Music and emotions: The importance of theories for effective application

Abstract

Music occurs in all cultures and induces strong emotions in listeners. These emotions enrich people’s lives and may also have consequences for their physical health. Yet, that music can evoke emotions has been considered one of life’s mysteries that has fascinated thinkers from Plato and Darwin to modern neuroscientists. The author presents a theory that explains how music induces emotions and argues that there remains unfulfilled potential when it comes to applying the theory to promote health. Most studies of music and health look for direct links between music and response, but music’s effects are mediated by a range of mechanisms at different levels in the brain, which respond to information in the music, the listener, and the context. Previous musical interventions have shown mixed results, and the author suggests that more consistent effects might be achieved if practitioners actively manipulate specific mechanisms in accordance with theories.