The Psychology Of Music

Have you ever experienced a positive feeling or sensation when listening to a particular genre of music? If so, you are certainly not alone as research into the psychology of music has shown that melody can have a huge impact on our mood, outlook and even the level of confidence we project on a short-term basis.

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by Amelia Rose

Historically, research has focused on emotional responses in the individual, who listens to music while alone in the comfort of their own home. More recent studies have been based on the fact that music is often played in various social settings and contexts, each of which can have a further impaction on the way in which tunes are enjoyed and perceived.Music in a Social SettingThis is important, as it delves beyond the typical findings that upbeat music can lift the mood of an individual, while more solemn tunes can trigger a reflective mind-set. After all, studies have proven

that high octane music can help to improve performance during cardio-vascular exercise, so there is little need to explore this further. It is crucial that all future research considers the impact that a social setting has on the impact of music, as this will help experts to develop a greater understanding of the psychology of music and its role in everyday life.Let’s start with social bonding, which is thought to hold the key to a progressive society. Some recent empirical studies have demonstrated that children’s drumming synchronisation improves within a social setting, for example, while collaborative musical activity helped to enhance social and cooperative conduct. This concept can be extended further, as theoretically music could be played at various junctures in schools to help improve student results and maintain higher behavioural standards. This is already being introduced in some educational institutes, and it is likely to be unveiled in more as time progresses.Music, Gaming and Social SpendingBeyond this, is it possible that music can encourage us to spend more as consumers? To explore this further, it is important to consider the role that music plays in the online and offline gambling markets. Historically, large casinos such as the Mirage have always played up-beat music to create a positive atmosphere among gamers, safe in the knowledge that this would elevate the mood and encourage players to spend more in the pursuit of a big win. Even those who use headphones tend to be listening to their own playlist rather than attempting to block out the sound, with the result that upbeat sound encourages them to feel more positive about their chances of winning.This trend has also been carried over into casinos, where carefully selected music is used to get people pulsating and heart rates racing. With the concepts of cross-platform and mobile gaming now also enabling players to enjoy their favourite online gambling apps in an interactive setting, there is the potential for music to also encourage greater levels of competition, collaboration and ultimately consumer spending. This is great news for the online gaming market, while it also underlines how powerful the psychology of music really is.