|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 11 February 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Artscope | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Power of music by R. S. Karunaratne We listen to music mainly for entertainment. However, modern research shows that music can greatly enhance relaxation and relieve stress. What is more, a particular piece of music can change our mood. In most private sector organisations they play background music that keeps the work force in a happy mood.
The great quality about music is that you do not have to be a musician to enjoy it. For instance, when you go on a trip or when friends meet occasionally, we see how they behave. One person starts singing and others provide background "music" using broom handles, dustbin lids, saucepans, plastic bottles filled with pebbles, or any other items that make sound. Can we condemn such "music"? And then some of us sing in the bathroom tapping on the door. Isn't music wonderful? Today, we hear music everywhere. The blaring car radio, joggers carrying a set of personal stereo, air conditioned buses playing cassette music are evidence. There are different kinds of music for all tastes - classical, pop, rock, rap, jazz or folk. Each culture has its own style of music. Therefore, the effect of music on our life is undeniably great. Therapy Researchers have found that those who make music with voice or instrument experience an added dimension to life. The music produced by them cuts through all barriers such as culture, age and religion. Meanwhile, music has already become a therapy for millions of people who either, make it or listen to it. When you go to temple, kovil or church you hear spiritual music that acts like a balm for your tired nerves. Film-makers use music to a great extent to affect our mood. For instance, a romantic film will have a different kind of music from a horror film. Even in the past when silent films were screened a pianist in the cinema played music to strike the right mood. When you hear a particular piece of instrumental music on television we know that it is time for our favourite teledrama. Latest research shows that background music we hear in shopping malls and supermarkets can encourage us to spend more money than is necessary. A team of psychologists from Leicaster University has emphasized that music can affect even the products we buy. For a set period of time they played French music and using a video camera directed at the wine shelves, showed a significant increase in the number of bottles of French wine being sold. They then played a German tune which show the same results with German wine. What is significant is that buyers were quite unaware of the influence of the music. Mozart Another finding shows that playing Mozart when studying can increase your IQ. Another recent study has shown that children who learn a musical instrument are much quicker at developing spatial awareness and problem solving skills. A report in the Daily Express headlined "Music to your ears" said, "There are times when we might feel like taking our temper out on a set of drums, and it would almost certainly help us to feel better. Relaxation or "New Age" music has a slow rhythm. Sounds are often synthesised and there may be added natural sounds, such as, whale song, birdsong, waves or gentle rain to help a feeling of calm and relaxation. Meanwhile, psychologists say that children who learn music are better at remembering words that those who do not do so. Music is also said to be beneficial in treating memory loss or language difficulties. Fast food McDonalds - world's largest Fast food chain in a research conducted by them have shown that we eat according to the speed of music being played. Therefore, when a restaurant is full and people are waiting to enter impatiently, they play fast music ensuring that the customers will eat faster and leave the restaurant quickly. Even some schools in London are playing background music in classroom on a trial basis. It has been found that music helps even unruly children to study better. I had the fortune of listening to a CD with an unambitious title "Spiritual Healing Sounds" given to me by V. Thiru of Ideal Marketing Service, 69/6 Galle Road, Dehiwala. The CD carrying Dr. Rishi Kendra's name is aimed at combining the power of your subconscious with the psychic abilities. After listening to the music I found it to be a great tool to maintain anybody's equilibrium in peace and calm. I personally feel it is good to listen to this kind of soothing music early morning and at night before retiring to bed. A leaflet issued along with the CD advises those who listen to the music to avoid taking liquor and have adequate sleep. Coupled with such good habits listening to some soothing music can give us immense pleasure and relaxation. **** Back **** |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
Unlike other performing arts, music can be listened to what ever you
prefer to do or you can play your favourite musical instrument as a means
of expression.
