Sound Effects

Music is oft described as a powerful tool for communication and expression; so powerful that an individual's musical listening choices directly affect the way the brain stores and interprets information. The effect of music on decisions, mental development, emotions, and overall state of being is typically overlooked by most people but extensively studied by marketing companies and educators worldwide. Musical genres such as Classical, Jazz, POP, Rock, Metal, Hip-Hop, Gospel and Indie directly affect a person's well-being and should be screened for deleterious properties. Understanding the physical, emotional and developmental effects that various types of songs have on the human body and psyche can alter perceptions about musical entertainment.

Modulating sound in varied rhythmic patterns causes the human body, specifically the brain, to respond in positive and or negative ways. The human physical response to auditory entertainment manifests in brain performance, organ function and cognition through brain waves. Brain functionality manages the body by sending electrical impulses called brain waves to organs and limbs via intricate webs of neural paths. External stimuli cause the brain to respond by interpreting and analyzing the need for a physical response. When the ears detect a loud noise, the brain sends simultaneous instructions to the arms to move toward the head open the hands and cover the ears for protection. Introducing music to an environment causes brain waves to synchronize with the music and modifies the way instructions are sent to the rest of the body. This is why the sound of music often compels people to move to the beat. This effect is seen when different rhythmic patterns slow or increase heart rate...

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...s will yield a 3 year old boy singing “Single Ladies” by Beyonce Knowles (Stewart/Nash/Harrell/Knowles) or children of all ages repeating lyrics that could get them suspended from school.

Works Cited

Dabul, Vanesa. “How Music Affects The Human Brain” Live Strong (2011): 1 -2. 10/26/2013 .

Frey, Rebecca / Turner, Judith. “Music Therapy” Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine (2005): 1 - 3. 10/26/2013 .

Sarich, Christina. “Research Links Music to Increased Immunity, Better Mood” Natural Society (2013): 1. 11/11/2013 .

Woodall, Laura & Ziembroski. “Promoting Literacy Through Music” Songs For Teaching (1999 Meta Data Date): 1 & 2. 10/26/2013 .