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Home › Blog › Advocacy › How Does Music Affect Society?

November 3, 2021

How Does Music Affect Society?

By Lia Peralta

Music has shaped cultures and societies around the world for generations. It has the power to alter one’s mood, change perceptions, and inspire change. While everyone has a personal relationship with music, its effects on the culture around us may not be immediately apparent. So, how does music affect society ? The impact of music on society is broad and deeply ingrained in our history. To demonstrate how deeply our lives are affected by music, let’s delve into the sociological effects of music and how it affects culture.

How Does Music Affect Society

Music is an essential aspect of all human civilizations and has the power to emotionally, morally, and culturally affect society. When people from one culture exchange music with each other, they gain valuable insight into another way of life. Learning how music and social bonding are linked is especially crucial in times of conflict when other lines of communication prove to be challenging.

Music, as a cultural right, may aid in the promotion and protection of other human rights. It can help in the healing process, dismantling walls and boundaries, reconciliation, and education. Around the world, music is being used as a vehicle for social change and bringing communities together.

At the core of our everyday experience with music, we use it to relax, express ourselves, come to terms with our emotions, and generally improve our well-being. It has evolved into a tool for healing and self-expression, often dictating how we, as individuals, take steps to impact society.

Why is Music Beneficial to Society?

Music has the power to connect with and influence people in a way that feels fundamentally different from other forms of communication. Humans often feel that “no one understands them” or knows how they “truly feel.” Many resort to music to find connections with others to express themselves or find a sense of understanding among peers.

How does music affect our lives? Music has the ability to deeply affect our mental states and raise our mood. When we need it, music gives us energy and motivation. When we’re worried, it can soothe us; when we’re weary, it can encourage us; and when we’re feeling deflated, it can re-inspire us. It even functions to improve our physical health, as it’s been proven that high-tempo music results in better workouts . We connect with others via music, especially those who produce or perform it — we recite their lyrics, dance to their melodies, and form a sense of connection through their self-expression.

Songs and melodies have the power to inspire people, guide their actions, and aid in the formation of identities. Music can unite people – even if absorbed in solitude, capture your imagination and boost creativity. A person who has been affected by music is not alone. They are among the masses trying to find their role in society and form connections with others. Thankfully, while it can help us “find ourselves,” music influence on society can also be seen in:

– Providing a platform for the underrepresented to speak out

– Affecting mood and inspiration

– Helping us cope by encouraging us to express ourselves through movement and dancing

– Bridging a divide in communication

– Creating a venue for education and idea-sharing

Music’s Effect on Our Thoughts and Actions

Music’s effect on the self is far-reaching, tapping into our memories, subconscious thoughts, emotions, and interests. Thanks to the music artists who have put their heart and soul into creating, we feel connected with other people and their difficulties, challenges, and emotions. So much about our brains is still being discovered but through neurology, we are learning more and more about how music affects us.

We all know that being exposed to music’s beauty, rhythm, and harmony significantly influences how we feel. We also know that music emotionally impacts us, reaching into forgotten memories and connecting us to ourselves. Music therapy is often used to improve attention and memory, and can have a positive effect on those suffering from dementia or Alzheimers. Music has the potential to be a powerful healing tool in a variety of ways and pervades every aspect of our existence. Songs are used to define spiritual ceremonies, toddlers learn the alphabet via rhyme and verse, and malls and restaurants, where we choose to spend our free time, are rarely silent.

But how much can this ever-present object influence our behavior and emotions? According to research , music has a significant impact on humans. It can potentially affect disease, depression, expenditure, productivity, and our outlook on life. The impact of music on our brain is being better understood thanks to advances in neuroscience and the examination of music’s impact on the brain. It has been shown via brain scans that when we listen to or perform music, nearly all brain regions are active simultaneously. Listening to and making music may actually changes the way your brain works .

According to studies, music impacts how we view the world around us. In a 2011 research paper , 43 students were given the job of recognizing happy and sad faces while listening to happy or sad music in the background by researchers from the University of Groningen. Participants noticed more cheerful faces when upbeat music was played, while the opposite was true when sad music was played. According to the researchers, music’s effect might be because our perceptual decisions on sensory stimuli, such as facial expressions in this experiment, are directly impacted by our mental state. Music triggers physical responses in the brain and puts in motion a series of chemical reactions.

In the book, Classical Music: Expected the Unexpected , author and conductor Kent Nagano spoke with neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin on how music interacts with the brain. The sociological effects of music can include the improvement of people’s well-being due to chemical reactions in the brain, such as an increase in oxytocin. Oxytocin, or the “love hormone,” makes us more inclined to engage in social interactions or build trust between individuals. Music also boosts the synthesis of the immunoglobulin A antibody, which is crucial for human health. Studies have also shown that melatonin, adrenaline, and noradrenaline levels increase after only a few weeks of music therapy. The hormones noradrenaline and adrenaline cause us to become more alert, experience excitement, and cause the brain’s “reward” regions to fire.

The Cultural Impact of Music

Today’s popular music reflects the culture of the day. But, how does music affect society over time? How has music changed over the past century? In the lyrics and sound of each era, we can discern the imprints of a particular generation and see history in the making. And, in this day and age, culture is changing faster than ever before, mirroring musical forms that are evolving and emerging at the same rate.

For decades, the effects of music on society have been a source of contention, and it seems that with each generation, a new musical trend emerges that has the previous generations saying, “Well back in my day, we had…”. Music and social movements are intrinsically linked together. Almost every popular kind of music was considered scandalous back in the day, and the dancing that accompanied jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and hip-hop drew protests and boycotts from all around. Just look at The Beatles, who were considered scandalous by the older generation when they first arrived on the music scene.

While we may not like a new music trend or a particular genre of music, we must also take a step back and appreciate how lucky we are to be exposed to it at all. Music in some parts of the world is not as easily accessible. While music has always been a means of pushing the boundaries of expression, it’s clear that the world isn’t expressing itself in the same way. The various musical trends we’ve seen in just this lifetime provide an insightful look into what is and isn’t being discussed in some cultures.

Music as an Agent for Change

Another essential factor to consider is how strongly music influences society and, thus, human behavior. Music’s impact on human rights movements and its role as an agent for change is clear in the history books. One example is the impact of the “freedom songs” of the Civil Rights movement, such as “We Shall Overcome” and “Strange Fruit.” These songs broke down barriers, educated people, built empathy across the divide, and had a hand in ending segregation. Music today continues to shed light on the inequalities experienced by people worldwide, and it’s clear that music will never stop acting as an agent for change.

Because of how strong of an influence melodies and lyrics have on society, we must be acutely aware of our current culture. Still, more importantly, we must be conscious of the cultures we wish to build and develop via our music. Songs have the power to change the world in unexpected ways, challenging preconceived notions and shedding light on issues that have historically been ignored.

Music’s Impact on Youth

How does having music education impact youth? We know from our experience that music in schools improves student, teacher and community outcomes – and in turn, society, specifically the future generation. In a case study about our work in Newark, NJ , 68% of teachers reported improved academic performance. 94% of teachers also saw improvement in social-emotional skills. Schools saw better attendance and ELA (English Language Arts) scores.

Another example of this is our work in Metro Nashville Public Schools , which has been a partner district of Save The Music since 1999. Students who participated in music programs for up to one year had significantly better attendance and graduation rates, higher GPAs and test scores, and lower discipline reports than their non-music peers. Students with more than one year of music participation performed significantly better than their peers with less on each of these indicators.

We Invest in Music in Schools

Whether you’re a music buff or not, anyone can appreciate the impact music has on society. A great way to show this appreciation is by being part of music’s impact on the world and learning how you can help facilitate change. Save The Music is a music foundation that collaborates with public school districts to provide grants for music education instructors and school administrators in the form of new instruments, technology , and online music education . Our initiative helps schools get their music programs off the ground and keep students inspired.

Contact us today to learn how you can save the music through our music education advocacy programs .

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Music and Learning: Does Music Make You Smarter?

What is music and why do people think it is important for learning? Musical sounds fill our lives: from the music you share online to the songs playing in shops and restaurants, we are rarely far from music. Playing music gives the brain a multisensory “workout” that can strengthen memory, help us pay attention, and perhaps even improve reading ability. In this article, we highlight how various brain functions, including hearing, sight, movement, and social awareness, are impacted by music training. You do not have to be a Mozart to get the brain benefit of playing music, because music is so accessible and is more than just songs. Whenever you communicate without words (the way you say something instead of what you say) you are engaging in musical behavior. In this article, we explore research on learning and music to help us understand why music promotes brain development and how music can be a central part of our lives, in and out of the classroom.

Mind the Melody

What is music and why do people think it is important for learning? While people of every culture around the world make something that could be called music, not so many of them give it a name or think of it as separate from other activities, like dance or storytelling [ 1 ]. Because of this, we can only define music in a general way, as a form of communication through sound. Unlike speech, however, music is not generally considered semantic . This means that music does not use words to explain things. Think how difficult it would be to say something relatively simple like, “your left shoe is untied,” using only melody and rhythm . At the same time, music can convey profound emotions that would be difficult to describe in words. In addition to music being an art form, any form of communication is partly musical and can be said to have musicality . Think of the different ways that you might say “huh.” Each of those ways communicates something different. That is musicality. It is not a musical performance, but a musical aspect of communication. While not everyone is a master of the violin, everyone is a master of their own communication style.

At first, some scientists thought that the brain could benefit just by listening to music. They showed that people’s scores on IQ tests improved when they listened to classical music by Mozart [ 2 ]. This led people to believe that listening to music makes you smarter. But this was an oversimplification and an overstatement of the results. Subsequent studies showed that listening to music does not actually make you smarter, but rather raises your level of enjoyment and decreases your feelings of stress, which sometimes result in better focus and improved test scores. This means that, while music in your home or classroom would not automatically improve your performance, it could be useful to help you to focus on a new task or in situations when increased attention and decreased stress are necessary. Further, just listening to music may have a different, or perhaps smaller, effect than actually playing music. This is much the same as the way that playing sports will improve your physical condition more than simply watching sports. Therefore, the focusing power of music could be amplified by playing along.

Music for Brain Power

Just like your muscles, your brain gets stronger the more you exercise it. The process of changing the brain through our experiences is called neural plasticity , because the brain is easily shaped, like plastic. Scientists measure neural plasticity with special brain-imaging techniques, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or electroencephalogram (EEG), to find out exactly how playing music changes the way our brains work. Research with these machines, as well as studying the brains of people who have died, shows that auditory (hearing), visual (sight), and motor (movement) areas of the brain are specialized in expert musicians [ 3 ]. The specialization includes not only increased size of each brain area, but also the way each area functions. The science tells us that music is so much more than just a source of entertainment; it is an important part of our lifetime of learning. Here are some of the important things that happen in the brain when we play music (for review, see Zatorre [ 4 ]):

Auditory : The auditory system processes sound more effectively after musical training. People can detect smaller differences in frequency (the number of sound waves per second), making both speech and music easier to hear [ 5 ].

Motor : Brain areas that control instrument-related muscles and body parts (such as the fingers, the mouth, etc.) grow in size. More neurons in the brain are devoted to fine-tuning muscle movement in these areas.

Reading : Studies show that better musical ability is related to higher reading scores, suggesting a link between how well we hear speech and how well we can map speech sounds to letters.

Socio-emotional awareness : Playing music together can enhance socio-emotional awareness, which is the ability identify, manage, and express emotions constructively. A good example of this is that very young children are more likely to interact positively with people they play music with.

Making the Musical Connection

How can music change anything other than what you hear? The reason music can reach so many parts of the brain is that the auditory system is highly interconnected with other sensory areas [ 6 ] ( Figure 1 ). Think of your earliest school days and you will probably remember singing songs. Many of us still sing the alphabet song when trying to remember the position of a given letter. If you do not believe us, what letter is four letters after “M”? Now tell us you did not hear the alphabet song in your mind as you looked for the answer! Songs, with repetitive melodies and rhythms, help us memorize lists, stories, and even processes.

• Figure 1 - Other sensory areas of the brain provide input to the auditory (hearing, in blue) area.
• Multisensory areas, such as the pre-frontal cortex (cognition), motor cortex (movement), and complex auditory cortex are shown in gray and contain small boxes colored to show the senses they interact with. Strong connections to and from auditory and visual areas are considered to be two-way highways, because sensory information is shared between brain areas in both directions (dashed orange lines). Similarly, somatosensory (touch) areas are shown in green and also have two-way connections that share information. Adapted from Musacchia and Schoreder [ 6 ].

Figure 1 shows the pattern of connections between the main auditory area in the brain and the other areas of sensation and perception. When we learn to play music, our senses actively interact, including sight, touch, hearing, balance, movement, and proprioception (body awareness). There are two things that make music fairly unique in this process. First, when you play music, you are using all of your senses. For example, you feel the instrument in your hands, hear the sounds you play and see the notes on the music sheet. Since each different type of sensory information reaches your brain at a different time, your brain must work to synchronize all of this information. Second, when playing music, things happen at different speeds and time scales and must line up precisely. For example, a guitarist must know where s/he is on a beat, in a rhythm, in a melody, in a song, and in a concert, precisely lining up all of these things. While our understanding of how the brain keeps track of all these things remains unclear, it is likely that there are different timekeeping mechanisms (“clocks”) for different timescales (speeds). Some of our research is based on the idea that synchronization between these brain “clocks” could help us analyze other sounds streams like speech.

