a way to escape reality in many ways.
“Music for me is a lifeline; without music” says Lamothe. He shares how music has been able to carry him through difficult times in life. “There is no life for me, my life is music, specifically the music I play to the people.”
Lamothe says that music has only affected his life positively. He says thanks to it; he has been able to meet people and enjoy life, the little moments more.
“When I play music, and people dance to it, it takes away my problems of the week,” says Lamothe. “It evokes all types of emotions. It is just a feeling that can change anybody’s life.”
Lamothe plays music with his band, The Aurora, regularly in restaurants, bars, events, and even private celebrations. He says music has opened many doors in life for him.
“If I am in a sombre mood, and you play the right tunes, it uplifts my spirit and will to live,” says Lamothe. “If it is good music, no matter the genre, you can just start grooving and loving life.”
Kinghorn and Lamonthe agree that everybody develops a personal relationship with the music they listen to. They say that no matter the genre or mood, music always helps in some way with either happy or sad moments.
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