Music And Depression

What is music? All sounds consist of sound waves. What differentiates music from other sound waves is the manner in which the sound waves vibrate and reduce from loud to soft. The sound of a metal pan when dropped on the floor presents jarring, erratic vibrations. Striking a note on a piano chord presents a softer more uniform and smooth transition from loud to soft. Clearly, a musical note is going to be much more satisfying to the ear.

There's an old proverb about how "music sooths the savage beast." This is not only true, it is in reality an understatement.  Music plays such a deep part of our lives, that we will barely scratch the surface here, but let's give it an overview.   

All of us were raised with certain songs or instrumentals that strike a chord that echoes throughout our entire being.  For instance, when I listen to "A Summer Place," it instantly carries me back to summer months in the fifties.  The experience is so intense that I can remember the feel of the sun on my face, the smell of hot dogs cooked over an open fire and the laughter of friends and family.   

There is a theory that some types of notes or chords resonate with such a vibration that is principally harmonious to specific people.  Have you ever heard a song that gave you goose bumps?   If you have, then you give confirmation to this theory.  When this happens, the music has a profound effect on the subconscious.  Add intense emotion to the equation and you have one powerful, indelible, blueprint on your subconscious that will be with you for the rest of your life.   

For instance, let's say that you receive news of the death of a loved one when a particular piece of music is playing on the radio.  That specific music can create a lasting impression.  Years later, for no particular reason, you could find yourself immediately thrown into a state of depression from hearing that same tune.  The same can be true of "positive feelings” as described in the story above.   

The subliminal effect of music is a proven fact.  How often do you find yourself humming the fragment of a tune that you can't recognize only to find out that it's a new "commercial" message you heard on your television.  The advertising industry pays huge quantities of money to conduct research into why and how music works on the subconscious mind.  This is also the reason why many times you see the current trend by big companies to reconstitute classics that were originally performed by some of the greats of stage and screen.   

Just for fun, the next time you find yourself humming a tune, try and remember when, where and under what situations you heard it for the very first time.  This exercise will possibly help you to better understand how past events have shaped your musical preferences.  And, by the way, there may be a possibility that the next time you hear "A Summer Place," you will remember reading this article.   

Have a very Happy Listening!