The Power of Music on the Brain and Performance
- Melissa Hughes
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Back in 2014, Beats by Dre launched a blockbuster campaign to promote Powerbeats, the in-ear headphones designed with LeBron James. It was called My Music / My Power—and it was more than just a clever tagline. Within two days, the commercial amassed 4 million views on YouTube. As an Akron native and a LeBron fan, I couldn’t resist. But here's the interesting part…
They weren’t just selling earbuds. They were selling brain science.
The Science Behind Music and Emotion
It turns out, music really is power. Thanks to advances in neuroscience, we now understand that music doesn't just move us emotionally; it rewires us biologically. When we hear music we love, our brains release dopamine, the “feel-good” neurochemical that fuels pleasure and motivation. Songs that evoke nostalgia can trigger oxytocin, the bonding hormone, while meditative melodies boost serotonin and lower cortisol, the primary stress hormone in our bodies.
As we age, our brains naturally lose some of their volume. A new fMRI study on the cognitive benefits of music revealed that learning to play an instrument or participating in music awareness classes that promote "active listening" for six months can increase gray matter volume in specific brain regions. This improvement can lead to enhanced working memory.
Music's Role in Productivity
Totaljobs.com partnered with a music psychologist to create The Sound of Productivity Report. Interestingly, 79% of survey respondents reported that they work better with music. In contrast, 21% preferred a music-free environment.
Listening to music before or during physical activities can significantly increase performance. Many top athletes utilize music as a mental preparation tool. For example, LeBron James listens to Jay-Z before his games, while Gabby Douglas enjoys Katy Perry. Personal music preferences do play a role, yet research shows that different genres can affect performance in various ways.
If you’re a golfer, consider adding Miles Davis or John Coltrane to your playlist. A 2014 exploratory study found that different music genres impacted putting accuracy. The results indicated that music improved putting performance compared to silence. Notably, jazz outperformed other genres such as hip-hop, rap, classical, country, and rock.
In essence, your favorite playlist can be a custom cocktail of chemicals for your brain. Fast tempos boost energy and focus, while slower tempos can lower heart rates and calm our nervous systems. This is because brainwaves sync with music, gently guiding our bodies into different physiological states. It’s akin to having a remote control for your mood—shaped like a Spotify playlist.
The right song at the right time can enhance your performance, sharpen your concentration, or help you relax. Implementing a little music psychology into your playlist can give your brain an extra boost.
The Right Music for Every Task
Rock music, especially tunes like Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and 50 Cent’s “In Da Club,” has been shown to elicit power-related thoughts and behaviors. A recent study confirmed that power music enhances abstract thinking and gives a sense of control, traits associated with intellectual power. So, before a big presentation or an important negotiation, turn up some Queen to boost your confidence.
Classical music, particularly the elegance of Vivaldi’s scores, has improved focus, memory, and concentration. Slower Baroque music fosters a stimulating environment, which is conducive to cognitive tasks. If classical music isn't your favorite, soft instrumental ambient tracks can also enhance alertness. It's essential to choose instrumental music, as lyrics can compete for our attention and decrease our ability to focus.
Unfamiliar music fosters abstract thinking and helps generate creative ideas. Sensory melodies, such as those by Debussy and Ravel, stimulate the imagination and access the unconscious mind where many creative impulses reside. Soft jazz or “new age” music without a dominant rhythm can also inspire creativity. However, you must find the perfect volume; if it's too low, you'll strain to hear it, and if too loud, it can be distracting.
While soothing tunes are commonly linked with relaxation, what reduces stress can vary greatly among individuals and even change throughout the day. Some find comfort in classic rock, while others prefer reggae or jazz. Surprisingly, slower samba tunes can provide both comfort and energy. And let’s be honest, Frank's voice can brighten anyone's day.
[Insert Your Favorite Song Here: For Higher Brain Function]
Studies indicate that cognitive test performance improves when listening to music that an individual enjoys. Conversely, hearing music that one doesn't like diminishes this effect. So, if you’re a U2 fan, listening to Mozart may not provide the same cognitive boost. Any music that enhances your mood and elevates your energy levels can yield immediate cognitive benefits.
