When we hear the term “classical music”, names like Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Schubert often come to mind, and perhaps the idea of an orchestra.

Many different instruments can fall into the “classical” category, from strings and woodwinds to keyboards and brasses. Classical music was at its peak between the mid-1700s to the mid-1800s, but it is still loved by many today. There are also several benefits that come with playing and listening to classical music. Here is a list of some of these benefits:

Calming yet stimulating the mind
Many studies have shown that classical music can improve your intellectual capacity and performance – not only by positively affecting your IQ, but also by releasing the “happy” hormone dopamine which inhibits the release of stress hormones, thus producing a calming effect.

Researchers say that children who play or are exposed to classical music also perform better in school as it positively effects the development of certain parts of the brain. Studies also show that adults’ minds stay active and more alert, and their memory improves when they plan an instrument.

Healing properties in the body
Music therapy has been used since the 1800s in a variety of medical fields. Soothing classical music is often played for those recovering from surgery, dealing with disability, or affected by the wear and tear of aging due to its ability to improve comfort and reduce pain.

This happens because it helps to reprogram the brain to focus on the music rather than the physical pain. Studies have also shown that listening to such music releases more of the pituitary growth hormone which helps to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process of damaged tissue.

Mood enhancement and stress reduction
In addition to helping to deal with physical pain, the simple classical music therapy technique causes positive chemical reactions in the brain that help with symptoms of stress, moods, and even depression.

Studies have found that classical music can have the same physiological effect as a massage. On the other hand, hard music or club beats can have the opposite effect. If your emotions are somewhat chaotic, this sort of music can make a bad situation worse emotionally as it increases anxiety, while classical music calms you down and improves your mood.

Quality of sleep and ability to relax
Classical music hits two birds with one stone, allowing your body to relax physically while simultaneously calming your mind. A particular study showed that replacing the sleeping aids of people who suffered from insomnia or sleeping problems with merely 45 minutes of classical music proved to be extremely effective in both terms of ability to fall asleep, as well as the quality of their sleep.

The effects of playing and listening to classical music are beneficial for people of all ages, from toddlers to the elderly. If you’re looking to improve your life and wellbeing with classical music, consider starting music lessons at the School of Popular Music in Guernsey today.