Music is an art, entertainment, pleasure, and … medicine for the body and soul. Playing music is one of the few activities that involve using the whole brain. Music is intrinsic to all cultures and has surprising benefits not only for learning language, improving memory and focusing attention, but also for physical coordination and development.

Not all types of music have favourable effects, however. Too loud or too jarring music can be distracting, and can compete for our attention with what we’re trying to do. But for the most part, exposure to music, specifically classics, has beneficial effects:

Music heals

Overall, music does have positive effects on pain management. It can help reduce the sensation as well as distress of both chronic pain and postoperative pain.