Music has a universal appeal. It can be compared to food. People have their preferences and cannot like all the varieties of food on earth; yet, generally speaking, food does not repulse anybody, unless they are sick. Music is something like that. You like some genres of music, and you don't like some genres. But, generally speaking, music does not repulse anybody. You will rarely hear a generalized statement, such as "I hate music!"

Music does something to humanity. Ask anybody why they listen to music, and the common reply will be, "Because it feels so good!" Music does make you feel good just as sex makes you feel good, and food makes you feel good.

The few months of my life when I was trying to learn guitar were the most alert, depression-free, and happy days of my life. I quit guitar because the music master turned out to be a modern Hitler, who expected too much from his pupils, but I never stopped listening to music. For me, music is a great motivator that can really improve the power of my brain. While mulling over the benefits of music, I am also reminded of a Christopher Pike character, a teenaged writer of thrillers, who couldn't write a single word unless the music was on.

All the good that music has done in my life has led me to compile a list of the benefits of music for hub pages.

So, here goes:

• Research has shown that music with a strong beat improves concentration, encourages alert thinking, and promotes a calm, meditative state of mind.
• The benefits of music continue even after you have stopped listening to it.
• Music slows breathing and heart rate and soothes tense muscles. In other words, it relaxes you completely, and this is how it reduces stress and creates a healthier you.
• Music brings about a positive state of mind by chasing depression and anxiety.
• It heightens creativity and optimism.
• Music lowers blood pressure, which in turn reduces the risk of stroke and other health problems.
• It boosts immunity.
• Playing a musical instrument makes you smarter. It makes your mind alert and active and sharpens memory.
• Music teaches discipline, simply because you need a lot of regular practice if you want to be an accomplished musician.
• It instills in you a sense of achievement. Those who have tried mastering a musical instrument will know what I mean. The sense of achievement you feel when you have mastered a piece of music is unequalled by anything else in the world.
• At first, learning to play a musical instrument can be hard work. As time passes and you become an experienced player, you will find that playing your instrument is sheer joy and fun. It can be an experience that enriches your life in ways you never imagined.
• Music can be very helpful for people who are about to undergo a surgery. It decreases stress, nervousness, pain, and nausea. It relaxes the person and increases his/her sense of control. It increases a person's emotional energy to deal with stressful situations, and encourages quicker healing of the wound.
• You can exercise better when you are accompanied by music because music is a great motivator.
• Music shuts out the external world and enables you to concentrate, which explains why you are able to perform better when you are listening to it.

Extra Information

The National Association for Music Education: Read a long article about why you should teach your children music.

Music Education Online: This page gives 12 benefits of learning music.

American Music Therapy: Here is a Web site that teaches more about Music Therapy.

Click here for an exhaustive list of the benefits of music study.

Read more about the benefits of listening to music while you exercise.