A Lifetime of Music

Music is also a way that we express our identities: the music we play, or even listen to, can be a way of telling the world, our peers, our parents, and our friends something about who we are. In cultures that do not use writing, singers often hold an important place in society, because they memorize important things like history and family relationships. While musical expression of identity is usually positive, there have been times when one group of people found another group’s music threatening, or even dangerous [ 7 ]. For example, in the late 1980s rap music artists were arrested for performances that authorities thought were hostile and disrespectful.

While you might think of singing a song or playing an instrument as a special activity that you do only at certain times, you should also notice that music and musical sounds fill our lives. Music is played on speakers and sometimes played live, and we can hear music in most public places, on buses, in elevators, and in restaurants. Many of us listen to music through our phones or in our cars as well. Our lives are truly full of music, and so our relationship to music can have a big effect on a lifetime of learning.

Semantic : ↑ Relating to meaning in language or logic.

Melody : ↑ A sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying.

Rhythm : ↑ A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.

Musicality : ↑ Musical talent or sensitivity.

IQ Test : ↑ Intelligence quotient, a standard measure of an individual’s intelligence level based on psychological tests.

Neural Plasticity : ↑ The capacity of the nervous system to modify itself in response to experience or deprivation.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank those who assisted in the translation of the articles in this Collection to make them more accessible to kids outside English-speaking countries, and for the Jacobs Foundation for providing the funds necessary to translate the articles. For this article, we would especially like to thank Nienke van Atteveldt and Sabine Peters for the Dutch translation.

[1] ↑ Merriam, A. P., and Merriam, V. 1964. The Anthropology of Music . Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Press.

[2] ↑ Rauscher, F. H., Shaw, G. L., and Ky, K. N. 1995. Listening to Mozart enhances spatial-temporal reasoning: towards a neurophysiological basis. Neurosci. Lett . 185:44–7

[3] ↑ Schlaug, G. 2009. “Music, musicians, and brain plasticity,” in Oxford Handbook of Music Psychology , eds S. Hallam, I. Cross and M. Thaut (Oxford: Oxford University Press), 197–207.

[4] ↑ Zatorre, R. J. 2003. Music and the brain. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci . 999:4–14. doi: 10.1196/annals.1284.001

[5] ↑ Musacchia, G., Sams, M., Skoe, E., and Kraus, N. 2007. Musicians have enhanced subcortical auditory and audiovisual processing of speech and music. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 104:15894–8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0701498104

[6] ↑ Musacchia, G., and Schroeder, C. E. 2009. Neuronal mechanisms, response dynamics and perceptual functions of multisensory interactions in auditory cortex. Hear Res . 258:72–9. doi: 10.1016/j.heares.2009.06.018

[7] ↑ Binder, A. 1993. Constructing racial rhetoric: media depictions of harm in heavy metal and rap music. Am. Sociol. Rev. 58:753–67.

Guide on How to Write a Music Essay: Topics and Examples

Let's Understand What is Music Essay

You know how some school assignments are fun to write by default, right? When students see them on the course syllabus, they feel less like a burden and more like a guaranteed pleasure. They are about our interests and hobbies and therefore feel innate and intuitive to write. They are easy to navigate, and interesting topic ideas just pop into your head without much trouble.

Music essays belong to the category of fun essay writing. What is music essay? Anything from in-depth analysis to personal thoughts put into words and then to paper can fall into a music essay category. An essay about music can cover a wide range of topics, including music history, theory, social impact, significance, and musical review. It can be an analytical essay about any music genre, musical instruments, or today's music industry.

Don't get us wrong, you will still need to do extensive research to connect your opinions to a broader context, and you can't step out of academic writing standards, but the essay writing process will be fun.

In this article, our custom essay writing service is going to guide you through every step of writing an excellent music essay. You can draw inspiration from the list of music essay topics that our team prepared, and later on, you will learn what an outstanding essay on music is by an example of a music review essay.

What are Some Music Topics to Write About

There are so many exciting music topics to write about. We would have trouble choosing one. You can write about various music genres, be it country music or classical music; you can research music therapy or how music production happens.

Okay, forgive us for getting carried away; music makes us enthusiastic. Below you will find a list of various music essay topics prepared from our thesis writing service . Choose one and write a memorable essay about everyone's favorite art form.

Music Argumentative Essay Topics

Music essays can be written about an infinite number of themes. You can even write about performance or media comparison.

Here is a list of music argumentative essay topics. These edge-cutting topics will challenge your readers and get you an easy A+.

• Exploring the evolution of modern music styles of the 21st century
• Is it ethical to own and play rare musical instruments?
• Is music therapy an effective mental health treatment?
• Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Creativity in electronic music
• The Relevance of traditional music theory in modern music production
• The Role of musical pieces in the Transmission of cultural identity
• The value of historical analysis in understanding the significance of music in society
• How does exposing listeners to different genres of music break down barriers
• Exploring the cognitive effects of music on human brain development
• The therapeutic potential of music in treating mental disorders

Why is Music Important Essay Topics

Do you know which essay thrills our team the most? The importance of music in life essay. We put our minds together and came up with a list of topics about why music is so central to human life. Start writing why is music important essay, and we guarantee you that you will be surprised by how much fun you had crafting it.  

• Popular Music and its Role in shaping cultural trends
• Music as a metaphorical language for expressing emotions and thoughts
• How music changes and influences social and political movements
• How the music of different countries translates their history to outsiders
• The innate connection between music and human beings
• How music helps us understand feelings we have never experienced
• Does music affect our everyday life and the way we think?
• Examining the cross-cultural significance of music in society
• How rock music influenced 70's political ideologies
• How rap music closes gaps between different racial groups in the US

Consider delegating your ' write my essay ' request to our expert writers for crafting a perfect paper on any music topic!

Why I Love Music Essay Topics

We want to know what is music to you, and the best way to tell us is to write a why I love music essay. Below you will find a list of music essay topics that will help you express your love for music.

• I love how certain songs and artists evoke Memories and Emotions
• I love the diversity of music genres and how different styles enrich my love for music
• I love how music connects me with people of different backgrounds
• How the music of Linkin Park helped me through life's toughest challenges
• What does my love for popular music say about me?
• How the unique sounds of string instruments fuel my love for music
• How music provides a temporary Release from the stresses of daily life
• How music motivates me to chase my dreams
• How the raw energy of rock music gets me through my daily life
• Why my favorite song is more than just music to me

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Music Therapy Essay Topics

One of the most interesting topics about music for an essay is music therapy. We are sure you have heard all the stories of how music cures not only mental but also physical pains. Below you can find a list of topics that will help you craft a compelling music therapy essay. And don't forget that you can always rely on our assistance for fulfilling your ' write my paper ' requests!

• The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing stress and pain for cancer patients
• Does pop music have the same effects on music therapy as classical music?
• Exploring the benefits of music therapy with other genres beyond classical music
• The potential of music therapy in aiding substance abuse treatment and recovery
• The Role of music therapy in Addressing PTSD and Trauma in military veterans
• The impact of music therapy on enhancing social interaction and emotional expression in individuals with developmental disabilities
• The use of music therapy in managing chronic pain
• Does musical therapy help depression?
• Does music reduce anxiety levels?
• Is music therapy better than traditional medicine?

History of Music Essay Topics

If you love analytical essays and prefer to see the bigger picture, you can always write a music description essay. Below you can find some of the most interesting topics for the history of music essay.

• The Significance of natural instruments in music production and performance
• Tracing the historical development of Western music theory
• How electronic music traces its roots back to classical music
• How the music industry evolved from sheet music to streaming services
• How modern producers relate to classical composers
• The Origins and Influence of Jazz Music
• How folk music saved the Stories of unnamed heroes
• Do we know what the music of ancient civilizations sounded like?
• Where does your favorite bandstand in the line of music evolve?
• The Influence of African American Music on modern pop culture

Benefits of Music Essay Topics

If you are someone who wonders what are some of the values that music brings to our daily life, you should write the benefits of music essay. The music essay titles below can inspire you to write a captivating essay:

• How music can be used to promote cultural awareness and understanding
• The benefits of music education in promoting creativity and innovation
• The social benefits of participating in music groups
• The Impact of Music on Memory and Learning
• The cognitive benefits of music education in early childhood development
• The effects of music on mood and behavior
• How learning to play an instrument improves cognitive functions.
• How music connects people distanced by thousands of miles
• The benefits of listening to music while exercising
• How music can express the feelings words fail to do so 

Music Analysis Essay Example

Reading other people's papers is a great way to scale yours. There are many music essay examples, but the one crafted by our expert writers stands out in every possible way. You can learn what a great thesis statement looks like, how to write an engaging introduction, and what comprehensive body paragraphs should look like. 

Click on the sample below to see the music analysis essay example. 

How to Write a Music Essay with Steps

Writing music essays is definitely not rocket science, so don't be afraid. It's just like writing any other paper, and a music essay outline looks like any other essay structure.

• Start by choosing a music essay topic. You can use our list above to get inspired. Choose a topic about music that feels more relevant and less researched so you can add brand-new insights. As we discussed, your music essay can be just about anything; it can be a concert report or an analytical paper about the evolution of music.
• Continue by researching the topic. Gather all the relevant materials and information for your essay on music and start taking notes. You can use these notes as building blocks for the paper. Be prepared; even for short essays, you may need to read books and long articles.
• Once you have all the necessary information, the ideas in your head will start to take shape. The next step is to develop a thesis statement out of all the ideas you have in your head. A thesis statement is a must as it informs readers what the entire music essay is about. Don't be afraid to be bold in your statement; new outlooks are always appreciated.
• Next, you'll need a music essay introduction. Here you introduce the readers to the context and background information about the research topic. It should be clear, brief, and engaging. You should set the tone of your essay from the very beginning. Don't forget the introduction is where the thesis statement goes.
• One of the most important parts of essay writing is crafting a central body paragraph about music. This is where you elaborate on your thesis, make main points, and support them with the evidence you gathered beforehand. Remember, your music essay should be well structured and depict a clear picture of your ideas.
• Next, you will need to come up with an ideal closing paragraph. Here you will need to once again revisit the main points in your music essay, restate them in a logical manner and give the readers your final thoughts.
• Don't forget to proofread your college essay. Whether you write a long or short essay on music, there will be grammatical and factual errors. Revise and look through your writing with a critical mind. You may find that some parts need rewriting.

Key Takeaways

Music essays are a pleasure to write and read. There are so many topics and themes to choose from, and if you follow our How to Write a Music Essay guide, you are guaranteed to craft a top-notch essay every time.

Be bold when selecting a subject even when unsure what is research essay topic on music, take the writing process easy, follow the academic standards, and you are good to go. Use our music essay sample to challenge yourself and write a professional paper. 

If you feel stuck and have no time our team of expert writers is always ready to give you help from all subject ( medical school personal statement school help ). Visit our website, submit your ' write my research paper ' request and a guaranteed A+ essay will be on your way in just one click.

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FAQs on Writing a Music Essay

Though music essay writing is not the hardest job on the planet, there are still some questions that often pop up. Now that you have a writing guide and a list of essay topics about music, it's time to address the remaining inquiries. Keep reading to find the answers to the frequently asked questions. 

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How Music Can Influence Our Behaviour Essay

Introduction, music redefines how people experience time, music creates social order, music increases work productivity, music and its influence on creativity, how music alters group interactions.

Music shapes the way people interact with another, how they define their identities and how they respond to their surroundings. DeNora (2004, 5) explains that “instead of using music to understand people, one should focus on how music constructs them”.

Indeed, music has the capacity to shape and affect behaviour owing to its effect on mood, feelings and emotions. This essay aims at showing how music affects people’s behaviour in everyday life. It will do so by drawing on various effects on mood arousal, induction of feeling and music signifying emotion.

To understand how music redefines how people experience time consider the example of someone who is impatiently waiting for a lift door to open. If that person needs to hold on for five minutes for the elevator to come down, it is likely that he or she may feel impatient and quite eager to get to his or her destination.

Time may seem like it is standing still (possibly because of the person’s fast movements prior to reaching the elevator or because the person may assume that lifts are always supposed to be fast). However, if one’s favourite slow tune were to be introduced in the scenario, chances are that one would not even notice that the five minutes had elapsed so quickly.

In fact, one may even think of the elevator as an interruption to this grand time. Essentially, music alters one’s experience of time because it changes the body’s reaction; it does this by altering neural actions within the body (Husain et al., 2002, 152). If, students are in an aerobics class doing rigorous and fast exercises, they would require music that resonates with their prevailing experiences.

A fast tune would cause their bodies to respond in a similar manner and hence enhance the time spent in the gym. Correspondingly, the person who was standing at the elevator needed to slow down his or her pace as he or she was waiting for the elevator to come down.

Slow music caused the body to follow the same rhythm and thus changed his or her experience. De Nora (2004, 15) affirms that she uses the same tactic when waiting for her dial-up internet to work. She listens to the Habanera’s slow tunes (La commission de San Roque Habanera, Legran Orchestra by Jose Suarez) and thus enhances the experiences brought on through the same.

Boutcher and Trenske (1990) agree with De Nora’s sentiments on the effect of music on the experience of time De Nora (2004, 15) explains that time moves fast when doing passive activities while listening to music). The former two researchers analysed twenty 4 young females who were riding bikes while carrying physical workloads.

One phase of the experiment involved listening to one’s favourite songs while cycling (the favourite songs were mostly pop and rock music); another phase involved total removal of all background noises and interruptions through the use of goggles and ear plugs. The other phase entailed no music and no deprivation of the senses. It was found that the cyclists’ heart rates did not change in all three instances.

