What are the specific musical elements that contribute to the relaxing effects of music?
8/8/20232 min read
Elements that contribute to the relaxing effects of music include:
1. Slow tempo: Slow-paced music with a relaxed rhythm can help slow down the heart rate and induce a sense of calmness [5].
2. Consonant harmony: Music with consonant harmonies, such as simple and pleasing chord progressions, can create a sense of stability and relaxation [5].
3. Repetition: Repetitive patterns in music can have a soothing effect on the listener, promoting relaxation and a meditative state [5].
4. Ambient noise: Incorporating gentle, natural sounds like flowing water or soft wind into the music can enhance the relaxing experience and create a tranquil atmosphere [5].
5. Seventh notes: "Happy" music often includes the addition of the seventh note of the scale to the main three notes in the chord. This creates a brief feeling of tension followed by relief or resolution, which can contribute to a pleasurable and relaxing experience [2].
These musical elements work together to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, helping to reduce stress, lower heart rate, and induce a sense of tranquility. It's important to note that the specific musical preferences and responses to relaxation may vary from person to person, so it's essential to explore different genres and musical styles to find what works best for individual relaxation needs.
References:
1. What makes music relaxing? An investigation into musical elements. Sage Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0305735618798027.
2. Happy songs: these are the musical elements that make us happy. Yahoo News. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/happy-songs-musical-elements-us-151803529.html.
3. What makes music relaxing? An investigation into musical elements. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327843860_What_makes_music_relaxing_An_investigation_into_musical_elements.
4. The Science Behind the Relaxing Effects of Music. Audio-Technica. https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/blog/science-behind-relaxing-effects-music/.
5. How to Create Emotion in Music: Tranquillity. Recording Arts. https://recordingarts.com/community/tips/samuel-beilman/exploring-tranquility-in-music
6. Effects of Relaxing Music on Mental Fatigue Induced by a Cognitive Task. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0136446
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