“No music, no life.” How many of you have heard of this phrase before? We are surrounded by music every single day. Music has been around for decades and decades, remaining one of the most powerful ways to connect people from all over the world. 

Music is known to have a profound effect both physically and emotionally. Fast tempo music will make one feel alert, keeping you concentrated and focused. Upbeat music leaves an optimistic and positive feeling. A slower melody can calm one’s mind that will also help relax muscles, making the listener feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day. It is with no doubt that music is effective for relaxation and stress management.

Music therapy utilises these effects that music has on people, and classical music is especially known to have a relaxing effect. Are you familiar with the parenting technique of playing classical music to help a baby sleep? Studies show that classical music helps calm babies down, and some parents believe it even makes the baby smarter, which is known for the Mozart effect. 

Aside from improving a person’s mood and helping them to relax, there are a wide range of benefits from classical music therapy that can affect all ages, and all stages of life, from babies to the elderly. Such beneficial effects include better sleep and memory, lower blood pressure due to relaxation of mind and body. 

How does classical music help with relaxation? Research suggests that the melodic harmonies have a settling wave length, which demonstrates positive effects on the brain. Since classical music is similar to lullabies sung by mothers, it gives a familiar and soothing sense for people, helping them to sleep. Classical music takes a similar form to meditation, where people just focus on the melody and the present moment. 

Most of us listen to music everyday. Perhaps tomorrow, you can add classical music songs to your playlist to truly appreciate the power of music therapy.