Therefore, no physical alterations had been made; all the effects related to their mental faculties. The ladies felt that cycling was much easier with the music. They seemed to be less exhausted in this situation than when they were in the control phase of the experiment. This can be explained by the effect that music has on feelings. It may also be understood through the mood arousal created by those tunes.

The researchers recorded participant’s mood prior to the introduction of music and after. Their mood ratings had increased by 5-10% after listening to their favourite songs. Music can influence behaviour through mood but it is critical to question how this occurs. Husain et al (2004, 153) might have the answer to this enquiry.

They affirm that people who listen to sad music tend to record decreases in heart rates and increases in skin conductance; whereas those who listen to happy music have greater respiration.

Emotional implications of music can therefore be understood physiologically. If music creates internal physiological conditions that correspond to the same conditions that occur when in certain moods, then this explains why the cyclists moods increased.

The stimulation offered through music provides an avenue for lifting mood (Husain et al. (2002, 154). This effect eventually causes listeners to carry out “seemingly boring tasks” without focusing on time (De Nora, 2004, 20).

Many people actually listen to music when travelling or washing because these are considered to be repetitive and uninspiring tasks. Music serves as that go-between that enhances one’s time experience. As such, it provides an entertainment value to the listener and also boosts that person’s frame of mind.

Society is characterised by immense use of technology, so it is necessary for consumers to behave in a certain manner in order to derive the benefits of that invention. De Nora (2004) uses the example of passengers in an aeroplane. When people aboard an aircraft, they need to act appropriately so that the flight maybe uneventful. Their actions should be well coordinated and ought to be carried out at the right time.

Conformity and agreement are key features in causing these effects. Many airlines have mastered the secret behind creation of social order; it is music. In order to get people to trust them, airlines often play music that passengers are likely to respond to. Before departure, one is likely to hear very slow music that often comes from the predominant culture of the people in the plane.

However, just before departure, this slow aura is usually interrupted by loud brass tones that come before the pilot’s announcements. After the instructions, another set of brass tones will be aired, and the flight will take off. The contrast between the slow music played earlier on and the loud brass sounds often causes passengers to realise that it is time to get serious.

Most of them will listen attentively to the instructions and will conform to the said rules simply because of the musical cues used. As such, music becomes an element of social control that causes the masses to behave appropriately and in an orderly manner. One can see how authorities, businessmen and other stakeholders use this component of music in everyday life.

For example, when visiting shopping centres, some stores may play loud music in order to attract clients to their premises. Alternatively, others may do so in order to keep buyers on the go such that effective crowd control can be maintained. Music is such a powerful tool in enhancing social order because it affects people’s feelings. Once one can change how people feel then it is relatively easy to change how they behave.

In order to understand how music relates to feelings, then one must understand the meaning behind the term. Feelings may be regarded as another component of one’s unconscious, which denote the level of significance of something to the concerned person.

As a result, feelings carry out a psychological function that determines whether or not something needs to be rejected or accepted. Experiences gain value when the person decides to allocate a certain level of significance to it (Becker, 2004, 22). Feelings are different from emotions because they are definite. Emotions signify excessive reactions to situations like pain, anger and guilt.

People respond strongly to music because it represents certain components that they can relate to. When looking at the airplane situation, its administrators may have decided to choose American music because it induces certain patriotic feelings in the concerned parties. Those feelings therefore generate a desired effect and eventually lead to behaviour alteration.

In certain circumstances, music can cause people to engage in pro social behaviour by making them less aggressive or stressed. Thus music can manipulate mood and thus lead to desirable behaviour. North et al. (2002) affirmed these findings when they carried out a study on people’s helping behaviour in a gym. In the experiment, they subjected a certain group of gym attendants to aggressive and loud music.

The other set was exposed to ‘happy’ music. All sets had equal numbers of participants, i.e., 128 participants in the aggression- inducing side and the 128 in the happy-inducing category. After completion of the gym session, subjects were asked to distribute flyers which would assist an association of disabled athletes.

Only 23 people from the aggressive group were willing to participate in this charitable event while fifty people from the happy group did the same. The study showed that music tends to increase cooperation levels amongst individuals and this enhances pro social behaviour.

However, one must be selective about the nature of music one listens to. If this happens to be too aggressive, then chances are that it would cause the exact positive effect. When an employer wants to increase work cooperation, then he or she needs to consider playing ‘happy’ music to his employees.

North and Hargreaves (1999) carried out research on the effect of music on work productivity. They focused on people who do relatively repetitive work. The banking industry is ideal for this situation, so the researchers decided to analyse how cheque-clearing employees would respond to music. All seventy two employees cleared 12.5% more cheques than they normally did when there was no music.

It should be noted that not just any kind of music can affect productivity positively. If the work is repetitive, then individuals need to listen to fast music. In the experiment, slow music led to 22.3% less cheques being cleared in the same department (North and Hargreaves, 1999, 40). Fast music has the ability to increase work productivity because of its relation to mood arousal.

It heightens arousal levels and thus causes staff to engage in greater activity. Music can be constructive or destructive depending on its effect on the mood. If the task at hand requires a certain mood, then music will only be constructive if it accelerates or causes workers to have that frame of mind.

However, when the opposite occurs, then work productivity is likely to be diminished. Generally speaking though, music maybe understood as a mechanism for enhancing job satisfaction. Workers who are in a better mood simply perform better than their counterparts who are not.

In order to understand exactly how work productivity increases as a result of music, it is essential to know the difference between mood and arousal. The term mood refers to long lasting emotions which have a direct effect on cognitive aspects of the mind such as reasoning and thinking. Conversely, arousal denotes the intensity of emotional responses, and this has a direct effect on actions performed by the subject.

Arousal can be described through terms such as vigour, wakefulness and activity while mood is described using words such as depressed, gloomy, and happy. Music has an effect on both arousal and mood; hence illustrating why people actually listen to music. If a person listens to music that sounds sad, then the person’s heart rate is likely to go down, his or her skin conductance will reduce and so will the blood pressure.

However, if a person listens to music that sounds frightening, then that person’s heart rate is likely to increase. The reverse is true for people who listen to music that sounds ‘happy’. Such people often tend to record lower heart rates than the frightening case. Frightening music therefore affects arousal and mood while sad and happy music only affect mood.

People who carry out tasks that require immense levels of cognition such as cheque clearance should be subjected to music that alters their arousal rather than their mood. However, if certain job positions require people to think and reason, then it would be best to play music that affects mood and reduces arousal. Their levels of cooperation, helpfulness as well as their creative input are likely to go up once this takes place.

All this takes place because arousal has an effect on cognition. The Mozart – effect (as many researchers call it) usually arises when subjects record better spatial abilities after listening to Mozart. The Mozart sonata is a happy sounding piece of music. It therefore has the ability to alter how people perform spatial tasks because of its effect on mood rather than arousal (Husain et. al, 2004).

Music has the ability to influence one’s creative side because it focuses on the subjective rather than the objective. It usually deals with the inner emotional side rather than the events or the objects that lead to the emotion. When compared to other art forms, music has a greater impact or power over participants because emotions are used as the platform for interpreting a person’s feelings.

As one listens to a piece of music, one is likely to try and understand the piece. In this process, a relationship will be formed between the person and the music (Radano, 1989). Music can only make sense to an individual when that person had a certain level of expectation prior to listening to the piece. Therefore, a creative process is involved during the appreciation of music.

Studies indicate that students who listen to music and participate in other art forms tend to possess a higher creativity score (Martin, 1967, 314). The latter study entailed analysis of students who took part in musical arts class on the basis of their creative thinking.

Music can be linked to one’s past and one’s future. Subjects often associate a physical object with an abstract concept. As such, past and present events have the ability to influence a person’s future, and are indicative of what is to come. This is how creativity can be enhanced through the very act of listening, producing, understanding and appreciating music.

A painter or sculptor is likely to play some music in his or her studio background in order to maximise his or her creative potential. Alternatively, a writer may be going through writers block and may need to come up with new ideas for an article or book that he or she is working on. Music can stimulate these creative thoughts through the process mentioned above.

In fact, many professions that may not traditionally fall in the ‘creative’ category still require fresh injection of ideas. Advertisers, software developers and others may need to develop a new product or service and more often than not, music is the mechanism that causes these creative juices to flow from them.

It sometimes reminds them of an event that had occurred in the past and thus propels them to solve their current predicament, or it may inspire a different approach by diversion.

Human beings have a tendency to perceive other people’s emotions. This can be seen during riots or periods of mass unrest. Music tends to alter people’s behaviour in a group because it has the capacity to connect individuals to each other (Becker, 2004, 58). Usually, this can be seen when people are in a sports game, carnival, music concert, party or a dance floor.

When people participate in these practices, then their roles are normally defined by the group. As young people gather together to listen to their favourite rock artist perform, their actions will often be more pronounced than an elderly group that maybe sitting together in a classical concert. Nonetheless, both categories are still affected by the group phenomenon.

All listeners must conform to crowd expectations by moving and altering their behaviour in order to suit perceptions of those people around them. Therefore, music becomes the means with which identify formation occurs in that particular group.

It now becomes quite personal because it has been internalised. In just the same way that people use clothes, tattoos and other things to define themselves, music is usually seen as a personal issue that can generate aggression if criticized by others.

Whenever a group exists, each member inside it must have a role. However, individuality cannot be permitted. The group ought to have shared norms where certain rules exist. Some members will be dominated while others will submit. Furthermore, the group literary defines what one is or is not in relation to others and to oneself.

One must accept the role ascribed by the group; otherwise one would not qualify to belong to it. In order to communicate group expectations, it is normally expected that the members will take part in a ritual. These rituals often cause people to get into a trance like state that will lead them to greater awareness.

In the case of music, the listener is a part of a group if a number of people are also listening to the same thing at the same place. In these circumstances, the music lover now becomes a component of the collective movement. If active listening takes place, then chances are that the listener would get absorbed into it and possibly cut out all other things going on in his or her surroundings.

Becker (2004) explains that when people listen deeply to music (when no distractions are permitted and one gets submerged in the tune or song), they tend to enter a trance just like someone that is under a state of hypnosis. The music listener then follows a particular script without questioning or thinking much about it. At this stage, the listener will have merged with others in the group.

Concert performances or other instances (where people gather together to listen to music) tend to change group interactions because of these same factors. One can therefore say that music has a deep impact on group behaviour and group identity owing to its ability to bring people together.

In other scenarios, music can be used to share emotion and empathy. When a person is mourning, he or she is likely to experience very sad emotions. These can be expressed through words or may also be transmitted through music.

People who attend a funeral may sing songs that are designed to convey those sad emotions. Through immersion and involvement in that music, friends can share the experiences and emotions of the grieving person.

Creativity may also be enhanced through the process of discharge. If one has accumulated too many thoughts and worries in one’s head, then these may act as a mental block to the inspired thinking process. At such times, one must adopt a mechanism that will allow one to dislodge those thoughts. Music causes one to eliminate these thoughts through its mood altering abilities.

When one selects a type of song or tune that matches one’s emotions, it is likely that the music will lead to the process of cleansing and purging. One’s mind may then be clear enough to come with new ideas as desired. Alternatively, music may divert one’s attention from unpleasant and negative thoughts and thus put one in the right frame of mind that is needed in order to be creative. In this sense, music will have changed behaviour.

Music alters people’s behaviour through a series of avenues. It changes people’s experiences of time and thus allows them to enjoy tasks or activities that would normally seem dull. All these come about owing to mood arousal. Society can benefit from greater social order if more of its citizens listen to music. They would be more cooperative and subjective because of its ability to resonate with their values.

Furthermore, music causes people to be more productive at work due to its effect on arousal. The same mechanism also explains why music increases creativity and idea generation.

This phenomenon influences adolescent peer group formation and identity formation since it creates a platform for identity creation as well as norm building in the group. These effects have been proven through adequate research and explain why authorities manipulate such aspects in order to get the behavioural results they want.

Becker, J. (2004). Deep listeners-music, emotion and trancing . Indianapolis: Indiana university press

Boutcher, S. & Trenske, M. (1990). The effects of sensory deprivation on perceived exertion and affect during exercise. Sport and Exercise Journal , 12, 167-176

DeNora, T. (2004). Music in Everyday Life . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000

Husain, G., Schellenberg, G. & Thompson, W. (2002). Effects of musical tempo and mode on arousal, mood, and spatial abilities. Music perception journal , 20(2), 151-171

Martin, F. (1967). The Arts and the transfer of learning. The journal of aesthetics and art criticism , 25(3), 313-322

Meyer, L. (1956). Emotionandmeaninginmusic . Chicago: Chicago University press

North, A. & Hargreaves, D. (1999). Musicaltempo, productivityandmorale . Unpublished manuscript, 1-34

North, A., Tarrant, M. & Hargreaves, D. (2002). Music and helping behaviour in a gymnasium. Performing right society report , 1-56

Radano, R. (1989). Interpreting Muzak: Speculations on Musical Experience in Everyday Life. American Music , 7(4), 448-460.

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How Do Music Activities Affect Health and Well-Being? A Scoping Review of Studies Examining Psychosocial Mechanisms

Genevieve a. dingle.

1 UQ Music, Dance and Health Research Group, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

2 School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia

Leah S. Sharman

3 School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Emma Beckman

Mary broughton.

4 School of Music, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Emma Bunzli

Robert davidson, grace draper, sheranne fairley.

5 University of Queensland Business School, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Callyn Farrell

Libby maree flynn, sjaan gomersall.

