There’s an old adage about how music sooths the savage beast. Not only is this true, it is actually an understatement. Music plays such a profound part of our lives, that we will barely scratch the surface here, but let’s give it an overview.
All of us grew up with certain songs or instrumentals that strike a chord that reverberates through our entire being. For example, when I hear “My Way,” it immediately carries me back to the seventies when I was a teenager. Back then, I spent lots of time in the swimming pool as I was in competitive swimming. The experience is so profound that I can remember the feel of the water on my face, the smell of chlorinated water and the loud voice of my coach.
There is a theory that certain notes or chords resonate with a vibration that is particularly harmonious to specific people. Have you ever heard a song that gave you “goose bumps?†If so, then you give validation to this theory. When this occurs, the music has a profound affect on the subconscious. Add intense emotion to the equation and you have one powerful, indelible, blueprint on your subconscious that will follow you the rest of your life.
For example, let’s say that you receive news of the death of a loved one while a specific piece of music is playing on the radio. That particular music may have a lasting impression. Years later, for no apparent reason, you may find yourself immediately thrown into a state of depression upon hearing that same tune. The same can be true of positive feelings as described in the story above.
Just for fun, the next time you find yourself hearing a song, try and remember when, where and under what circumstances you heard it for the very first time. The exercise will probably help you to better understand how past events have shaped your musical preferences. And, I’ll wager that the next time you hear “My Way,” you will remember reading this article.
Happy Listening!
Dr Rita Goh
