Catubay, Vernice Joy J.

ENG 3/BSN 2Y0-2

“The Power of Music”

An American singer and songwriter named Billy Joel once said: “I think music in itself is
healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No
matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” And I agree with that. I believe everyone
in this room can also agree with that statement. Everyone loves music. Music can touch us in
many ways than one, and sometimes even more than words or actions. Music can reach deeply in
one’s soul and pull on the best or worst parts of them. We have experienced this, haven't we?
You hear a song on the radio, television, your phone, or your preferred music player, and
suddenly you gain the ability to shut the world off and focus only on the beat, the tune, the
harmony, and the lyrics. It stirs our imagination, our emotions, and it makes our bodies move. As
humans, we can express ourselves through the music we listen to. While some of us have a
specific music genre that we like to only listen to, most of us are more versatile with our choice
of music. I bet everyone here has at least one song that is either pop that can make you tap your
feet, your hips sway, and your head bop, a cheesy love song that will send your heart racing at
the thought of a special person , RnB can make you feel sexy even if you’re not, alternative rock
can bring out the 2009 emo in all of us, hiphop can make you feel cool, OPM can tug at your
deepest heartstrings, indie if you’re feeling a coffee shop vibe, contemporary to connect with us
spiritually, maybe even jazz/blues for the soul on our playlists. Our playlist can define our
personality, our attitude, and our belief and principles.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but music is an important part of our daily lives. We complain
close to tears when we realize that we left our earphones at home. The commute is boring if our
favorite song isn’t playing in our ear. We love singing our hearts out at karaoke hubs even if
we’re not in tune. Music has the ability and power to influence human thoughts and behaviors.
There are people who are complete opposites in every aspects of their lives except for music.
Concerts, shows, and gigs are where some people find solace because the audience, no matter
what their backgrounds or social status, they are connected through one common denominator;
music!
We are exposed to it as early as being in our mother’s womb. But music is more than
entertainment, more than a hobby, more than a way to connect, or a past time. Music can also be
used as medicine. According to its definition, Music therapy is the skillful use of music and
musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental,
physical, emotional, and spiritual health. For example, music can help lower blood pressure,
reduce anxiety, ward off stress, improve breathing and heart rates, and can also be helpful for
people with brain injuries.
 According to an article, there is an Italian study where twenty-eight people's blood
pressure was monitored for twenty-four hours. They were then given a CD to listen to for thirty
minutes per day for one month. After the month the patient's blood pressure was monitored once
again. The patient's blood pressure did in fact drop. Their average systolic blood pressure had
dropped three points, and their average diastolic blood pressure had dropped four points. There
were twenty other patients who did not listen to music and after monitoring their blood pressure,
there was no change (Hitti). Listening to calming music can also reduce anxiety and depression.
It can alleviate the pain by being relatable and it provides the patient for a temporary escape.
Scientists also claim that music affects the heart, arteries and lungs in ways that could be used to
help patients with circulatory conditions. They found that swelling crescendos, which is the
increase of loudness in a music piece, increased listener’s blood pressure, heart, and respiratory
rates, while decrescendo does the opposite. Professor Luciano Bernardi, from the University of
Pavia, said: 'Music induces a continuous, dynamic and, to some extent, predictable change in the
cardiovascular system. Other studies have shown that music reduces stress, boosts performance
and enhances the motor skills of people with neurological impairments.
So you see, music is very powerful. We often take music for granted since it’s so
available to us, but music is so much more than an everyday thing. Its power spans from
entertainment and fun to the ability to heal, reducing stress, making us feel vulnerable or strong,
it connects us to one another in a whole new level and so much more. The next time you put your
headphones in, think about that.