6 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia

Mengxun Hong

Joel larwood, chiying lee, jennifer lee, lewis nitschinsk, natalie peluso, sarah elizabeth reedman.

7 Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Dianna Vidas

Zoe c. walter, olivia renee louise wright, associated data.

Background: This scoping review analyzed research about how music activities may affect participants' health and well-being. Primary outcomes were measures of health (including symptoms and health behaviors) and well-being. Secondary measures included a range of psychosocial processes such as arousal, mood, social connection, physical activation or relaxation, cognitive functions, and identity. Diverse music activities were considered: receptive and intentional music listening; sharing music; instrument playing; group singing; lyrics and rapping; movement and dance; and songwriting, composition, and improvisation.

Methods: Nine databases were searched with terms related to the eight music activities and the psychosocial variables of interest. Sixty-three papers met selection criteria, representing 6,975 participants of all ages, nationalities, and contexts.

Results: Receptive and intentional music listening were found to reduce pain through changes in physiological arousal in some studies but not others. Shared music listening (e.g., concerts or radio programs) enhanced social connections and mood in older adults and in hospital patients. Music listening and carer singing decreased agitation and improved posture, movement, and well-being of people with dementia. Group singing supported cognitive health and well-being of older adults and those with mental health problems, lung disease, stroke, and dementia through its effects on cognitive functions, mood, and social connections. Playing a musical instrument was associated with improved cognitive health and well-being in school students, older adults, and people with mild brain injuries via effects on motor, cognitive and social processes. Dance and movement with music programs were associated with improved health and well-being in people with dementia, women with postnatal depression, and sedentary women with obesity through various cognitive, physical, and social processes. Rapping, songwriting, and composition helped the well-being of marginalized people through effects on social and cultural inclusion and connection, self-esteem and empowerment.

Discussion: Music activities offer a rich and underutilized resource for health and well-being to participants of diverse ages, backgrounds, and settings. The review provides preliminary evidence that particular music activities may be recommended for specific psychosocial purposes and for specific health conditions.

“ Music tells us things – social things, psychological things, physical things about how we feel and perceive our bodies – in a way that other art forms can't” – David Byrne (2012), How Music Works, p. 101.

The body of research on music, health and well-being has developed rapidly in the past decade, yielding dozens of empirical studies, reviews (Daykin et al., 2018 ; Sheppard and Broughton, 2020 ), books (MacDonald et al., 2012 ; Bonde and Theorell, 2018 ), and journals such as the Journal of Music, Health and Well-being, The Arts in Psychotherapy , and Arts and Health . This work has been summarized in ground-breaking reports such as the UK All Party Parliamentary report on creative health (Gordon-Nesbitt and Howarth, 2020 ) and the scoping review of the role of the arts in improving health and well-being published by the World Health Organization (Fancourt and Finn, 2019 ). Despite rapid advances in the field, however, there remain some limitations in the literature which this review seeks to address. First, the term “music” has been used to refer to a range of activities, which are at times poorly defined (Kreutz, 2015 ). Consider the following examples: personalized music listening for pain management in people with fibromyalgia (Linnemann et al., 2015 ); group singing for adults with chronic mental health conditions (Williams et al., 2019 ); a hip-hop project for sexual health promotion in Indigenous school students (McEwan et al., 2013 ); and dance for Parkinson's (Shanahan et al., 2015 ). All four are examples of music and health projects yet these activities clearly engage distinct physical, social, and psychological processes to achieve improvements in participants' health and well-being. We need to better articulate what type of music activity we are referring to in studies of “music,” and to examine the evidence in relation to the health and well-being effects of specific music activities.

Secondly, research in the music, health and well-being field is often prone to risks of bias arising from methodological issues such as convenience sampling, small sample sizes, lack of control or comparison conditions, and lack of independent assessment (Dingle et al., 2019 ; Clift, 2020 ). For these reasons, we will adopt a simple measure of research quality based on guidelines from the British Psychological Society QMiP Guidance for qualitative psychologists (Qualitative Methods in Psychology REF Working Group, 2018 ) and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 guidelines (Sterne et al., 2019 ) for quantitative methods (see Methods section) to ensure that research with a level of quality informs the conclusions of this review.

Third, it is largely unclear how such music activities affect health and well-being. That is, what are the processes through which these effects are achieved? It may be the case that different music activities exert their effects through distinct processes. For example, dance for Parkinson's may improve participants' well-being through its effects on gait and synchronized movement whereas music listening for pain management might exert its effect through dampening physiological arousal or providing a distraction. The answers to this important question will help health professionals to make recommendations to individuals and their loved ones about whether a music activity or intervention is likely to help them to manage their health symptoms. Research into the biological mechanisms linking music activities with health and well-being outcomes has been summarized recently. Finn and Fancourt ( 2018 ) reviewed 44 studies that involved adults listening to music in clinical and non-clinical settings reported that 13 of 33 biomarkers tested (such as cortisol, blood glucose and immune system measures) were reported to change in response to listening to music, indicating a stress-reducing effect (Finn and Fancourt, 2018 ). Group singing in low stress conditions such as rehearsals is associated with decreased cortisol while singing in high-stress conditions such as performances has been related to increased cortisol levels (Beck et al., 2000 ; Schladt et al., 2017 ). Similarly, group drumming has been associated with a modulation of immune response (Fancourt et al., 2016 ). Given this existing evidence regarding the biological mechanisms, in this scoping review we will focus instead on the psychological (e.g., emotional, cognitive, behavioral, motor) and social (e.g., bonding, inclusion, identity, cultural) processes that might explain the health and well-being effects of music activities.

In planning the scoping review, we searched for a comprehensive theoretical model that would account for a spectrum of musical activities and health and well-being outcomes, through a range of psychosocial processes. Unfortunately, the field of music, health and well-being lacks a widely established and comprehensive framework (Dingle et al., 2019 ). Our conceptualization is aligned with the contextual model by Kreutz ( 2015 ) showing the beneficial effects of musical activities on well-being and quality of life. According to this model, engagement in a musical activity provides individuals with a new context in which to interact and the combination of individual and contextual variables evoke self-regulatory processes at conscious and/or subconscious levels. Examples of such processes shown in the model include modifying cognitions, emotions, and actions by strengthened self-regulation. The consequences are often an improvement of psychological well-being and other positive outcomes (Kreutz, 2015 ). The boundaries of how this works (to what degree, for how long, and for whom) remain unclear and subject to ongoing hypothesis-driven research.

We also drew variables from three other models in developing search terms for the review. The first was the Therapeutic Music Capacities Model (Brancatisano et al., 2020 ) which links individual properties of music to “therapeutic mechanisms,” leading to cognitive, psychosocial, behavioral, and motor benefits. Some of the therapeutic mechanisms specified in the TMCM are conceptually relevant to populations with neurological disorders for whom the model was developed but are rarely assessed as part of music intervention research (e.g., neuroplasticity, mirror neuron systems, auditory motor coupling, and neural entrainment). We adopted other mechanisms that are more commonly assessed in music research as some of our search terms, such as arousal, mood, and memory. Another model that informed the review is the BRECVEMA model (Juslin et al., 2010 ) which describes eight mechanisms by which music listening influences emotional responses, in addition to cognitive appraisal. BRECVEMA is an acronym for Brain stem reflex, Rhythmic entrainment, Evaluative conditioning, Contagion, Visual imagery, Episodic memory, Musical expectancy, and Aesthetic judgement. This model is most suitable for experimental music listening research, however, it can be argued that some of these mechanisms apply to other music activities (e.g., rhythmic entrainment may occur as part of instrumental music playing, dance, and rapping). A third model that has been applied to health interventions in groups is the social identity approach (Tajfel and Turner, 1986 ; Turner et al., 1987 ; Jetten et al., 2014 ). According to this model, to the extent that participants identify with their group, they may access psychological resources from the group such as support, meaning, control and self-esteem. This model has been shown to explain the health and well-being effects of group singing (Williams et al., 2019 ; Dingle et al., 2020 ; Tarrant et al., 2021 ) and other music activities such as dance and instrumental music groups (Kyprianides and Easterbrook, 2020 ; Draper and Dingle, 2021 ). From this model, we drew social connection, self-esteem, and identity as processes.

The scoping review was conducted by an interdisciplinary group of academics and students from the Schools of Psychology, Music, Human Movements and Nutrition, Physiotherapy, Business, and hospital based Clinical Research Centers at the University of Queensland during February to December 2020. We formed into small working parties of two to four people, each focusing on one of the eight music activity categories. Reliability was established by two or more members of each working group screening the same 50 abstracts in their category and meeting to ensure that the selection criteria were applied consistently. Following this, the remainder of abstracts were divided up among group members for screening. This process resulted in too many papers for inclusion in the full review, so the authors agreed to re-screen the “included” abstracts by applying our quality criteria to exclude all but the best quality research in each category. Importantly, studies in which the intervention was clearly music therapy or a form of psychotherapy were not included, as these bodies of research have been reviewed elsewhere. The literature search was conducted using nine search engines: CINAHL, Embase, Music Periodicals, PsycInfo, PsycNET, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Search terms are available from the corresponding author on request. Inclusion criteria were that the papers report on empirical research (not reviews or theoretical papers), published in the English language, involving adult participants, and reporting on a health or well-being measure as well as one or more psychological or social process measures that we refer to as “mechanisms” (note that the authors of the studies did not necessarily regard their study design in this way). For quantitative studies, the following criteria were applied:

• a. The study used psychometrically validated measures of a health or well-being outcome and at least one process variable.
• b. The study had at least 20 participants per condition 1 .
• c. If a control or comparison condition was included, allocation of participants to conditions was randomized or a check was done to ensure that the two subgroups were comparable at the start of the study.
• d. Assessors were independent of the people delivering the music activity (to avoid demand characteristics on participants' responses).

For studies using qualitative methods, the following quality checks were applied:

• e. A description and explanation for the type of analysis was given.
• f. There was independence between the facilitators of the music program and those collecting and analyzing the data (or involvement of an independent coder in the analysis).

Overview of the Studies

The number of papers at each stage of the scoping review are shown in Table 1 . Detailed descriptions of the participants, design and intervention, process measures, health or well-being outcomes, and a summary of the results of each study are presented in Supplementary Table 1 . As would be expected, the health and well-being outcomes varied across the musical activity categories. In the receptive music listening studies, pain and indicators of post-operative recovery were common outcomes. In the studies of intentional music listening, pain was again a common outcome, as well as health behaviors such as exercise, symptom checklists and measures of well-being, health related quality of life, and patient satisfaction. In the music sharing studies, outcomes included pain, fatigue, agitated and aggressive behavior, quality of life, and well-being. The instrument playing studies reported health outcomes including cognitive health in older adults, health behaviors, social determinants of health (housing stability and criminal behavior), and well-being. In studies of group singing, the outcomes included mental and physical health, cognitive health, well-being, and quality of life. Studies of movement and dance reported outcomes for cognitive health, healthy weight, mental health, and quality of life. Studies of lyrics and rapping reported outcomes such as mental health and cognitive health. Finally, the studies of music composition, songwriting and improvisation included outcomes such as well-being and cultural determinants of health.

Flow of decisions about papers through the abstract screening, quality screening, and full text review process.

Process measures included arousal, emotion or mood, cognitive measures (e.g., memory, attention), self-esteem/achievement, physical activation, social connection, and identity. Most of the studies in the receptive music listening category and some of the intentional music listening studies reported on psychophysiological measures of arousal, such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin conductance. Although these could be viewed as biological measures (which was not the focus of the review or search terms), they are also commonly used in experimental psychological research as indicators of emotional arousal. For this reason, we kept these studies in the review. A summary of the process variables supported by the literature in each musical activity category is presented in Table 2 and explored in further detail in the following sections.

Summary of available evidence about the psychosocial mechanisms by which music activities affect health and well-being.

Key: +, studies reviewed showed positive evidence; +/–, some studies reviewed showed positive evidence some studies found no evidence; –, studies reviewed found no evidence; blank means the studies reviewed did not measure this .

Receptive Music Listening

There is some conceptual overlap between receptive music listening and intentional music listening (next section). We divided studies into the two categories based on the idea that receptive music listening involved participants being in places where music is playing but they were not involved in the music selection process whereas intentional music listening involved some degree of participant engagement in the choice of music they listened to. Among the receptive listening studies, there were 1,922 abstracts screened, 78 selected for full-text review, of which 11 met the criteria for inclusion (see Table 1 ). Nine studies were conducted in a medical setting and investigated the effects of music listening before, during, or after a medical procedure. These included dental procedures, elective surgery, and breast biopsy. Two studies examined the impact of background music on patients with severe dementia (Götell et al., 2002 ; Gotell et al., 2009 ). Methods of receptive listening generally utilized assorted ‘background music’ that was played for participants. These were described as instrumental or classical (Calcaterra et al., 2014 ; Franzoi et al., 2016 ; Kipnis et al., 2016 ; Seinfeld et al., 2016 ; Çetinkaya et al., 2018 ), new age (Kipnis et al., 2016 ; Téllez et al., 2016 ), relaxing (Twiss et al., 2006 ; Nilsson, 2009 ), or participant selected music (Twiss et al., 2006 ).

