<p>The Effect Different Genres of Music Have on the Brain and Our Moods </p><p>Group 6</p><p>Brittany Bird</p><p>James Broadway</p><p>William Parchman</p><p>Paige Daney</p><p>Kyle Tate</p><p>Michael Anne Higgins</p><p>EDP 101 A Music has a large part of everyday life. The type of musical genre a person chooses to listen to can be determined largely depending on a person’s mood and atmosphere. Most people listen to one particular kind of music based on how they are feeling. For example, listening to hip-hop while you are dancing, listening to rock music to pump yourself up for a big game, or listen to slow classic music to fall asleep. These are all musical choices that are determined by the atmosphere and mindset of a person. </p><p>Music is also something that is common in every society around the world. It is used in a variety of ways to accomplish a variety of different things. These range from playing music in rituals, playing /listening to it for personal satisfaction to providing a certain atmosphere for an event. Many cultures use music for religious purposes, and in some circles it is outlawed from religious practices. Throughout time, many different forms of music have come into existence, some of them widely accepted by the world community, and those that are bashed by some groups. Having said all that we as a group decided to explore the connection between different genres of music and its effect on our moods. In order to do this properly we need to first speak of the brain chemistry that is involved in listening to music and having it affect our moods. </p><p>The human brain weighs about three pounds and contains about 100 billion cells called neurons. The magnitude of how the brain works is a concept that is so complex, scientists are still studying it with great attention. However, what is known about the brain to this day has allowed scientists and psychologists to grasp how it works in the day-to-day life of a human. Most simply understood, a single brain cell, known as a neuron works as a part of a team by relaying electrical messages and signals to surrounding neurons. Each of these billions of axons in the neuron has the ability to release a small amount of electrical charge; often the total power of the brain is estimated to have the power of a 60-watt light bulb. The way in which the brain is working can be measured by the activities of these systems of neurons by a machine known as the electroencephalograph (EEG). Scientists over the past 50 years have had a broad focus on studying how the brain works: how we process our senses (sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing) (Johnson, 1998). However, as more is discovered, more is desired to be known. One area that still remains unclear is how the brain processes different sounds. Furthermore, how the brain responds to music is of particular interest in recent years. When sound enters the inner ear, the vibrations cause thousands of tiny hairs that are spread across a membrane to move. The nerve cells stimulated send electrical signals that are sent to the brain and the noise is broken down in accordance to the different frequencies. The orderly arrangement of low to high frequencies is mapped onto the brain and interpreted. However, not much is known about how the pieces are put back together when we recognize melodies. (Cromie, 1999). From personal experience, everyone knows that listening to a melody or a tune has an effect on your frame of mind. The question is lifted: what exactly is this effect on your brain that creates a particular mood or feeling? This very question was investigated in one large study of over 20,000 that demonstrated that music changes mood and the changes in mood were very uniform. “In the study, a large number of people listened to classical music by various composers from various musical periods and were asked how the music made them feel. Another study showed that the effects of mood varied from person to person depending on their musicality. Non-musical people enjoy music rarely and when they do, the enjoyment is slight, while semi-musical people enjoy music quite often and when they do, it is enjoyable to them, while musical people enjoy music rarely, due to discriminating tastes, but when they do, it is with the greatest intensity (Olson, 2006).” These broad findings have created a basic understanding, but have also illuminated the concept that the mechanisms of music entering the brain and the experience of how we are moved by it are entirely different. The auditory cortex has connections to the frontal lobe of the brain, just behind the forehead, where much of our capabilities for abstraction, anticipation, and inference sit. Both these areas also possess widespread passageways to other parts of the brain that generate emotions. How these conduits develop are most likely influenced by the culture in which we live (Cromie, 1999). Neuroscientist Daniel Levitin is an expert on music cognition and is the author of two books: This is Your Brain on Music and The World in Six Songs. In both of these books he argues that music is at the heart of human nature and even goes into studying why two people may not have the same definition of pitch. These questions explored in his novel have led to the curiosity of how different genres of music affect one’s mood. Exploring a more specific question illuminates the theories behind Levitin’s findings.