About music: there is no silence

MapleLine Magazine: Aug.25, 2010 See: ArtsinSooke.com >>

By Karen Laharty

Every culture has music. Dating back as much as 50,000 years, humans have developed musical instruments and manipulated sound and rhythm in numerous ways.

Musical origins may be linked to sounds occurring in nature, used to lure animals to the hunt or in traditional ritual practices. The human voice was most likely the first ‘instrument’ to make musical sounds (such as clicks, whistles, humming). From the birds in the trees and the wind in the grasses, to the whales and waves of the seas, we are surrounded by musical elements every day.

There is virtually no limit to the type of music available to the human ear. The psychological impact of music is a keen area of interest for researchers in establishing a link basic brain activity to music and language.

A popular theory among researchers states music and language processing may overlap more than just the fact they are both syntactic systems that share features such as a finite set of elements (tones or words), combined to create organized sequences. Behavioural and neuro-imaging studies are among the ongoing research to help establish a relationship between the cognitive and neural foundations of both.

Humans are the only species who can extract a musical beat from a complex series of beats and move in time with it. That depth of beat perception draws in not only the extent of brain function but also the role of auditory and motor systems work. The basic activity of the brain seems to call on all areas for musical categorization and evaluation. Proof of the interconnection between music and brain function has been found in some profound studies on the effects of patients suffering from neurological disorders who have been enrolled in music therapy.

Patients afflicted with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, traumatic injuries, stroke, dementia and depression find relief and comfort through musically-assisted speech and movement instruction. Participation in music groups can help feelings of depression and improve communication for Alzheimer’s patients while movement to certain types of music can assist Parkinson’s and other mobility challenged patients with balance and range of motion. Musically-assisted speech has proven effective for post-stoke individuals with non-fluent aphasia (difficulty in articulating).

From a medical standpoint, there is little doubt that music can have an effect on physical and mental health. Listening to soothing music can reduce stress and shed light on confusion. Spas often opt for music with nature sounds in the background, adding a neural aspect to the already physically relaxing experience. Fast-paced upbeat music can get us up dancing, helping to promote cardio-vascular health. Listening to a variety of musical styles can evoke different emotional responses which can be both enlightening and empowering.

Music can also be a powerful suggestive tool. Marketing strategies for businesses such as grocery stores and large retail outlets include certain types of music in their playlists to be played at key times of day to subliminally stimulate shoppers into spending more time in the store enhancing the potential to spend more money.

Music knows no boundaries. Victor Hugo, renowned novelist and poet, though lacking exceptional musical talent, covered every aspect of music in this simple yet profound statement: “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” MM

This page is sponsored by ARTS IN SOOKE, an online magazine about all forms of creativity and art. www.artsinsooke.com

Hear a live outdoor concert in Sooke on Sat. Aug.28 (3 to 7 pm at Ed Macgregor Park) -- blues-infused folk rock by Gord Phillips & The Assimilators.