The Impacts of Music on Overall Health and Well-Being

Hey! Did you know that making music can help keep your brain sharp? Playing an instrument can lower the chance of memory problems (like dementia or Alzheimer's) later in life by as much as 64%!

In fact, listening to and playing an instrument has been shown to promote cognitive function, decrease anxiety, improve communication skills, bolster connection with others, and boost one’s mental wellbeing. The fact that being musically involved can yield long-term health benefits is simply magical. The sounds, which initially just start out as vibrations in the air, are transformed into a powerful and beneficial medium. 

Why do we listen? 

Humans have enjoyed music for almost as long as we’ve been on the planet! Archaeologists have uncovered 40,000-year-old bird-bone and mammoth-ivory flutes in a German cave—evidence that our Ice-Age ancestors were already crafting instruments to entertain, communicate, and comfort one another. 

Over thousands of years, those simple flutes grew into drums, speakers, and earbuds, but the reasons for listening to music never changed. Ancient Greeks sent patients to “music temples” for healing concerts, and many cultures still use lullabies, work songs, or victory chants to steady breathing, lift spirits, and pull communities together. A 2023 World Health Organization review of more than 3,000 studies confirmed that music helps lower blood pressure, ease pain, speed recovery, and even help prevent illness across one’s lifespan. 

So why do our ears keep begging for another song? When a beat drops or a melody resolves, the brain’s reward circuit floods with dopamine—the same feel-good chemical that shows up for delicious food or a big hug—giving us an instant mood boost. The rhythmic elements of music can also synchronize with our movements, making physical activity feel enjoyable and effortless. In short, listening to music is an easy, portable super-tool for calming jitters, sharpening focus, and brightening a rainy day.

Why do we play?

Playing music adds another layer of magic. From hand-clapping games to violin lessons, making sound forces the brain to coordinate sight, hearing, touch, and movement all at once: a high-intensity exercise for neural circuits. A 2024 study of preschoolers found that kids who spent a year in music classes showed stronger “executive functions” such as self-control and flexible thinking than classmates who skipped the training. 

Learning and regularly practicing an instrument engages multiple brain regions responsible for motor coordination, auditory processing, and memory. A landmark study demonstrated that musicians exhibit greater brain reshaping in areas associated with sensory–motor integration, suggesting that making music literally enhances our cognition. 

Furthermore, another study conducted in Europe found that teens who regularly listened to uplifting music or played in ensembles showed lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher self-esteem. The social aspects of group music-making foster a sense of belonging and community, which is vital during the course of becoming an independent adult.

Go forth and jam out!  

Whether you lose yourself in headphones, belt out tunes in the shower, or practice scales after school, music is more than fun—it’s a lifelong health habit that keeps bodies calmer, brains sharper, and hearts connected. So go ahead—press play, pick up an instrument, and let the music work its magic.