</p><p>We will start our investigation with Rap. As we know it, rap and hip hop was created in the Bronx, New York. Hip hop and rap are two genres who accompany each other, creating one basic genre. Over time, this genre has evolved from classic beats, to a more serious music involving verbal threats. It is obvious, that the evolution of the music has caused damage to society. If one were to look statistically, the majority of rapper’s in this day and age, are African American. The lyrics in which most rappers intertwine in their music often relates to drugs, alcohol, sex, and violence. In relation, the music videos portray a glamorous life of beautiful women, fancy cars, and trendy clothes. With this type of music so popular with the youth, this poses a potential problem for all those who listen and take the words to heart. </p><p>Along with this, these musical lyrics often create the stereotype that all black men indulge themselves in this lifestyle, and are potentially dangerous. In the brain, rap often triggers emotions of strength, and adrenaline. From a personal perspective, rap music gets things started, and if you need a spark to ignite the flame, just put on the new Lil Wayne Mix. This can either be positive, or negative. As a pro, this can be used as a tool of motivation, for example, if an athlete uses this music to pump up his or her attitude, in hopes of a better performance or effort. The positives can be short lived, whatever they may be. The negativity, in my opinion, sparks from the negative lyrics produced from the artists. The youth who listens to this music, often idolizes these rappers. As a young child, or growing teen, the brain works as a sponge. Everything these kids see and hear in this culture and genre of music often becomes a way of life and almost an imitation. It would be a travesty our society let this to result. When looking at statistics, the numbers are simple. The majority race listening to rap/hip hop are African American. An article states, Though there is obvious damage being done, these rap artist refuse to put themselves in the shoes of a young black male who is trying to succeed in a “White Man’s World” (Par.4). This is very important to note, because it brings forth the concept of stereotypes. The dictionary defines stereotype as, “a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group.” Rock and Roll was the second genre we investigated, and is a relatively new form of music that was birthed in the 1950’s and 60’s. This genre, which has underlying themes of rebellion and aggression, has many emotional impacts on its listeners.</p><p>According to Daniel Levitin, much of the emotional response that we get from music comes from the fact that it stimulates some form of memory in our brain that causes us to feel a certain way. In Levitin’s (192) words: “When we love a piece of music, it reminds us of other music we have heard, and it activates traces of emotional times in our lives”. This means that people listen to music to relate to past occurrences and the feelings that they have about these past occurrences effect their mood. I’m sure that there have been many times when you have heard a song that made you feel some sort of nostalgia or that reminded you of some other song/time in your life. Michael Shaghnessy states “Musical preferences become a mark of group identity and distinction, further locking in preferences through the reinforcement of the brain's neurological network”. Although I feel that all types of music involve some degree of group identity, rock and roll experiences this idea more than most. Rock has been the face of the generations of youth that have lived in the second half of the twenty first century. With so many people beginning to stand out and rebel against societal norms and fight for things or against things such as war, feminism, and civil rights, rock was the musical genre with the right ‘punch’ to get many of these ideas across. In the words of Alan Wells and Ernest Hakanen (218): “Rock in particular may be embraced by the young, because its very sounds and words mirror the intensity and turbulence of adolescent experience. The music reflects the extreme emotional experiences adolescents encounter from moment to moment as part of their daily realities. Thus it is no wonder that this medium has much power to engage the young”. So this means that rock and roll is used by adolescents to cope with the problems that they are going through as they grow up and mature. They in turn get a sense of relief because they have found that there are others that are going through the same troubles that they are. This feeling of joy and the realization that there are people going through the same problems is the main reason for which there is such a strong group identity with those who are passionate about rock and roll. On the contrary, the style of classical music has existed in the world for centuries. Classical music can be described as graceful, soothing, rhythmically balanced, and uplifting. Levitin can attest to the fact that classical music is soothing, “My experience with oboes and violins is different, and the particular way that Rachmaninoff uses them may cause me to have the opposite reaction to his concerto than I have to the car horn; rather than feeling startled, I feel relaxed. The same neurons that fire when I feel calm and safe in my environment may be triggered by the calm parts of the concerto” (Levitin 92). Classical music has been proven to alleviate stress and had a positive effect on the body. </p><p>This effect on the body is caused by the subcortical portion of your brain when then is transmitted to the auditory coritices of the brain (Levitin, 86). Some of the effects that it produces include affecting the blood pressure and pulse rate, affects respiration, reduces muscle tension and improving body movement and coordination, enhances romance and sexuality, and generates