Across the studies in medical settings, health outcomes primarily focused on pain, recovery from operations, and patient satisfaction. The mechanism of these effects appeared to be the reduced levels of anxiety, distress, and increased relaxation among patients listening to background music compared to the control groups, who were generally in silence. Reductions to pain were less clear among children in one study where there were some age-based differences in pain reports, where older children showed more pain amelioration (Calcaterra et al., 2014 ). This may also have been due to older children being better able to understand the pain scale. In the two studies of older adults with dementia, both publications reported from the same study observing nine patients and carers undertaking a morning routine over three conditions: usual morning care, morning care with familiar background music, and caregiver singing. Results found that background music was related to patient functioning, well-being and decreased aggressive behaviors through its effects on physical activation, increased bodily and on sensory awareness, and a strengthened ability to carry out daily living tasks. Patients showed more agency and playfulness in their interactions with their carers, demonstrating improved social connection and interactions.

Intentional Music Listening

Following screening of 1,226 abstracts, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria for the review of intentional music listening research (described in Table 1 ). Methods of intentional listening across all studies utilized either researcher provided music and/or participant preferred music during the music listening interventions. Intervention lengths varied for each study and ranged from a single session of music listening (e.g., Särkämö et al., 2008 ) to 6 months (e.g., Clark et al., 2016 ). The way in which music listening was applied as an intervention was also mixed with some research emphasizing music listening during periods where participants were undergoing treatment or experiencing symptoms (O'Callaghan et al., 2012 ; Mercadíe et al., 2015 ), during recovery from health procedures (Särkämö et al., 2008 ; Drzymalski et al., 2017 ), or during specific daily activities, such as walking or relaxing (Clark et al., 2016 ; Helsing et al., 2016 ).

Health outcomes included pain, fatigue, health behaviors such as exercise, symptom checklists and measures of well-being, health related quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Music listening appeared to produce such outcomes through its effect on emotions regulation where several studies reported a reduction in feelings of distress, including specific measures of depression, anxiety, stress (Särkämö et al., 2008 ; Helsing et al., 2016 ; Sorensen et al., 2019 ); greater feelings of relaxation and nostalgia (Clark et al., 2016 ; Helsing et al., 2016 ; Kulibert et al., 2019 ; Sorensen et al., 2019 ); improved mood and reduced agitation (Clark et al., 2016 ; Ihara et al., 2019 ) (see Supplementary Table 1 ). The duration of these effects is difficult to ascertain due to the varying lengths of follow up across measures and studies. However, one study found that reduced levels of anxiety and pain were sustained for at least 12 h after music listening (Fernando et al., 2019 ). Several of these studies reported positive emotional effects of music listening compared to a control (no music listening group). However, two studies compared music listening with other active sound or meditation conditions and neither found differences between active conditions (Mercadíe et al., 2015 ; Sorensen et al., 2019 ). These studies lacked a no-music control condition, making it difficult to form robust conclusions about the efficacy of intentional music listening in these studies. Similarly, a study of 169 young people with at least mild psychological distress using a music and emotion regulation mobile phone app showed no differences on emotion regulation, distress, or well-being between the music listening and the waitlist group at 1 month follow up (Hides et al., 2019 ).

Cognitive mechanisms measured in the intentional music listening studies included measures of attention and verbal memory among stroke patients, which were better amongst music listeners compared to those who listened to audiobooks or controls (Särkämö et al., 2008 ) (see Supplementary Table 1 ). Another study took behavioral observations of music recognition and ability to follow rhythm among people with dementia (Ihara et al., 2019 ). Evidence for physical activation was limited to two studies. One used behavioral observations of people with dementia (Ihara et al., 2019 ) and revealed that intentional music listening increased expressions of joy, eye contact, eye movement, engagement, talkativeness, and moving/dancing. Similarly, a study of participants with cardiac disease (Clark et al., 2016 ) reported that listening to music while walking made them feel more energized and the music tempo influenced them to walk faster or maintain an enhanced pace, motivated them to move and some found it helped them to walk for longer periods.

Sharing Music

1,478 abstracts were reviewed with only five studies about music sharing meeting the inclusion criteria for full review. Only one study did not use live music, instead utilizing scheduled Radio programs to initiate music sharing across people's homes (Travers and Bartlett, 2011 ). These studies tended to report outcomes on well-being, quality of life, pain and agitated behavior. The processes by which shared music listening appears to achieve these outcomes was through emotion, cognition (memory), physical activation (synchrony), social connection, and a sense of identity (see Table 2 ). The strongest results were for improved mood and/or emotions, which were found to improve for shared music listening across all studies. Improved social interaction and communication also appeared to show consistent effects, which were particularly marked among participants with dementia, though less so for those with more severe dementia (van der Vleuten et al., 2012 ; Clements-Cortés, 2017 ; Shibazaki and Marshall, 2017 ; Toccafondi et al., 2018 ). As part of this, sharing music stimulated participants' memories and facilitated reminiscing and storytelling that were shared with musicians, staff, and family members. In contrast, music sharing through community radio programming found no changes to loneliness among this shared listening group, likely indicating that less social interaction was facilitated (Travers and Bartlett, 2011 ). These results imply that there is something unique about sharing music when in the physical presence of others.

Synchronized movement and physical activation increased during live music sharing alongside the ability to remember, cognitively perceive, and anticipate auditory musical elements (Clements-Cortés, 2017 ; Shibazaki and Marshall, 2017 ). Participants were reported to be clapping, singing, and generally moving to the music. Shibazaki and Marshall ( 2017 ) noted that these physical responses were even evident for people with mobility issues and among those who had suffered strokes. Finally, for people with dementia, even when dementia was advanced, carers and researchers observed clear cognitive effects while sharing music, such as participants being able to predict, anticipate, and expect different musical patterns and changes (Shibazaki and Marshall, 2017 ).

Instrumental Music

From 1,701 abstracts screened, nine studies of instrumental learning and playing met selection criteria for full review. These focused on health and well-being outcomes from musical instrument playing, such as cognitive health in older adults, health behaviors, social determinants of health (housing stability and criminal behavior), and well-being. Instrument playing was associated with these outcomes via its effects on cognitive, mood, and/or social processes (see Supplementary Table 1 and Table 2 ). Collectively, the research found that playing an instrument resulted in several positive outcomes, including improved mental health and quality of life and well-being (Perkins and Williamon, 2014 ; Seinfeld et al., 2016 ). Music instrument learning also resulted in improved enthusiasm, happiness, relaxation, and tolerance of uncertainty among people with learning disabilities (Wilson and MacDonald, 2019 ). Being part of a band or music group improved perceptions of social support and actual participation in social activities, interpersonal communication, self-esteem, and self-confidence among long-term musicians (Knapp and Silva, 2019 ), new musicians (Perkins and Williamon, 2014 ) and people with learning difficulties (Wilson and MacDonald, 2019 ). This latter study found that people who were socially isolated were more difficult to engage in music groups, with participants reporting lower levels of confidence and self-esteem (Wilson and MacDonald, 2019 ). Self-efficacy scores among children learning a musical instrument were also higher among those learning compared to those not learning an instrument, with this effect higher for girls, compared to boys (Ritchie and Williamon, 2011 ). This self-efficacy was related to greater levels of well-being and higher pro-sociality, with self-efficacy heightened particularly for girls.

Physical activation was found to be related to self-efficacy among children, where self-efficacy for music learning was associated with less hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, and behavioral problems (Ritchie and Williamon, 2011 ). Among older adults with higher SES, those learning to play a musical instrument reported a greater increase in the frequency of behaviors promoting physical activity and spiritual growth than older adults in the comparison condition (a U3A shared learning project) (Perkins and Williamon, 2014 ). Cognitive mechanisms were measured across several studies and found that for older adults, playing instruments was related to improvements in cognitive processing speed and attention, verbal fluency, executive function, visual scanning, and motor ability (Bugos et al., 2007 ; Bugos and Kochar, 2017 ), as well as letter fluency, learning, and short-term memory (Mansens et al., 2018 ). One study used fMRI in people with mild traumatic brain injuries following 8 weeks of piano lessons and found that there was a change to activation of the medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) (Vik et al., 2018 ). The OFC network regulates higher order cognitive processing, such as executive functions, including attention, decision-making, impulse control, and social behavior.

Group Singing

A total of 1,455 abstracts were identified in the initial search from which 14 studies met selection criteria for the full review, including six qualitative and eight quantitative studies (see Table 1 ). Prominent outcomes included mental health and well-being, cognitive health, and lung health. Group singing appeared to produce these health and well-being effects through the social, emotional and physical processes. Choral rehearsals have been found to increase feelings of social inclusion and connection over the duration of a singing rehearsal (see Supplementary Table 1 ). Studies involving both small and large group choirs of up to 232 members found that singing fosters social closeness, even in large contexts where individuals are not known to each other (Weinstein et al., 2016 ). Even after a single session of singing, a large group of unfamiliar individuals can become bonded to the same level as those who are familiar to each other within that group. These social inclusion effects are particularly important for various marginalized groups. For instance, 50 minority African Canadian women living in Nova Scotia identified choir singing and listening to spiritual music as spiritual activities that helped protect against the psychological effects of racism (Beagan and Etowa, 2011 ). The women described how singing supported their physical and mental health through a spiritual connection with the Lord and through their cultural connection with the African Christian community. In another study, women from nine different nationalities living in the UK who experienced postnatal depression participated in a 10-week singing group and reported that the sessions provided an authentic, social and multicultural creative experience (Perkins et al., 2018 ). Two Australian studies involving adults who were marginalized due to chronic mental and physical health problems described how choir singing helped them to develop social connections within the choir (Williams et al., 2019 ) and later with audiences (Dingle et al., 2013 ). Furthermore, a reduction in loneliness and an increased interest in life was reported by an ethnically and racially diverse group of seniors participating in a Community of Voices choir in San Francisco (Johnson et al., 2020 ).

Cognitive, social, and mood effects of group singing are prominent in older adult studies (Lamont et al., 2018 ). For example, in retirement village residents in Australia, those who attended an 8-session group music program called Live Wires showed significantly improved cognitive performance and identification with the retirement village compared with the control group (Dingle et al., 2020 ). Similarly, in the Singing for the Brain project in the UK, interviews with 20 people with dementia and their care givers indicated that important mechanisms were cognitive (accepting the diagnosis, positive impact on memory), social (a shared experience, feeling included and supported), and improved mood (Osman et al., 2016 ). Similarly a study in Finland assessed people with dementia and their caregivers before and after a 10-week program of either singing or music listening together, designed to coach the caregivers to incorporate music and singing into their dementia care (Särkämö et al., 2014 ). Music listening temporarily improved overall cognition, attention and executive function, and a longer-term improvement in orientation, while singing enhanced short-term and working memory. Music listening had a long-term positive effect on Quality of Life for both the patients and caregivers.

In terms of physical mechanisms, participants of the Sing for Lung Health choir described improvements in breathing, sputum clearance and exercise tolerance, as well as a general sense of improved well-being. Again, social connections and a shared purpose were key mechanisms, as well as physical activation (McNaughton et al., 2017 ). This 12-week program featured deep breathing, vocalization exercises and singing rounds of familiar songs.

A sense of achievement and a new identity as a member of a choir were mechanisms revealed in several studies (Dingle et al., 2013 ; Perkins et al., 2018 ; Williams et al., 2020 ), particularly during performances (McNaughton et al., 2017 ). Singing, however, is not necessarily better than other arts-based group activities in terms of health and well-being effects. A study 135 adults involved in seven different adult education classes in singing, creative writing and crafts found that mental and physical health, and satisfaction with life, improved in all groups (Pearce et al., 2016 ). In the study with marginalized adults, mental well-being improved for members of both a choir and a creative writing group as long as participants formed a sense of identity with their group (Williams et al., 2019 ).

Music, Movement, and Dance

This search retrieved 743 articles of which four studies met criteria for full review. The health outcomes measured differed widely across the four studies. These included improved measures of cognitive health in the participants with mild cognitive impairment (Doi et al., 2017 ); healthy weight measures (BMI and % body fat) of African American women (Murrock and Gary, 2010 ); improved cognitive health among stroke survivors (Jeong and Kim, 2007 ); and mental health of new mothers (Vlismas et al., 2013 ).

While social connection was acknowledged as an important process across most of these studies, only two measured types of social connection. Interventions were found to improve the quality of interpersonal relationships for stroke survivors compared to people who did not participate in movement interventions (Jeong and Kim, 2007 ), and to improve interactions between mothers and their infants (Vlismas et al., 2013 ). Specifically, mothers felt that they enjoyed interactions with their infants more and reported increases in dyadic reciprocity between them. Similarly, physical activation, while acknowledged as a driving mechanism, was only measured in two studies. For African American women, participating in a dance group meant that they were more physically active than those not participating in dance (Murrock and Gary, 2010 ). However, for adults with mild cognitive impairment, there was no difference in physical activity levels whether they were part of the dance group, playing instruments, or in a health education group. For one study, cultural identity was made salient for the participants, where African American women reported that the dance intervention and choreography incorporated the importance of their church, spirituality, values, and beliefs and provided a positive space for them to talk about their health concerns (Murrock and Gary, 2010 ).

Lyrics and Rapping

From 1978 abstracts reviewed, four articles focusing on rapping or other lyric-focused music activities met our inclusion criteria. The outcomes from these included mental health, well-being, and cognitive health. The effects of lyrics and rapping appeared to act on emotional and social processes, self-esteem and identity (see Supplementary Table 1 and Table 2 ). For instance, for children and adolescents, sung or spoken lyrics (including rap), resulted in improvements to measures of emotional well-being on the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (Uhlig et al., 2019 ) and teacher-rated emotional symptoms, empowerment, and fewer depressive symptoms (Travis and Bowman, 2012 ). Further, those least likely to report depressive symptoms were those who felt rap music inspired them to better connect with others, consider the experiences of others, and want to make a difference in their communities. Young people listening to rap and hip-hop showed that their sense of cultural identity was associated with music-based empowerment (Travis and Bowman, 2012 ), and physically engaging in rap and song among children influenced their levels of physical activation (Uhlig et al., 2019 ). This included reductions in hyperactivity and inattention, and improved goal-directed behavior (Uhlig et al., 2016 ). Sleep time also showed changes among this group those in the rap and sing group slept significantly more than children who did not participate in this program.

