Animals with perfect pitch - read on....
April 16th 2008 21:51
Signature Tune
From the University of Wisconcin: Kate Susa
Research from the Harvard Medical School shows music, like language, does not stimulate a single area of the brain, but multiple regions. The brain will not only process a melody audibly, but also visually, and emotionally. Ever "seen" a story in your head that corresponds to the music you are listening to? That is the brain's visual response to the tune. You might say music videos are the ultimate product of this visual response. Does certain music make you feel happy? Calm? Sad? This is your brain's emotional response to the music. Just as you can tell if someone is happy, sad, angry, or tired by the tone of their voice, your brain deciphers the tone and pitch of music and creates an emotional "label" for it.
Of course, humans are not the ones who process music in this way. In fact, because we employ such complex systems of language, we are not even the most effective processors of music. Songbirds, whales, even coyotes all communicate through song and most have perfect pitch. In fact it has been estimated that the ability to create and process a melody predates humans by 53,000 years. Clearly the music arrived long before the musician.
So can listening to music turn your day around? You bet…if it is the right stuff. Lively rhythms in major keys trigger positive response from the brain, happiness and calmness. Slower, minor keys tend to be associated with sadness, boredom, or anger. Also, for reasons unknown, classical music seems to be linked to fact retention and memory, so do not be afraid to ask Mozart for a little help before exams.
All and all, regardless of whether you need to cool down, perk up, chill out, or get going, music can give your brain the kick start it needs to get in gear. You do not need an expensive I-pod or car stereo system, just hum yourself a tune. Whether you "Whistle While You Work", "Rock and Roll all Night", or just "Sing, Sing a Song", you're creating top notch mental stimulation, and a pleasant atmosphere at the same time. Well…what are you waiting for? Push play!
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