Does Music Alter Moods and Relieve Stress?
By: Megan Hoffer MM MT-BC, Julie Avirett MM MT-BC, Kelsey Bocharski Music Therapy Intern, Joshua Da Costa Music Therapy Intern Do you find yourself tapping your foot while shopping? Or having all the feels while watching movies? No matter your race, ethnicity, age or gender, music is a common phenomenon that impacts everyone. Music can be a powerful tool with its ability to evoke strong emotional responses. For example, music may lead to the release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter. Music is present in everyday life for most people. Here, we answer questions about how music can affect your brain and body. The short answer is, yes! The Iso-principle is a tool that matches a music listening experience to a current mood or emotion and then gradually shifts to music that represents a desired mood or emotion. If you want to listen to a song that you pair with anger or sadness, go ahead, but don’t let it repeat too many times. Move on to music of the mood...