Music has a profound impact on our brains: shaping our emotions, focus, and even cognitive function. Wired for rhythm, our minds are constantly generating electrical waves that shape our perceptions, actions, and emotions. These electrical signals travel through interconnected nerve cells, following pathways that branch throughout the body like the roots of a tree. Our peripheral nervous system, or the “branches,” transmits signals to the central nervous system – the brain. These waves govern everything we see, do, think, feel, and hear.
At the same time, our brains generate their own rhythmic patterns, which determine our mental states—from deep sleep to intense focus. These different states can be categorized by the size of the wavelengths we experience (as shown in the photo).
Music can influence these brainwaves, shifting our mental state through a process called brainwave entrainment. It occurs when our brains naturally synchronize their rhythms to external stimuli, like music. This means that by changing what we listen to, we can transition from a relaxed state (alpha waves) to a highly focused state (gamma waves) or vice versa. Such music can help us relax after a long day or prepare for an ambitious workout. Additionally, low frequencies in music can stimulate the amygdala, the brain’s emotion center, while higher frequencies engage the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making. The specific emotions or states evoked depend on how our brains interpret sound, as well as our personal experiences with harmony.
Another powerful effect of music is its role in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize. Listening to or playing music strengthens neural connections, fosters creativity, and enhances cognitive flexibility. Exposure to different rhythms and harmonies encourages the brain to form new pathways, which can improve problem-solving skills and adaptability. At the same time, the brain structure changes with aging, and the decline in cognitive ability is linked to reductions in neural connectivity. A study published in PubMed found that between 25% and 100% of cognitive differences between younger and older adults can be explained by variations in brain structure. This suggests that engaging with music—whether listening or playing—can support cognitive health and even slow age-related decline. However, the diversity of music you engage with matters just as much as frequency.
Different genres influence the brain in distinct ways. Hip-hop and rock, with their fast tempos and strong rhythms, stimulate energy and focus. Jazz and R&B, on the other hand, with complex harmonies and slower tempos, tend to be more emotionally evocative and soothing. Broad musical exposure strengthens the brain in multiple ways. A variety of rhythms, scales, and harmonies challenges the brain to adapt, reinforcing neural pathways that support creativity and decision-making. This exposure also physically strengthens the auditory cortex, which improves sound processing and musical intuition.
Additionally, diverse musical experiences enhance the corpus callosum, the bundle of nerve fibers connecting the brain’s left and right hemispheres. This connection is essential for refined motor skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving, as it facilitates better communication between the two hemispheres.
Expanding our musical preferences can help us confront biases beyond music. Our musical tastes are shaped by cultural exposure, social influence, and nostalgia. By actively exploring unfamiliar genres, we not only challenge our assumptions about music but also broaden our perspectives on culture and tradition. With a greater understanding of how we process sound and harmony, we can become more open-minded and less influenced by familiarity bias.
Sources:
https://choosemuse.com/blogs/news/a-deep-dive-into-brainwaves-brainwave-frequencies-explained-2
