Music of Life
Abstract
Music is the paintbrush by which we color our lives. We can associate our personal histories, memories and feelings to specific types of music, and even specific songs. Through music we can recall both good and bad memories as well as change our mood without changing our environment. It has been used as therapy for sick and elderly people. Studies of how music affects our lives are endless. Discussed is a brief look into my personal musical memory, and how it has affected my life.
Music of Life
Music has played an integral role in the history of the human race. Music is found in every corner of the planet, from the most isolated tribes in Africa and aboriginal tribes in Australia, to the palaces, courts and music halls of modern day. It is the heartbeat of every known culture, for all time, and existed long before recorded history.
Just as different types of music has defined different stages of the human race, each person can also define memories and their own personal history through music; through the changing circumstances in their lives, to the changes in the type of music, these associations are very strong. Sara B. Kirkweg, in her study on “The Effects of Music on Memory,” stated that “music has an amazing power to influence man’s emotions and behavior. It has been found to affect and stimulate many different parts of the brain and body. Psychological study of music is based on this reason. Studies have found that music can reduce stress, aid relaxation, alleviate depression, and help store and recall information among other functions” (Kirkweg, 2001).
In my personal life, there are very specific times which I associate with different types of music. There are also very specific memories that can be recalled by simply hearing a specific song.
Musical Life Story: Childhood
During my childhood, the majority of the musical influence I received was through my parents, and what they listened to. This is probably very similar to many other
Music is the paintbrush by which we color our lives. We can associate our personal histories, memories and feelings to specific types of music, and even specific songs. Through music we can recall both good and bad memories as well as change our mood without changing our environment. It has been used as therapy for sick and elderly people. Studies of how music affects our lives are endless. Discussed is a brief look into my personal musical memory, and how it has affected my life.
Music of Life
Music has played an integral role in the history of the human race. Music is found in every corner of the planet, from the most isolated tribes in Africa and aboriginal tribes in Australia, to the palaces, courts and music halls of modern day. It is the heartbeat of every known culture, for all time, and existed long before recorded history.
Just as different types of music has defined different stages of the human race, each person can also define memories and their own personal history through music; through the changing circumstances in their lives, to the changes in the type of music, these associations are very strong. Sara B. Kirkweg, in her study on “The Effects of Music on Memory,” stated that “music has an amazing power to influence man’s emotions and behavior. It has been found to affect and stimulate many different parts of the brain and body. Psychological study of music is based on this reason. Studies have found that music can reduce stress, aid relaxation, alleviate depression, and help store and recall information among other functions” (Kirkweg, 2001).
In my personal life, there are very specific times which I associate with different types of music. There are also very specific memories that can be recalled by simply hearing a specific song.
Musical Life Story: Childhood
During my childhood, the majority of the musical influence I received was through my parents, and what they listened to. This is probably very similar to many other
References: Kirkweg, S. (2001). The effects of music on memory. Manuscript submitted for publication, Department of Psychology, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, Missouri. Available from National Undergraduate Research Clearinghouse Site. Retrieved from http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/230.php