Ask anyone their thoughts about music and you’ll likely hear different responses. Some people turn to music as a form of escape while others turn up their favourite songs to stir their creativity. Many have even dedicated their lives towards perfecting their craft and delivering memorable pieces that are still played today.
People may hold different opinions about music but its effects can be felt in all corners of the world across all generations. Music is such an expansive area that new things are constantly being discovered. Here are some facts about music you probably didn’t know.
1. The First Instrument Was Made From Bone
Many of the musical instruments we use today are crafted from materials like wood and metal using highly precise tools. Take a guitar for instance. Sheets of wood are cut and glued together to form the body and neck of the guitar. A soundhole is then made which allows the air to vibrate inside and produce a sound whenever a string is plucked.
Sound holes can also be seen in other instruments like a flute. Covering the holes alters the pitch as a flautist blows air into it. The Divje Babe flute is one of the earliest prehistoric instruments and is estimated to be at least 40,000 years old. It was carved from a cave bear femur and had lateral holes pierced into it, indicating that it was used as a musical instrument. The discovery which was made in Slovenia also shows that music has been with us for millennia.
2. Music Has Therapeutic Benefits
Many of us have stressors we deal with on a daily basis – Commuting through heavy traffic, getting a project finished in time, etc. Many of these stressors are not life-threatening but they can make you feel irritable. It turns out that listening to music can produce a positive shift in your mood.
Think back to a time when you heard your favourite song on the radio. Chances are that it evoked positive memories and you may have even found yourself humming along with the tune. A growing body of research shows that music can have therapeutic effects. A meta-analysis of 400 studies found that music reduces stress. Listening to music was also found to be effective at reducing anxiety before surgery.
3. Music Boosts the Growth of Grey Matter
Musicians are constantly challenging themselves to play more complex pieces. The amount of practice that they dedicate to their craft supports the growth of grey matter – A major component of the central nervous system that is crucial for various skills.
Research shows differences in the volume of grey matter between musicians and non-musicians. Part of the changes come from an intense practice that musicians spend on honing their craft. This, in turn, can have spillover effects into other areas like academics.
4. Singing Benefits People With Dementia
Dementia is a brain illness that affects an individual’s cognitive functioning, including their ability to think and remember past events. Results from a study have found that singing for people with dementia offers a number of key benefits. These include improving relationships with others, having a positive impact on over well-being, and helping people come to terms with their diagnosis.
Songbird Serenade provides quality live entertainers for aged care homes and retirement villages. Contact us today to book a Songbird and we can help you find an entertainer for your next event.
Author’s Bio
Alex Morrison has worked with a range of businesses giving him an in-depth understanding of many different industries including home improvement, financial support and health care. He has used his knowledge and experience to work for clients as diverse as Acacia Pest Control, Cosh Living and Me Bank to help them reach their business goals.