A study in university students found that exposure to lyrics related to suicide were associated with remembering more nihilistic lyrics than were present in the song (Peterson et al., 2008 ). However, after exposure to this music, many participants responded with stories that exhibited altruistic themes. Higher endorsement of lyrical messages around risk (e.g., violence, substance use, and derogatory treatment of women) was related to high self-esteem among young males (Travis and Bowman, 2012 ). For people with Alzheimer's disease and healthy older adults, memory was positively affected when they were exposed to lyrics that were spoken or sung (Simmons-Stern et al., 2012 ). For these older adults, both types of exposure to lyrics resulted in equal memory of a songs content.

Song Writing, Composition, and Improvisation

This search retrieved 1,280 articles, of which only three studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Music composition was found to be an important tool for supporting healthy aging and well-being of older adults learning to compose music collaboratively with a string quartet and a professional composer. For these participants, composition also created more opportunities for creativity and feelings of control and self-efficacy (Habron et al., 2013 ) (see Supplementary Table 1 ). In the study by Bartleet et al. ( 2016 ), jamming and music making between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous musicians provided opportunities to develop deep, transformative, intercultural engagement and connection. For these groups, music making was a way to cross boundaries using music as a shared language and to understand and share in diverse experiences. Music students found that the simple act of jamming helped to build a strong rapport, sense of mutual respect, and life-long friendships. Identity making and relationships were very clear among the group-based song writing and composition studies. For example, older adults felt composition led to self and social identity making, and meaningful social engagement with other participants and musicians with some relationships enduring after the program ended (Habron et al., 2013 ).

In Fallon and colleagues' experimental study (2020), 105 university students were asked to complete a stressful task and were then randomly assigned to one of three recovery conditions: control, music listening, or music improvisation using a xylophone. The physiological measure (electrodermal activity) showed greater stress reduction during recovery for those in the music listening condition compared to the improvisation and control groups (Fallon et al., 2020 ). The improvisation group showed a significant improvement in self-reported levels of calmness, irritation (decrease), and satisfaction during the recovery phase.

This scoping review of 63 studies revealed that all eight categories of music activities demonstrated some benefits to health or well-being, although it is difficult to make generalized statements due to the diversity of study designs and measures across studies. An abundance of studies of music listening, group singing, and instrument playing met criteria for inclusion, but relatively few focused on music sharing, dance or movement to music, lyrics or rapping, or songwriting, improvisation and composition. As the descriptions in Table 1 indicate, some music activities featured in more than one category (e.g., music listening was involved to some extent in all eight types of activity, apart from some kinds of lyrics/rapping), while other activities were found in only one or two categories (e.g., movements to music were a key part of the movement and dance category, while movements to create music were characteristic of the instrument playing, group singing, and songwriting, composition, and improvisation category). The eight activities also represent a spectrum of engagement with the selection and creation of music, from very low levels in the case of receptive music listening through to very high levels in the case of songwriting, composition, and improvisation. The purpose of the music activity and the measures assessed in each study reflected this spectrum of engagement. By considering this full spectrum of music activities, the current review extends on previous reviews that had a narrower focus such as music listening (Finn and Fancourt, 2018 ), group singing (Williams et al., 2018 ), or instrument playing and dance (Sheppard and Broughton, 2020 ). It also highlights the need for future research in the field of music, health and well-being to clearly articulate the type of music activity under investigation (Kreutz, 2015 ).

In regard to the mechanisms by which these music activities produce effects on health or well-being, Table 2 summarizes the evidence drawn from the 63 papers reviewed. Receptive music listening tended to be used in health or medical spaces for the purpose of decreasing perceptions of pain and anxiety and for acute post-operative recovery, or in aged care settings for increased activation and improved mood among older adults with dementia. Many of these studies showed that decreased physiological arousal was a key mechanism by which music listening was related to effects on pain and anxiety. The most consistent results were lowered blood pressure, increase in oxytocin, and decrease in cortisol during music listening. Interestingly, music listening was associated with increased arousal, activation , and social interaction in the studies of people with dementia and their carers (Götell et al., 2002 ; Gotell et al., 2009 ). Of the 13 studies in this category, four measured pain outcomes, and three of these reported lower pain in the music condition (Calcaterra et al., 2014 ; Téllez et al., 2016 ; Çetinkaya et al., 2018 ) while one study did not find any effect of music listening on pain (Chantawong and Charoenkwan, 2017 ). It is possible that in this study, the researchers' selection of Western or New Age instrumental music did not align with the Thai women's personal preferences during the cervical excision procedure. These findings align with an earlier review showing how music listening can enhance medical treatments and can be used as an adjunct to other pain-management programs (Bernatzky et al., 2011 ). This review concluded that musical pieces chosen by the patient are typically more effective for pain management than music chosen by a staff member. Interestingly, a recent study found that the music people chose to manage pain was commonly high energy, danceable music with lyrics (Howlin and Rooney, 2020 ) so it should not be assumed that people select soft, slow tempo, instrumental music when in pain.

Positive effects on mood or emotion regulation were reported in studies across all music activity categories ( Supplementary Table 1 ). In the music listening categories, reductions in anxiety were commonly reported. These positive effects on anxiety and pain were not confined to music listening since comparison conditions also produced benefits. For example, a comparison hypnosis condition was associated with decreased anxiety and increased optimism in women undergoing breast tissue biopsy in a hospital clinic (Téllez et al., 2016 ) while silent relaxation was as effective as music listening for lowering cortisol and pain in knee replacement surgery patients (Finlay et al., 2016 ). Similarly, the 14 studies on intentional music listening commonly focused on the role of music in reducing distress, particularly in preparation for, during, or recovery from, significant health events. These studies revealed that actively listening to music showed effects on cognition, emotion, physical activation, and physiological arousal . These findings are consistent with an established body of research on music listening and affective responses on the two dimensions of arousal and valence (e.g., Juslin et al., 2010 ; Eerola and Vuoskoski, 2013 ). The mood enhancing effects of group music activities such as singing, dancing and instrument playing is consistent with the findings of a systematic review of the effects of social group programs (music groups and others) on depression (Dingle et al., 2021 ) and an earlier longitudinal study of 5,055 UK older adults showing that more group memberships measured in the first wave was associated with a decreased likelihood of depression up to 4 years later (Cruwys et al., 2013 ).

Enhanced social bonding and connection was found in studies across many of the music activity categories. For example, shared music listening in the form of live music concerts enhanced social connections and mood in older adults and in hospital patients, yet was featured in few studies, which suggests this is an underutilized approach within aged care and hospital services. Group singing was associated with health and well-being of older adults and those with mental health problems, lung disease, stroke, and dementia through its effects on cognitive functions, mood, social connections, and identity. Both music listening and carer singing decreased agitation and improved posture, movement, and well-being of people with dementia. These findings indicate that singing is not only beneficial for the identified patients but also for their caregivers and loved ones (Forbes, 2020 ). Social and cultural identity was another mechanism highlighted in relation to some music activities. The finding that identification with a music group is associated with the satisfaction of various psychological needs has been noted in several recent studies (Williams et al., 2019 ; Kyprianides and Easterbrook, 2020 ; Draper and Dingle, 2021 ). Singing, dancing, and hip-hop can help ethnic minority group members to connect with their culture (Murrock and Gary, 2010 ; Beagan and Etowa, 2011 ; Travis and Bowman, 2012 ).

Cognitive mechanisms such as improved memory or attention were noted in several music activity categories. For instance, group singing was associated with improved cognitive health in older adults and those with dementia. Learning to play a musical instrument was associated with cognitive performance, self-esteem, and well-being in diverse populations including school students, older adults, and people with mild brain injuries. Dance and movement with music programs were associated with improved health and well-being in people with dementia, women with postnatal depression, and sedentary women with obesity through various cognitive, physical, and social processes. Clinicians and care workers planning to introduce a musical activity to enhance the cognitive health of their participants should consider the level of musical training and capability of new learners. It may be necessary to develop innovative ways for participants to engage with music that do not require an ability to read sheet music or to have a high level of fine motor skill. Group singing can be conducted using lyric sheets and a call-and-response style for learning the various vocal parts, as has been used successfully with marginalized adults (Dingle et al., 2013 ; Williams et al., 2019 ). Furthermore, innovative work is in progress adapting musical instruments so that they are simpler for older adults to create music with (MacRitchie and Milne, 2017 ).

Finally, self-esteem, empowerment, and sense of achievement were mechanisms by which rapping, choir singing, musical instrument playing, and composition, songwriting and improvisation produced positive effects on the health and well-being of participants. Rapping, songwriting and composition helped marginalized people to find their voice and increased social inclusion, intercultural connections, and empowerment.

Although the field of music, health and well-being requires further development, there is emerging evidence that specific music activities may be recommended for specific psychosocial purposes and for specific health conditions. Music activities offer a rich and underutilized resource for health and well-being to participants of diverse ages, backgrounds, and settings.

Author Contributions

GD designed the scoping review and led the write up. LS generated the search terms, conducted the library searches, assisted with the tabulation of results, and the write up. All authors contributed to the screening, reviewing, and summarizing of papers in their sections and contributed to the final manuscript.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher's Note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

1 This was based on power calculations showing that a sample of 24 is required for a within subjects (pre-post design) ANOVA to find a small effect size with a power of 0.8; while a total sample of 34 (17–18 in each condition) is required for a two-group comparison ANOVA with two assessment points to find a small effect size with a power of 0.8. Our guideline of 20 per condition was chosen to balance the pragmatics of fitting groups of people into halls and spaces where music activities typically take place with the need to design studies with sufficient power to detect an effect if one existed.

Supplementary Material

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.713818/full#supplementary-material

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431 Music Essay Topics & Ideas

25 April 2024

last updated

Music essay topics explore diverse areas of music for academic or personal writing. This comprehensive collection of ideas encourages intellectual curiosity with topics ranging from historical musicology to contemporary pop culture. It also offers thematic ideas, like examining musical elements, understanding music’s societal influences, or analyzing distinct music genres. Aspiring musicologists, students, or avid music enthusiasts will find this article highly valuable for its broad spectrum and adaptable nature, suitable for various writing levels and interests. In this case, people delve deeper into music’s rich legacy, challenging them to form original perspectives and contribute to the larger discourse on music. Hence, this article on many music essay topics is a valid resource for unlocking the academic and artistic potential of music.

Hot Music Essay Topics

• The Cultural Impact of British Invasion Bands in the 1960s
• Decoding the Evolution of Hip-Hop From the 1970s to Today
• How Music Streaming Platforms Are Revolutionizing the Music Industry
• The Role of Music in Social Movements: A Deep Dive Into the Civil Rights Era
• The Pervasive Influence of Jazz on Contemporary Music Genres
• Punk Rock as the Soundtrack of Rebellion and its Sociopolitical Significance
• Exploring the Cultural Phenomenon of Woodstock: Music, Counterculture, and Legacy
• A Comprehensive Review of the Effect of Music Therapy on Mental Health
• An Analysis of Melody and Harmony in Classical Music
• Unraveling the Relationship Between Music and Identity From a Psychological Perspective
• Music Meets Technology: The Evolution of Synthesizers in Electronic Music
• Behind the Scenes and Processes of the Music Business: The Role of Record Labels
• The Cultural Appropriation Controversy in the Realm of Popular Music
• Tracing the Influence of African Music on American Blues and Jazz
• The Impact of MTV and Music Videos on the Landscape of Pop Culture
• A Review of Music Censorship: Historical Cases and Modern Challenges
• Women in the Music Industry: Understanding the Barriers and Celebrating the Breakthroughs
• The Effect of Globalization on the Dissemination of Non-Western Music Genres
• The Role and Impact of Music in Education: An Examination of School Music Programs
• The Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones: A Comparative Analysis of Musical Style and Influence

Easy Music Essay Topics

• Evolution of Pop Music Genre in the 21st Century
• Impact of Technology on Music Production
• Influence of Classical Music on Modern Genres
• Societal Relevance of Protest Songs in History
• Examining the Relationship Between Music and Emotion
• Significance of Traditional Music in Cultural Identity
• Rap Music’s Influence on Youth Culture
• Beatles’ Effect on Rock ‘n’ Roll Development
• Comparison Between Baroque and Renaissance Music
• Exploration of Music Therapy and Its Benefits
• Film Scores: Music’s Pivotal Role in Cinema
• Interrelation between Dance and Rhythm in Music
• Globalization’s Impact on World Music Genres
• Cultural Representation in Broadway Musicals
• Feminism in Pop Music: Empowering or Exploitative?
• Genre Fusion: How Reggae Influenced Hip-Hop
• Psychological Effects of Music on Human Behavior
• Depiction of Love in Country Music Lyrics
• Dissecting the Business Model of Streaming Services in the Music Industry

