Memories and Music

Chances are if you play a contemporary pop song in front of someone from a different generation, they would complain about the state of music today. Yet, don’t blame the music companies and don’t judge the artists.

In fact, you can tell them their low opinion about today’s tunes is all in their head, and you’d be right.

Research continues to show the influence music has on neurological activity and the powerful connection between music and memories. It turns out we like music from another time because it brings back memories of our life.

“Familiar music is also a much more reliable way for people to induce good moods in themselves — in fact, the emotional centers of the brain are more active when one listens to familiar music,” states a Mic.com article.

Researchers have noted that when they played songs familiar to the test subjects they saw more activity in the area of the brain related to autobiographical memories.

“What seems to happen is that a piece of familiar music serves as a soundtrack for a mental movie that starts playing in our head,” Petr Janata was quoted in a ScienceDaily story. “It calls back memories of a particular person or place, and you might all of a sudden see that person’s face in your mind’s eye.”

While we might not be fan’s of Madonna’s “Crazy For You”, someone who danced to the tune with their high school sweetheart might disagree. While a John Phillip Sousa march might seem rigid and old-fashioned to some, it might bring a smile to the face of someone who was in the high school marching band.

The next time you play in front of your loved ones or in a recital, remember the power of music. You may not know it but your music could help create someone’s special memory.

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