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Mark Taylor, Musician[/caption]The newest scientific research affirms what cognitive scientists have suggested, and musicians recognize in their practice, that the synchronicity of music promotes unifying people in spirit and in body.
There is a real physical response within each person that occurs when music is performed in a group. In fact science tells us now that the breathing, the speed of activity, and the overall physical responses seem to be the same for each participant in a group of people singing or playing music. In other words, the family of man that sings together can actually stay together in often almost magical ways.
Cognitive scientists remind us also that music helps to nurture the brain. And it also helps in easing pain. So the benefits of music continue to be significant, as experts tell us, in almost area of life.
Researchers say unison singing is particularly beneficial. "Unison singing of regular song structures makes the hearts of the singers accelerate and decelerate simultaneously. " In general choir singing has been noted as promoting a sense of well being.
For all those parents who have invested in music lessons, it turns out the payout for the student or performer can be lifelong, outside the walls of the instruction, maintaining benefits for many years to come. Children who have music training actually show change in brain activity in a positive direction that lasts over many years, according to neuro scientists. In fact scientists have found that children as young as from 3 to 5 years old show improved cognitive skills after music training.
Those people who lose the ability to speak after stroke or brain damage have been found to improve speaking using music phrases, singing and repeating those music phrases.
What if you are one of those who proclaim you can't sing or play an instrument? Science says you too will find good things from music that can improve mental agility and reduce anxiety and pain. In 2010 scientists announced that listening to music can actually reduce pain in patients with high anxiety. Researchers have concluded that "music helps reduce pain by activating sensory pathways that compete with pain pathways, stimulating emotional responses, and engaging cognitive attention. Music, therefore, provided meaningful intellectual and emotional engagement to help reduce pain."
Sing, play an instrument, tap your food or just sit back and listen to the music of the world, scientists proclaim, for a longer, brighter, more informed and less anxious life!