Interesting Music Essay Topics

• Unraveling the Impact of Music on Cognitive Development
• Globalization and Its Influence on Music Genres
• History and Evolution of Jazz: A Cultural Perspective
• Healing Powers of Music: Fact or Fiction?
• Pop Culture’s Influence on Contemporary Music
• The Role of Music in Social Movements
• Analyzing the Cultural Significance of Hip-Hop
• The Science Behind Music’s Effect on Mood
• Exploring the Artistic Value of Album Cover Designs
• Autotune and Digitization: Blessing or Curse for the Music Industry?
• Representation of Gender and Sexuality in Pop Music
• Ethical Implications of Music Streaming Services
• The Connection Between Music and Emotions: A Psychological Analysis
• Evolution of Music Production Techniques: A Technological Study
• Indie Music Scene: A Study of Its Growth and Impact
• Music Festivals: Economic and Cultural Implications
• Music Education: Its Importance in Schools
• Role of Music in Film and Television: A Comprehensive Analysis
• The Phenomenon of K-Pop: Cultural Exchange and Globalization
• Copyright Laws and Their Impact on the Music Industry

100 General Music Essay Topics

• The Future of Music: Exploring AI and Machine Learning
• Nurturing Music Education in Schools
• Ethical Considerations in Music Piracy
• Women in the Music Industry: Breaking Barriers and Empowering Change
• Reggae’s Global Impact on Music Styles
• Unveiling the Popularity of K-Pop
• Music’s Impact on Cognitive Development
• Music Censorship: Perspectives From Around the World
• Cultural Identity Formation and the Power of Music
• The Interplay of Music and Politics
• The Cinematic Power of Music: Exploring Soundtracks
• The Music Festival Business: Strategies and Successes
• The Emergence of Indie Music: A New Era of Creativity
• Latin Music’s Influence on Global Pop Culture
• Music’s Role in Enhancing Physical Performance
• The Science Behind Sound: An Introduction to Acoustics
• Exploring the History of Electronic Music
• The British Invasion’s Impact on American Music
• Music’s Therapeutic Role: Healing and Transforming Lives
• Boy Bands and Girl Groups: Cultural Phenomena in Music
• Motown Records: Shaping Music and Culture
• Country Music’s Influence on American Identity
• The Sociology of Music: Exploring Fan Culture and Subcultures
• Music’s Emotional Power: Understanding Mood and Emotion
• The Evolution of Music Videos: From MTV to YouTube
• Reviving Vinyl Records in the Digital Age
• The Beatles’ Enduring Legacy in Modern Music
• Streaming Services and the Changing Landscape of Music Consumption
• Unraveling the Psychology of Musical Preferences
• Music Globalization: Bridging Cultures and Connecting Hearts
• Music’s Role in Spiritual and Religious Practices
• The Fusion of Music and Visual Arts
• Music and Mindfulness: Exploring Meditation and Sound
• Blues Music: A Cultural Significance
• Opera’s Influence on Modern Theatrical Music
• Transforming Music Production in the Digital Era
• Music’s Impact on Childhood Development
• Rock and Roll: Revolutionizing Social Change
• Ethnomusicology: Understanding Music in Cultural Context
• The Complex Relationship Between Music and Violence
• Music’s Role in Promoting Social Inclusion
• Punk Music’s Impact on Youth Culture: Rebellion, Expression, and Identity
• Copyright Laws in Music: Balancing Protection and Creativity
• Harnessing the Power of Music in Advertising: Soundtracks, Emotions, and Branding
• LGBTQ+ Representation in the Music Industry: Breaking Barriers and Amplifying Voices
• The Influence of Gospel Music on the R&B and Soul Genres: Roots and Inspirations
• Music’s Cultural Role in Indigenous Communities: Tradition, Identity, and Resilience
• Music’s Impact on Workplace Productivity: Boosting Focus, Motivation, and Performance
• Disco’s Influence on Dance Music: Rhythm, Groove, and Dancefloor Revolution
• Music as a Voice of Protest: From Folk Anthems to Punk Anthems
• Grunge Music: The Rise of Alternative Rock and Its Lasting Impact
• Music Sampling: Artistic Innovation or Plagiarism Debate?
• The Influence of Rap Music on Modern Poetry: Rhyme, Rhythm, and Social Commentary
• Music Technology’s Impact on Live Performances: Innovation, Integration, and Audience Experience
• Music’s Narration in Film: Enhancing Emotion, Atmosphere, and Storytelling
• The Evolution of Music Genres: Shaping Sounds, Styles, and Cultural Trends
• From Vinyl to Digital: Exploring the Art of DJing and Its Technological Transformations
• Music’s Role in Language Learning: Enhancing Linguistic Skills and Cultural Understanding
• Music’s Contribution to Raising Awareness of Sustainable Development Goals
• Exploring the Frontier of Music in Virtual Reality: Immersive Experiences and Creative Possibilities
• The Role of Music in Video Games: Immersion, Atmosphere, and Player Engagement
• Evolving Children’s Music: From Traditional Rhymes to Educational Entertainment
• The Impact of Online Channels and Social Media on Music Promotion: Reaching Audiences, Building Communities
• Classical Music’s Influence on Cognitive Abilities: Memory, Focus, and Mental Development
• Flamenco Music’s Cultural Significance: Expressing Passion, Heritage, and Identity
• The Evolution and Impact of Music Television Channels: Shaping Popular Culture and Music Consumption
• Folk Music’s Influence on Modern Singer-Songwriters: Traditions, Storytelling, and Contemporary Expressions
• Music’s Therapeutic Role in Dementia and Alzheimer’s Treatment: Memory, Connection, and Quality of Life
• Broadway Musicals’ Influence on Popular Culture: Theatrical Magic, Showmanship, and Entertainment
• The #MeToo Movement’s Impact on the Music Industry: Addressing Abuse, Empowering Change
• Music’s Role in Teenage Identity Formation: Expression, Belonging, and Self-Discovery
• African American Music Evolution: From Spirituals to Hip-Hop
• The History and Influence of Bollywood Music: Celebrating India’s Cinematic Melodies
• Music Genres’ Effect on Exercise Performance: Rhythm, Tempo, and Motivation
• Music’s Role in Climate Change Awareness: Advocacy, Inspiration, and Environmental Impact
• Heavy Metal Music: Evolution, Subgenres, and Cultural Influence
• Mariachi Music’s Cultural Significance: Tradition, Celebration, and Mexican Heritage
• Technology’s Influence on Music Creation: Digital Tools, Production Techniques, and Creative Possibilities
• Music’s Role in Autism Therapy: Communication, Expression, and Emotional Support
• Music’s Impact on Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Relaxation, Mindfulness, and Wellness
• The Influence of Music on Sleep Quality: Relaxation, Sleep Patterns, and Sleep Hygiene
• Evolving Music Criticism in the Digital Age: From Print to Online Platforms
• Music’s Role in Multicultural Education: Celebrating Diversity, Promoting Inclusion
• The History and Influence of Salsa Music: Rhythm, Dance, and Cultural Fusion
• Music’s Impact on Consumer Behavior in Retail: Atmosphere, Branding, and Purchase Decisions
• Music’s Influence on Memory Recall: Soundtracks, Nostalgia, and Emotional Connections
• Music’s Role in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment: Healing, Coping, and Resilience
• The History and Influence of J-Pop Music: Pop Culture, Fashion, and Global Fanbase
• The Impact of Music on Early Childhood Education: Development, Learning, and Creativity
• Music’s Influence on the Perception of Time: Tempo, Rhythm, and Psychological Effects
• Music’s Role in Community Development: Collaboration, Empowerment, and Social Change
• Psychedelic Rock’s Influence on Contemporary Music: Innovation, Counterculture, and Sonic Exploration
• Rehabilitation and Recovery: The Transformative Role of Music
• Reggaeton Music: Cultural Origins, Influence, and Global Reach
• Music’s Impact on Neuroplasticity: Brain Development, Learning, and Cognitive Abilities
• Celtic Music’s Influence on Modern Folk Genres: Traditions, Melodies, and Cultural Connections
• The Creative Spark: Music’s Role in Enhancing Creativity
• Swing Music: The History, Style, and Enduring Appeal
• The Role of Music in Pain Management: Soothing, Distraction, and Therapeutic Effects
• Ambient Music’s Influence on Relaxation and Mindfulness: Creating Tranquil Soundscapes

Argumentative Music Essay Topics

• Pop Music’s Influence on Youth: Impact or Exploitation?
• The Appropriation vs. Appreciation Debate in Music
• Evaluating the Effects of Digital Streaming on Artists’ Earnings
• Autotune: Enhancing Music or Undermining Talent?
• Exploitation in the Music Industry: A Reality Check
• Does Music Genre Define Individual Personality Traits?
• Impact of Explicit Content in Music: Artistic Freedom or Harmful Influence?
• Music Censorship: Necessary Measure or Infringement of Rights?
• Should Music Education Be Mandatory in Schools?
• Influence of Western Music on Other Cultures: Cultural Exchange or Dominance?
• The Commercialization of Indie Music: Evolution or Degradation?
• Are Reality Music Shows Truly Beneficial for Aspiring Musicians?
• Music Therapy: Genuine Healing Method or Placebo Effect?
• Classical Music’s Relevance in the Modern Era: Declining or Evolving?
• The Ethics of Sampling in Modern Music Production
• Role of Music in Film: Essential Component or Marketing Tactic?
• Is The Popularity of an Artist Reflective of Their Musical Talent?
• Music Piracy: Fair Use or Unfair Practice?
• Do Music Festivals Promote Cultural Integration or Commodification?
• Boy Bands Phenomenon: Musical Skill or Mere Fan Frenzy?

Research Music Essay Topics

• Analyzing the Evolution of Punk Rock Music
• The Role of Folk Music in Preserving Cultural Heritage
• Impacts of Technology on Music Production and Distribution
• Understanding the Psychological Effects of Music Therapy
• Classical Music: Its Influence on Modern Genres
• Musical Improvisation: An Analysis of Jazz and Blues
• The Impact of Social Issues on Hip-Hop Lyrics
• Exploring the Economic Aspects of the Music Industry
• Evolution of Music Videos: Artistic Expression or Commercial Endeavor?
• The Effect of Digital Streaming on Independent Musicians
• The Phenomenon of Boy Bands: Sociocultural Aspects
• Censorship in Music: A Comparative Study Across Nations
• Evaluating the Role of Soundtracks in Movies
• Impact of Music Education on Child Development
• The Relationship Between Dance and Music: A Cultural Exploration
• Gender Representation in Music: A Critical Analysis
• The Influence of Latin Music on Popular Culture
• Ethnomusicology: Studying Music in Its Cultural Context
• The Role of Music in Historical Events and Movements

World Music Essay Topics

• African Music Traditions: Influence and Evolution
• The Role of Music in Indigenous Cultures
• Exploring the Diversity of Asian Music Genres
• Flamenco: An Insight Into Spanish Music and Dance
• Celtic Music: Its Roots and Influence on Contemporary Genres
• The Impact of Reggae on Global Music Culture
• Analyzing the Musical Elements of Bollywood Film Scores
• Samba: The Rhythmic Heartbeat of Brazil
• Origins and Development of American Blues Music
• Middle Eastern Music: Exploring Its Unique Characteristics
• The Cultural Significance of Australian Aboriginal Music
• Understanding the Evolution of European Classical Music
• The Role of Music in Caribbean Festivals and Celebrations
• The Influence of French Chanson on Popular Music
• Traditional Music’s Role in Cultural Preservation: Case Study of Japanese Gagaku
• The Impact of Greek Folk Music on Mediterranean Musical Traditions
• The Intersection of Music and Religion in Indian Ragas
• Exploring the Cultural Diversity in Mexican Music
• The Historical Evolution of Russian Folk Music
• Musical Instruments and Their Role in Defining Cultural Identity: The African Djembe as a Case Study

Hip-Hop Music Essay Topics

• Hip-Hop: A Powerful Medium for Social Commentary
• Examining the Influence of Hip-Hop on Fashion Trends
• Roles of Sampling in the Artistic Identity of Hip-Hop
• Exploring the Controversy: Does Hip-Hop Promote Violence?
• The Cultural Significance of Beatboxing in Hip-Hop
• Analyzing the Impact of Hip-Hop on Language and Slang
• The Influence of Hip-Hop on Pop Culture
• Feminism in Hip-Hop: Progress and Challenges
• How Does Hip-Hop Music Address Racial Issues?
• The Economics of the Hip-Hop Industry
• Evolution of Dance Styles in Hip-Hop Culture
• Hip-Hop’s Influence on Mental Health Discourse
• East Coast vs. West Coast: The Hip-Hop Rivalry
• The Impact of Digital Platforms on Hip-Hop Music Distribution
• Analyzing the Role of DJs in Hip-Hop Culture
• Hip-Hop and Its Influence on Global Music Genres
• The Commercialization of Hip-Hop: Artistic Freedom or Selling Out?
• Autobiographical Storytelling in Hip-Hop: A Tool for Empowerment

Pop Music Essay Topics

• Gender Representation in the Pop Music Industry
• The Global Impact of K-Pop: An Unstoppable Phenomenon
• Influence of Pop Music on Teenagers’ Attitudes and Behaviors
• Autotune: Enhancement or Detriment to Pop Music?
• The Role of Music Videos in the Pop Culture Landscape
• Analyzing the Success of Boy Bands in Pop Music
• Cultural Appropriation Concerns in the Pop Music Industry
• Power Dynamics: Examining the Business Behind Pop Music
• How Social Media Transformed Pop Music Stardom
• From Pop Divas to Feminist Icons: A Shift in Representation
• Latin Pop’s Rising Influence on the Global Music Scene
• Pop Music Lyrics: Reflection of Social Issues or Simple Entertainment?
• Technology’s Role in Shaping the Sound of Modern Pop Music
• Science of a Pop Hit: Factors that Influence Chart Success
• Mental Health and Its Portrayal in Pop Music
• Pop Music Collaborations: A Marketing Strategy or Artistic Choice?
• The Influence of Western Pop Music in Non-Western Countries
• Exploring the Relationship Between Pop Music and Dance
• The Ethical Implications of Sampling in Pop Music

