How does music affect the brain?

[psy_guy]

Hi. I recently heard, that metal or rock, or hard rock makes brain less able to work. My friend said, that his IQ has dropped by 20 points, but I do not believe him though. Also I've heard, that classical music makes brain work better.

So the question is this: is this true? How the music affects the brain exactly? What happens in the brain in the process? In what time does it affect the brains up/down? A year to recover and a year to lose for example.

Thanks for opinions(I'd like to know facts though, hehe).

[Mahiqun]

It's a funny thing to say"my IQ drops down 20 points when I'm doing something"- it sounds as if he had portable IQ- measurer and kept using it during the day. For me personally metal and hard rock is perfect and I got my best painting ideas from it. Some people get distracted by music when they do something, though. I highly doubt the impact of music on the brain is discovered, with every brain being so individual, there may be even no strict rule. Till now I got stuck with more basic aspects of brain physiology though.

[warmblanket]

Hi. I recently heard, that metal or rock, or hard rock makes brain less able to work. My friend said, that his IQ has dropped by 20 points, but I do not believe him though. Also I've heard, that classical music makes brain work better.

So the question is this: is this true? How the music affects the brain exactly? What happens in the brain in the process? In what time does it affect the brains up/down? A year to recover and a year to lose for example.

Thanks for opinions(I'd like to know facts though, hehe).

It's a funny thing to say"my IQ drops down 20 points when I'm doing something"- it sounds as if he had portable IQ- measurer and kept using it during the day. For me personally metal and hard rock is perfect and I got my best painting ideas from it. Some people get distracted by music when they do something, though. I highly doubt the impact of music on the brain is discovered, with every brain being so individual, there may be even no strict rule. Till now I got stuck with more basic aspects of brain physiology though.

Baroque Music is quite good for increasing brain activity, therefore, if your feeling down or want to be creative it is a good source. Listening to music which maintains a fast tempo is recommended for people who feel down or depressed as their brain exhibits less activity. I think, for example when people are down, sluggish or depressed there is a decrease in brain activity and subsequently, decrease in psycho motor functions, or bodily movement. Hence, possible reason rock music helps you personally. Martial arts philosophizes that when the mind is active the body is at peace, and when the body is active the mind is at peace. So, therefore there must be a balance between both. Hence, music behaves like a mediator between these. However, to answer your question it has something to do with regulating brainwaves. Baroque music, particularly strings, is quite effective.

Sorry to be so vague and general but for my own interests, I'm keeping knowledge to myself on on this topic  ...

[psy_guy]

Yes, Baroque music seems to increase the brain activity, it makes me creative, I noticed that before I read this post. After baroque music goes classical.
As for listening to rock or metal when you are feeling down - it's stupid in my opinion. It decreases the brain activity, it makes you happier, but it makes you run from your problems, solve them. It is better to face them and think about them. Try to solve them.

I started listening to Jazz/Blues/Classical/Baroque music for some time now. It feels very nice, I feel better, I faced my troubles, I seemed thinking more rationally than when I was listening to Metal or Rock.
Classical Rock is nice too though, just not too much of it.

Just things I noticed and my thoughts.

[warmblanket]

Yes, Baroque music seems to increase the brain activity, it makes me creative, I noticed that before I read this post. After baroque music goes classical.
As for listening to rock or metal when you are feeling down - it's stupid in my opinion. It decreases the brain activity, it makes you happier, but it makes you run from your problems, solve them. It is better to face them and think about them. Try to solve them.

I started listening to Jazz/Blues/Classical/Baroque music for some time now. It feels very nice, I feel better, I faced my troubles, I seemed thinking more rationally than when I was listening to Metal or Rock.
Classical Rock is nice too though, just not too much of it.

Just things I noticed and my thoughts.

That's good

[pert -5]

I doubt that music has much "direct" impact on the physical brain, save for its effect on the memory and recognition centers.  Enigma is the one to ask about those matters.  I know that music can have a consequence on the mind, which is wholly subjective (and dependent on the brain).  Different tunes have different reactions on each individual.  A certain tune one person enjoys might be hated by someone else.  This simple fact says a lot about the individualistic perspective that we all choose to take in regards to music appreciation; as well as a lot of other things.  And, our individuality is confirmed solely by our opinions and memories.  These depend on experience and, as I stated at the beginning of my post, the "memory and recognition centers of the brain."  

[warmblanket]

All therapies involve subjective curtailment for the individuals involved, there is no true archetype or generic treatment in any therapy, and each individual will experience the treatment in different ways, even taking pain killers, people will have various and differing side effects than others. Hence, why research continues to evolve. However, as music is a cultural phenomenon, music is not an "absolute" subjectivity, as you seem to suggest, there can be a certain degree of 'communal' experience.

Musicians have a different motor cortex and cerebellum than non musicians. Secondly, musicians have larger areas connecting the two hemispheres of the brain than nonmusicians. Certain parts of their brain are larger than a nonmusician, hence, there is a physical change or evolution in the brain.

With regards 'passive listening', music is known to help with pain management, for example in patients after operations, so much so, in some cases, music acted as a substitute for medication as an effective method in pain management

When new neurological pathways are re-built through direct experience, I'm sure that can be classified to a degree as a direct physical impact.

