Music's Effect on Emotions

That's a good question, and I don't know if anyone could tell you exactly why music generates emotion in us.  I do know that we can describe the musical forms that do.   When we talk about "resolution" that is for the most part what we mean. It's that satisfying end to a chord progression or melody line.  There are some simple rules described in music theory you can follow that will lead you to resolution, and hopefully a positive emotional experience.

Hey Buvvy,

  Actually the Scientists and Shrinks have delved into the effects of sound on the human psyche.  There are certain frequencies and tones (same thing) that stimulate areas of the brain resulting in the increased levels of such compounds as dopamine, adrenaline, etc.  Chemicals that directly effect human responses emotionally.  That's why background music in a scary movie builds suspense and enhances the response to the visual presentation.

  There is quite a body of research on the subject and surprisingly (or not), a lot of it was funded by the military as part of Psych-warfare. 

Take Care;
Doug

Hi Teebird,

No! i dont have the answer either.   I do know with myself music focuses my brain when i hear certain songs.
Transports me back in time so vividly, i can remember just where i was , who i was with, and what i was wearing. My sences become heightened.  This song always baffles me when i hear it though. As soon as the first chord is played i start to well up with tears?
I havent a clue why, or where i was when i heard it first . yet! it reduces me to floods of tears everytime.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CA2Pi4gYxQ

There must be some truth in music and emotions being tied together! dont the supermakets play certain  music to get shoppers to buy more products ?

heres a link i came across because of your question.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Music-and-Emo … p;id=40634

Also  the smell of someone ironing, takes me back to childhood. It always reminds me of coming home from school and me Mam  up to her oxters in clothes waiting to be ironed..

Old Doll.

Hey this is great!  Thanks, folks, for your info, especially Jerome.oneil.  I'm going to see if I can find that book at the library.

I will do that, Jerome.  Thanks again for the info.  I'm interested in reading a book like that.  Who knows?  Maybe it's way over my head too but I'll definitely try to check it out if I can.  I'm sure I'll get something out of it.

I enjoy writing music and I have noticed that my dog reacts differently to different songs that I play. And it also reacts the same to each song every time I play them.

I knew the latest band I joined was going to be successful when I saw audience members doing what I call "the snakedance". they would gyrate in their seats - even while eating or talking to someone.
http://www.myspace.com/johnrenomusic
I sailed with a golden lab sea dog who loved my guitar playing (I'm sorry he died - he was my first doggie fan). He would snuggle up so close while I played, I could barely move my right arm.
He whined when my friend (his owner) tried his first "G" chord.
One night a school of dolphins hung around the beach at Pirate's Cove for six hours until the jam session was over.