13 AMAZING BENEFITS OF MUSIC FOR KIDS AND ADULTS - PSYCHOLOGY - 2025

In this article I will explain the main benefits of music for children and adults. Its effects can be observed at the cerebral, social and behavioral levels. Music has been important to Homo sapiens for thousands of years.

It is not known exactly when the first song or melody was born, although it is known that 40 thousand years ago there were already flutes with several holes, such as those found in excavations in Germany.

Nowadays, we often have it in our life and since we are born: at school, at home, on film soundtracks, at weddings, in churches, ceremonies, sporting events…

Charles Darwin said that music initially helped humans find a mate. In his book The Origin of Man (1859), Darwin expressed that men and women, unable to express their love in words, did so through musical notes and rhythm, in the same way as birds.

Positive effects of music on humans

1-Happiness

Artists performing Montubias music and dances

In 2013 research published in the "Journal of Positive Psychology" showed that listening to music can be an effective way to enhance happiness, particularly when combined with an intention to be happy.

Participants who listened to music while intending to be happy improved their happiness. While the participants who listened to music with no intention of being happy did not improve.

2-Prevents heart disease

Surely you have noticed that music can help you reduce anxiety or stress. In fact, it has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety associated with heart disease.

Research from 2009 showed that listening to music reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety in heart patients.

3-Helps to exercise

Researchers from the UK showed in a study that participants who listened to motivational music felt better during exercise.

In another study, oxygen consumption levels were measured while people listened to different musical rhythms while exercising on a bicycle.

The results showed that when the rhythm was faster and in sync with their movement, their bodies consumed oxygen more efficiently.

4-You feel chills (positive)

According to a study published in 2010, 90% of people feel chills down their spine when listening to music.

And the degree of chills depends on the personality. People who are open to the experience feel more chills. In addition, these people are more likely to play an instrument and consider music as important in their lives.

5-Improves visual and verbal intelligence

Colombian music festival

That listening to Mozart increases intelligence if it is a myth of psychology. However, practicing the piano will improve your visual and verbal skills.

This was demonstrated by a study published in 2008 by researchers at the University of Massachusetts.

6-Induce pleasant emotions

This is nothing new, but you will be surprised that sad music also lifts your mood. According to a study published in 2013, sad music is enjoyed because it provokes a mixture of emotions, some positive and some negative.

In the words of the authors themselves:

7-Improve personal relationships

A 2013 study from the University of Jyväskylä found that students who had extracurricular music classes reported higher satisfaction in school in almost all areas of the school.

In the words of the research authors themselves: «the results suggest that studying music provides measurable social benefits. Students with extended music education were generally more satisfied than students with normal music education.

8-It can improve memory

Enjoying music promotes the release of dopamine in the brain, which is linked to motivation and is involved in learning and memory.

In a 2008 study, it was shown that patients who listened to music significantly improved verbal memory and focusing of attention.

9-See others better

According to a study from the University of London, listening to music for 15 seconds can change the way other people's faces are judged.

Listening to just a bit of upbeat music makes faces seem happier. The same happens with sad music: when listening to sad music, we perceive the faces of others as sadder.

Therefore, people project the mood of the music they listen to on people's faces.

10-It could restore part of the vision

People who have strokes can lose vision in part of their visual field.

Well, a 2013 study showed that listening to classical music can improve the vision of patients who have had strokes and who only have one field of vision.

In the words of the study authors:

"Listening to classical music could improve visual attention in patients with unilateral vision."

11-Delays brain aging

Research has also shown that listening to or playing music in later life can help slow brain aging and keep it healthy. Memory is also expected to improve.

12-Improves the quality of sleep

Some of the common problems that interfere with sleep are stress and anxiety. Because music improves both, research has shown that listening to music at certain times promotes quality sleep.

13-Reduce pain

Music can reduce perceived pain, especially in geriatric, intensive or palliative care.

In a 2013 study, 60 people with fibromyalgia were assigned to listen to music once a day for 4 weeks. Compared to the group that did not listen to music, the group with music experienced reduced pain and fewer symptoms of depression.

It seems that the impact of music on dopamine levels could be one of the causes of this reduction in pain.

14-It can help you learn better

Helen Neville and other researchers conducted an intervention in 2008 with children ages three to five to see the effects of music as an academic support program.

The results showed that music as an academic support tool is just as powerful as individualized support, the fundamental difference being the playful effect offered by music versus individualized support.

And what effects have you observed when listening to music? I am interested in your opinion. Thank you!