Rock Music Essay Topics

• The Crossroads of Rock and Pop: Evolution of Pop Rock
• Grunge Rock: Its Origins, Influence, and Decline
• Influence of Rock Music on Fashion Trends Over the Decades
• The Role of Rebellion Themes in Rock Music
• Gender Representation and Dynamics in Rock Music
• The Significance of Live Performances in the Rock Music Scene
• The Fusion of Blues and Rock: A Historical Overview
• How Technological Advances Shaped the Sound of Rock Music
• Rock Music as a Tool for Social Activism and Change
• Psychedelic Rock and Its Effect on the Music Industry
• Heavy Metal: A Subgenre of Rock Music With Distinctive Features
• How Has Punk Rock Challenged Mainstream Music Norms?
• Rock Music in Movies: Enhancing Narrative and Emotion
• Analyzing the Pioneers of Rock and Roll: Their Legacy and Influence
• Cultural Impact of the British Invasion in the 1960s
• The Evolution of Rock Music: From Roots to Contemporary Forms
• Roles of Music Festivals in the Promotion of Rock Music
• Examining the Lyrics of Rock Music: Sociopolitical Commentary
• The Impact of Rock Music on Teenagers’ Behavioral Patterns
• Exploring the Relationship Between Rock Music and Youth Culture

Dance Music Essay Topics

• Dance Music and Its Role in Promoting Physical Health
• The Rise and Influence of Dubstep in Contemporary Dance Music
• The Business of Dance Music: From Record Labels to Streaming Platforms
• Role of Technology in the Development of Electronic Dance Music
• The Influence of Cultural Diversity on Dance Music Genres
• Dance Music in Film: Enhancing Narrative and Atmosphere
• Understanding the DJ’s Role in Shaping Dance Music Culture
• Tracing the Origins and Evolution of House Music
• The Social Impact of Club Culture on Dance Music
• Music Production Techniques in Modern Dance Genres
• Choreography and Dance Music: An Inseparable Pair
• The Impact of Dance Music on Pop Culture
• How Does Dance Music Shape Fashion Trends?
• Commercialization of Dance Music: Pros and Cons
• Exploration of Gender Dynamics in the Dance Music Scene
• Dance Music Festivals: Impact on Tourism and Local Economies
• Analyzing the Global Appeal of K-Pop Dance Music
• The Relationship Between Dance Music and Youth Culture
• Evolution of Dance Music: From Disco to Electronic

Relax Music Essay Topics

• Science Behind Relaxing Music: How Does It Affect Our Brain?
• Evolution of Relaxing Music: From Classical to New Age
• The Role of Music in Yoga and Meditation Practices
• Analyzing the Impact of Relaxing Music on Sleep Quality
• Soundscapes in Relaxation Music: From Nature Sounds to White Noise
• Relaxing Music and Its Influence on Stress and Anxiety Levels
• The Significance of Tempo and Rhythm in Relaxing Music
• The Use of Relaxing Music in Therapeutic Settings
• Understanding the Cultural Differences in Relaxation Music
• Relaxing Music in the Classroom: Does It Enhance Learning?
• Impacts of Relaxing Music on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
• Roles of Relaxing Music in Improving Concentration and Focus
• Relaxing Music and Its Effects on Post-Workout Recovery
• Use of Relaxation Music in Maternity Wards and Its Effect on Newborns
• Harmonic Structures Commonly Found in Relaxing Music
• The Influence of Ambient Music on Mental Well-being
• Roles of Music Therapy in Reducing Anxiety and Pain in Patients
• Can Relaxing Music Enhance the Quality of Meditation?
• Binaural Beats and Isochronic Tones: Do They Help in Relaxation?
• Relaxing Music in Workplaces: Impact on Productivity and Employee Satisfaction

Indie Music Essay Topics

• An Examination of the Business Strategies Employed in the Indie Music Scene
• The Progressive Influence of Technology on Indie Music’s Growth
• Decoding the Artistic Liberty Inherent in Indie Music Creation
• Cultural Connotations and Impacts Linked to Indie Music: An Analysis
• Indie Music’s Contributions to Fashion and Contemporary Lifestyle Phenomena
• The Part Indie Music Plays in Challenging Dominant Pop Culture
• Tracing the Evolution and Influence of Indie Music Within the Music Industry
• A Comparative Study on the Unique Aesthetics Found in Indie Music
• The Rise of DIY Practices in Indie Music Culture: An Ethnographic Perspective
• The Correlation Between Indie Music and Socio-Political Discourse Advocacy
• Indie Music Festivals: An Analysis of Their Distinctive Features and Attraction
• Roles and Impacts of Internet Technology and Social Media in Advancing the Popularity of Indie Music
• How Indie Music Affects Identity Development: A Psychological View?
• Understanding the Intersection of Indie Music and Independent Cinema
• Investigating Gender Depictions Within the Indie Music Scene: A Thematic Study
• The Challenges and Prospects Faced by Indie Artists in Today’s Digital Era
• A Deep Dive Into the Shifting Soundscapes in Indie Music Over Time
• The Influence of Indie Music on Modern Youth Culture From a Sociological Angle
• Indie Music as a Tool for Artistic and Cultural Dissent

Training Music Essay Topics

• The Science Behind Music and Its Impact on Athletic Performance
• Rhythmic Influence: How Music Affects Training Patterns
• Understanding the Psychology of Training Music: A Detailed Analysis
• Evaluating the Role of Music in Enhancing Concentration During Training
• The Impact of Music Tempo on Training Intensity
• Role of Training Music in Stress Reduction and Relaxation
• The Use of Music in Rehabilitation Training: A Therapeutic Perspective
• Music Preferences Among Athletes: An Ethnographic Study
• How Training Music Facilitates Flow State in Athletes
• Exploring the Relationship Between Music Genres and Training Types
• Music’s Influence on Physical Endurance and Stamina
• The Art of Curating Effective Training Music Playlists
• Roles of Music in Reducing Perceived Exertion During Workouts
• Harmonizing Heart Rate and Beat: Music’s Role in Cardio Training
• Psychological Benefits of Incorporating Music Into Fitness Training
• Music and Mindfulness in Training: A New Approach
• The Impact of Lyrics in Training Music on Athlete Motivation
• The Interplay of Music and Training in Dance and Choreography
• Sonic Branding: The Use of Music in Athletic Training Brands
• Historical Development of Music Usage in Training Environments

Love Music Essay Topics

• The Power of Love Ballads: Analyzing Their Emotional Impact on Listeners
• Unveiling the Romantic Themes in Pop Music: A Comparative Analysis
• Exploring the Evolution of Love Songs: From Classic to Contemporary
• Melodies of Passion: Examining the Role of Music in Expressing Love and Desire
• The Language of Love: Understanding Symbolism in Romantic Music Lyrics
• Captivating Melodies, Enduring Love: A Study on Timeless Love Songs
• Rhythm of the Heart: Analyzing the Role of Music in Strengthening Romantic Connections
• Love in Every Note: Exploring the Intertwining of Music and Romantic Relationships
• Harmonic Love Stories: Examining Musical Narratives of Love and Heartbreak
• The Influence of Love Songs on Romantic Expectations and Perceptions of Love
• The Soundtrack of Love: Investigating the Impact of Music on Relationship Satisfaction
• Love Across Genres: Comparing the Expression of Love in Different Musical Styles
• Musical Chemistry: Exploring the Role of Shared Music Preferences in Romantic Bonds
• Unforgettable Duets: The Magic of Collaborative Love Songs
• Musical Love Letters: Examining the Role of Music in Long-Distance Relationships
• Love and Lyrical Evolution: Tracing the Changes in Romantic Themes in Music History
• The Healing Power of Love Songs: Analyzing Their Therapeutic Effects on Emotional Well-Being
• The Intersection of Love and Social Commentary in Music: Examining Love as a Catalyst for Change
• Love in the Digital Age: Investigating the Influence of Streaming Platforms on Love Music Consumption

Metal Music Essay Topics

• Tracing the Evolution of Metal Music: Unraveling Its Origins and Diverse Subgenres
• Identity Formation and Subcultural Affiliation in Metal Music: Examining Its Influential Impacts
• Shattering Gender Norms in Metal Music: Defying Stereotypes and Empowering Voices
• Mental Health and Catharsis in Metal Music: Unleashing Its Profound Impact on Well-Being
• Decoding the Themes and Symbolism in Metal Music Lyrics: Unveiling Perspectives and Social Commentary
• The Political Potency of Metal Music: Galvanizing Activism and Fueling Protest Movements
• Innovations and Controversies in Metal Music Production: Embracing Technological Advancements and Provocations
• Globalization and Metal Music: Cross-Cultural Exchange and the Fusion of Sonic Landscapes
• Aesthetics and Visual Imagery in Metal Music: Embodying Power through Striking Album Art and Electrifying Stage Performances
• Spirituality, Religion, and Metal Music: Exploring Intersections and Controversial Explorations
• Metal Music as a Catalyst for Subversion: Igniting Rebellion Through Its Countercultural Essence
• Pop Culture Impact: Illuminating the Profound Influence of Metal Music on Fashion, Media, and Widespread Popularity
• Language and Expression in Metal Music: Analyzing Lyrics and Communication Within Vibrant Subcultural Communities
• Historical and Cultural Contexts of Metal Music: Forging Identity, Revolting, and Carrying Cultural Significance
• Metal Music Communities: Forging Unbreakable Bonds through Online Spaces, Fan Clubs, and Transformative Rituals
• The Influence of Metal Music on Music Education: Navigating Challenges and Unleashing Transformative Possibilities in Pedagogy
• Ethnic Identity and Metal Music: Representing, Appropriating, and Enriching Cultural Heritage
• The Economic, Social, and Cultural Impacts of Metal Music Festivals in the Live Music Industry
• Metal Music in the Digital Age: Navigating Digital Platforms, Streaming, and Thriving Online Communities
• Empowerment, Catharsis, and Resilience: Unleashing the Transformative Potential of Metal Music on Health and Well-Being

Jazz Music Essay Topics

• Unveiling the Influence and Significance: Exploring Jazz as a Catalyst for Cultural Revolution
• The Art of Improvisation: Unraveling the Creative Process in Jazz Music
• Examining the Contributions of Pioneering Musicians: The Innovators Who Shaped Jazz
• Blending Genres and Pushing Musical Boundaries: The Fusion of Jazz With Other Styles
• The Intersection of Music and Social Change: Jazz’s Role in the Civil Rights Movement
• Analyzing the Elements that Define the Genre: The Aesthetics of Jazz Music
• Nurturing the Next Generation of Jazz Musicians: The Importance of Jazz Education
• Celebrating Black American Artistic Expression: Jazz and the Harlem Renaissance
• Exploring Cultural Adaptations and Influences: Jazz in a Global Context
• Unlocking the Secrets of Jazz Harmony and Structure: Composition and Arranging in Jazz Music
• Celebrating Female Jazz Musicians and Their Contributions: The Role of Women in Jazz
• Bridging Cultures through Rhythms and Sounds: Jazz and Its Fusion With Latin Music
• Pushing the Boundaries of Musical Expression: Jazz and the Avant-Garde Movement
• Tracing the Roots of the Genre: Jazz and Its Influences From African Rhythms
• Examining the Unique Style and Artistry of Jazz Singers: Vocalists in Jazz Music
• From Duke Ellington to Count Basie and Beyond: Exploring the Jazz Big Band Tradition
• Embracing Technology while Preserving Tradition: Jazz in the Digital Age
• Understanding the Essential Groove of the Genre: Jazz and the Concept of Swing
• Preserving Jazz’s Worldwide Appeal and Adaptation: Jazz as a Global Language

Classical Music Essay Topics

• The Influence of Musical Structure on Emotional Responses in Classical Compositions Explored
• Gender Representation in Classical Music: A Comparative Study
• Relationship Between Tempo and Perceived Expressiveness in Beethoven’s Symphonies Examined
• Musical Devices Depicting Nature in Classical Orchestral Works Analyzed
• Historical Context of Classical Music and Its Connection to Social Movements Explored
• Instrumentation’s Role in Interpreting Baroque Music Investigated
• Melodic Patterns in Mozart and Bach’s Piano Sonatas: A Comparative Study
• Symbolism of Key Signatures in Classical Music Compositions Explored
• Influence of Cultural Background on Classical Music Preferences Examined
• Harmony’s Role in Classical Chamber Music Analyzed
• Musical Techniques Creating Narrative Structures in Classical Operas Explored
• Rhythm and Meter in Classical Symphonies: A Comparative Analysis
• Connection Between Classical Music and Spatial Perception Explored
• Representation of Mythological Themes in Classical Music Compositions Examined
• Dynamics and Articulation’s Effect on Interpretation of Romantic Era Piano Music Explored
• Role of Improvisation in Classical Music Performances Investigated
• Connection Between Classical Music and Memory Retrieval Explored
• Influence of National Identity on Classical Music Composers of the 19th Century Examined
• Evolution of Orchestration Techniques in Classical Music Explored
• Contrapuntal Techniques in Fugues by Classical Composers Examined

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Home / Essay Samples / Music / Pop Music / The Influence of Music On Mood

The Influence of Music On Mood

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Using Music for Emotional Regulation

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