Music and the mind

The benefits of listening to different genres of music

Adelaide Reinshagen

Music, regardless of the genre, benefits people in a variety of ways, from reducing their stress to comforting them through difficult times.

Classical music

Classical music helps with relaxation, concentration, memory, and blood pressure reduction. A clinical trial done by Sky Chafin in the British Journal of Health Psychology showed that, compared to people who listened to pop music, people who listened to classical music after a mentally straining activity had significantly lower blood pressure afterward.

Heavy metal music

Heavy metal music increases a person’s satisfaction with their sense of self. According to a survey in the book “Self and Identity,” people who listened to heavy metal music were significantly happier in their youth because of the community they found from listening to that genre of music. These people had an easier time adjusting to adulthood because of their strong sense of community.

Pop music

Research shows that listening to pop music can help to increase your endurance and performance during a workout. A study in the International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications showed that pop music boosted people’s moods and made them happier.

Rap music

Rap music can benefit people’s brains because it can help them cope with mental health issues. Research at Cambridge University found that listening to rap music can trigger parts of the brain that control emotion, motor function, nerve functions, language, and motivation.

Jazz music

Listening to jazz music is relaxing as it induces an alpha-wave state in your brain. This brain wave state falls in the middle of the brain wave section; it means your brain is relaxed, calm, and isn’t focusing too hard on anything.

Photo illustration by Adelaide Reinshagen