[pert -5]

All therapies involve subjective curtailment for the individuals involved, there is no true archetype or generic treatment in any therapy, and each individual will experience the treatment in different ways, even taking pain killers, people will have various and differing side effects than others. Hence, why research continues to evolve. However, as music is a cultural phenomenon, music is not an "absolute" subjectivity, as you seem to suggest, there can be a certain degree of 'communal' experience.

Absolute subjectivity?   Can you touch it?  There are sound waves, and recording software can show music tracks on the computer monitor, but the meaning and its effects on a persons outlook is absolutely subjective.

Musicians have a different motor cortex and cerebellum than non musicians. Secondly, musicians have larger areas connecting the two hemispheres of the brain than nonmusicians. Certain parts of their brain are larger than a nonmusician, hence, there is a physical change or evolution in the brain.

Is this true?  *suspicious look*

With regards 'passive listening', music is known to help with pain management, for example in patients after operations, so much so, in some cases, music acted as a substitute for medication as an effective method in pain management

Would you happen to have a link to this study?  I do know that mind over matter techniques have been employed for centuries, around the world.  For example, the Satori monks of Zen Buddhism have been known to endure great amounts of pain while betraying no signs of physical discomfort.

When new neurological pathways are re-built through direct experience, I'm sure that can be classified to a degree as a direct physical impact.

Yes, through the persons mind.  Music does not grab onto your brain and start reforming it.  It is through the medium of the mind that physical deference is made to your brain.

[warmblanket]

Yes, what I have said is true. Sorry you're so skeptical about it. However, I'm not going to sit here and do the work for you, you'll have to do that yourself. If you really are that interested you should make the effort to research it yourself. However, what I said is true.

The point about subjectivity is that, there is a degree of consensus, in how one experiences, conceives or processes musical structures.

I'm guessing you're not too familiar with the technological side, considering your statement, "There are sound waves, and recording software can show music tracks on the computer monitor". This statement illustrates a lack of knowledge in the area, it actually makes no sense and the subsequent clause makes no sense either.

Doesn't matter though...maybe try read a little more on it, and then come back a little later...

[pert -5]

Yes, what I have said is true. Sorry you're so skeptical about it. However, I'm not going to sit here and do the work for you, you'll have to do that yourself. If you really are that interested you should make the effort to research it yourself. However, what I said is true.

One must be skeptical lest the whole system collapses.  My suspicion was probably instigated by your wording, "Musicians have a different motor cortex and cerebellum than non musicians."

This document seems relevant to the topic:
http://www.jneurosci.org/content/23/27/9240.full.pdf+html

The point about subjectivity is that, there is a degree of consensus, in how one experiences, conceives or processes musical structures.

Consensus precludes subjectivity.  It is true that the two can and do interact, but at distinct levels and as separate things.  If I understand your sentence correctly, what you are suggesting bears more of a resemblance to what is called herd mentality.

Consensus: 1. An opinion or position reached by a group as a whole
(http://www.thefreedictionary.com/consensus)

Subjectivity: 4. Psychology - Existing only within the experiencer's mind.
(http://www.thefreedictionary.com/subjectivity)

The consensus can be suggestive to the individual, if that is what you mean.

I'm guessing you're not too familiar with the technological side, considering your statement, "There are sound waves, and recording software can show music tracks on the computer monitor". This statement illustrates a lack of knowledge in the area, it actually makes no sense

I'm a tad lost.  Are there sound waves?  Can you view tracks of recorded music on a computer monitor using recording software?  What's the problem?

and the subsequent clause makes no sense either.

Communal experience can play a part on the subjective comprehension of the listener, but it is not cognate to it.  For example, going to a concert with other people of similar music tastes can act as a means of bonding, but the individuals' subjective apprehension of the music is distinct. (See the definition of Subjectivity above.)

[Sigma Freud]

Music affects my brain like WHOA.

[warmblanket]

Yes, what I have said is true. Sorry you're so skeptical about it. However, I'm not going to sit here and do the work for you, you'll have to do that yourself. If you really are that interested you should make the effort to research it yourself. However, what I said is true.

One must be skeptical lest the whole system collapses.  My suspicion was probably instigated by your wording, "Musicians have a different motor cortex and cerebellum than non musicians."


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Yes they are anatomically different, there is nothing wrong with the wording. Seriously, though, what century are you living in? In one instance you denied the existence of a whole discipline, you try support that by berating what I said, then you divert attention from your incompentence by pointing to my literacy ability. Sounds like trolling to me...

Yes, a healthy skepticism, not for the 'sake of it' skepticism.

[pert -5]

Yes they are anatomically different, there is nothing wrong with the wording. Seriously, though, what century are you living in? In one instance you denied the existence of a whole discipline, you try support that by berating what I said, then you divert attention from your incompentence by pointing to my literacy ability. Sounds like trolling to me...

Yes, a healthy skepticism, not for the 'sake of it' skepticism.

No, trolling is rebuking what someone said without any attempt, whatsoever, to further the conversation and understanding of the parties involved.

Trolling:
It took you this long to come up with a response this lame?  You are pathetic.
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You see, what I posted before was clearly NOT trolling.  Do you have anything further to add to this conversation, or is your Ego obfuscating your view?

[warmblanket]

Pert's quote "No, trolling is rebuking what someone said without any attempt, whatsoever, to further the conversation and understanding of the parties involved."

I've done my job in furthering the conversation for the original post, so it ends here, how did you do on contribution?