a sense of well-being and safety (Anderson). Classical music has also had an effect on the overall intelligence of listeners. Classical music uses a certain setup that allows the brain to trigger the right and left hemispheres of the brain at the same time. This allows the brain to function and learn at an optimum level by processing information more efficiently. The effect is commonly known as the Mozart Effect (Anderson). Through the years there have been multiple studies conducted to determine whether it is helpful to listen to music while studying or doing work. If so, what music is helpful or appropriate for the occasion? It is not 100% true that you do, in fact, learn more while listening to music when you study. However If you prefer to listen to music while studying, it is better to play music without any lyrics. This style of music is called ambient music because it is more relaxing and soothing to listen to. Another way music can be helpful while doing work is by listening to music before studying or reviewing something. Classical music, such as Mozart, is said to enhance learning by creating a more relaxed mind.</p><p>According to Jessica Edwards (2001) in studying on whether listening to music while studying is beneficial or a substantial determining factor to a student's GPA, and whether the type of music makes a difference. “There was no significant correlation between music volume and hours spent studying for each class. When asked whether music helped them study, half of the students said yes. Instrumental and rap music listeners had the highest GPA average 3.85.” Which proves that effect of the the type of music that is being listened to depends largely on who you are as a person.</p><p>Music can also have a big impact on an individual's mood. When a person is falling asleep it is not common to listen to upbeat dance music. Usually, a person's mood as they are trying to fall asleep is somewhat drab, somber, or melancholy. Therefore, determining the kind of music they would want to listen to would be something along the lines of slow, non lyrical, and soothing. According to Joanna Saisan (2001) “Listening to soft music” is actually beneficial when preparing a individual's mood for a good nights rest. The last genre of music we examined was country music. Country music has always been stigmatized towards portraying negative values. The lyrics typically speak of alcohol, depression, loosing ones job, and marital troubles. In recent years researchers have been interested in and have looked at how this effects depression moods and even suicide in its listeners. This is mainly due to the fact that “country music fans form a subculture that reinforces suicidal mood conveyed in the themes of country music”. (Gundlach and Stack, 212)</p><p>This should not come as a surprise to anyone and truly proves that the type and genre of music you listen to truly effects your own mood. By listening to negative and sorrowful music it fills one’s own thoughts will unconstructive feelings. It was found that out of 1,400 hit country songs three fourths were about negative family issue and marriages (Gundlach and Stack, 213). Having said this, if one is facing their own turmoil in a relationship, a song resembling their problems may cause them to do the same drastic things as the characters in the song. What comes to mind is the song “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley in which a military man comes home from duty to find his wife cheating on him. He can’t deal with this and in turn kills himself. His wife then struggles with overcoming his death, and also in the end takes her own life. I am sure there are couples out there dealing with very similar issues, and this song along with many others does not give a good positive example of how to work through problems and resolve issues. </p><p>So in conclusion, we have explored and discovered how the genre of music in which you choose truly does have somewhat of an effect over your mood. Music in general has more of an effect on our life than we realize. It pumps us up, calms us down, focuses us and lets us express our feelings. It is an integral part of our everyday lives and will forever be. It allows us to express things we are not able to verbalize and helps us deal with difficult situations. It is even thought that at times we subconsciously choose a song or type of music to fit the mood in which we are in. Whether it make you happy, sad, depressed or angry, all should remember this the next time they find themselves listening to music. Works Cited</p><p>Anderson, Thomas. "The Mozart Effect: A Closer Look." 19 Apr. 2010.</p><p><http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/lerch1/edpsy/mozart_effect.html>.</p><p>Cromie, William. (1999, November 13). How Your brain listens to music. The</p><p>Harvard University Gazette, Retrieved from</p><p> http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/1997/11.13/HowYourBrainLis.html</p><p>Davis, S. F. & Palladino, J. J. (2007). Psychology (5th Edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall</p><p>Edwards, J. (2001). Music While Studying. Does it help? Do Certain Styles Help More Than</p><p>Others Do? , 1.</p><p>Gundlach, J. & Srack, S., The Effect of Country Music on Suicide. Social Forces. 71;1. 211-218</p><p>Johnson, Glenn. (1998). Understanding how the brain works. Retrieved from</p><p> http://www.tbiguide.com/howbrainworks.html</p><p>Levitin, D. J. (2006). This is your brain on music: The science of a human obsession. New York, NY: Dutton</p><p>Olson, Kristian. (2006, February 22). The Effects of music on the mind. 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