The Sounds of Music in Our Lives by Judy Shabert, M.D.
Music has the ability to create strong emotions that affect our mind, body and soul. Since antiquity philosophers have written about the value of music for humans, but not until the 20th century was actual research conducted on music's effects on plants, animals and humans.

Dorothy Retallack, in the 1960s, showed that playing classical music (Beethoven, Bach, Haydn etc.) and sitar stimulated the healthy growth of plants. However, plants exposed to the music of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Vanilla Fudge grew away from the sound, did not thrive and most died. Focusing her attention on people, she found that the same classical music that stimulated healthy plant growth produced muscle relaxation and tranquility in humans. Much of this music has a rhythm closely approximating the beating of the human heart, which may account for its benefits.

Music can both raise and lower the stress hormone cortisol. Lowering cortisol in our blood can create calm and relaxation in our stress-filled lives, and music with 60 - 70 beats per minute tends to do this. For some people, particularly teen-agers this might not be desirable. The London Times reports that rowdy teen-agers stopped loitering in front of a certain establishment once hard rock music was replaced by classical music. In certain situations it is normal and desirable for cortisol to be increased. During strenuous physical activity like aerobic exercise and athletic competition music with a rapid beat will energize the body and stimulate cortisol production for enhanced performance. One can appreciate the suspense and heightened intensity of a band playing at a football game. Fast foods restaurants also use up-tempo, cortisol-stimulating music to keep customers moving through their restaurant more rapidly.

Research has also shown that music can boost sleep in people with insomnia, enhance mood by relieving depression and anxiety, and lower blood pressure and heart rate when these are abnormally high. Trained and certified music therapists have special knowledge in providing the right music for the right patient at the right time.

Babies in intensive care units who were exposed to heart sounds and other soothing music were discharged from the hospital a full 12 days before others. By listening to or participating in specific music, people who have Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, stroke or other disabling physical conditions improve more than people who don't. People with schizophrenia and autism become more social when music is played. Women in labor and individuals experiencing chronic pain are encouraged to listen to music to help relieve symptoms. If music is used prior to surgery the need for medication is decreased. In cancer patients music therapy can decrease nausea and vomiting from chemotherapeutic drugs.

Anne Savan, a chemistry teacher in Wales, taught boys with special needs. When she played orchestral pieces by Mozart, the usually unruly, uncoordinated and unfocused boys settled down to their tasks. They could perform experiments that they had been previously unable to do.

In addition to music's positive effects on emotional and physical state, music may improve our brains. In 1990s Dr. Frances Rauscher had college students listen to a Mozart piano sonata, relaxation music or no music at all. She discovered that for 10 -15 minutes following this exposure, the students who listened to Mozart were able to perform better in certain spatial activities. Don Campbell popularized this idea in his book, The Mozart Effect, claiming that one can increase intelligence by listening to classical music. While many scientists dispute Don Campbell's broad claim, Dr. Rauscher's work has generated enormous interest and research.

Where can you find music that has so many benefits? The Kaua'i Concert Association brings to the island a wide spectrum of music every year. The association's 2004-05 concerts will provide a wide range of musical and emotional delights - some to relax you, some to get you charged. The classical concerts include a Van Cliburn concert winning pianist, Jon Nakamatsu, the Ahn Trio, sisters highlighted on MTV and in Gap ads, and the St. Petersburg String Quartet, with Grammy-nominated guitarist, Paul Galbraith. The contemporary components are Louis Hayes and the Cannonball Adderly Legacy Band, the Honolulu Brass, and the Honolulu Jazz Quartet. The exciting season opener is the Harlem Gospel Choir on November 6.

Tickets for the entire season, for segments, or individual concerts are available at Border's, or by calling 245-SING. For more information visit the website at www.kauai-concert.org.

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