‘Classical Music Does Your Body Good.’ Experiencing Classical Music and the Positive Holistic Benefits.  

Music is more than just melodies and rhythms played on the radio or listened to in a concert hall. It can be a source of physical and mental relief while providing calm sensations in a time of chaos and stress. 

Could listening to classical music make us healthier, happier and more emotionally grounded? Yes, it actually can. Here’s how: 

Heart Health

Research and scientific studies show listening to classical music on a regular basis can lower blood pressure, create healthier sleep patterns, ease physical pain, reduce stress, and more.   

Classical music can have positive effects on your mental and physical well-being. In a 2016 study, researchers compared the effects of two different musical genres like Mozart and Strauss with that of disco, pop group, ABBA, on heart health issues. It was found that those who listen to classical music had lower blood pressure numbers, as well as lower heart rates. ABBA’s songs didn’t show the same effects. 

Another study done by Oxford University scientists found that music from composers like Beethoven, and Puccini can have a calming effect on the body and contribute to lowering blood pressure. Musical pieces with a repeated 10-second rhythm could correspond with positive changes in blood pressure that could lower the heart rate.

Easing Physical Pain

Helping relieve physical pain could be as simple as turning on Strauss or Tchaikovsky. 

According to a published study in the International Journal of Critical Illness and Injury Science , patients suffering from physical pain, as well as anxiety, depression and cardiovascular issues, can benefit from listening to classical music the most compared to other music styles.

“Soft, silent, or quiet classical or mediation music is associated with the reduced need for sedative drugs and reduced perception of pain. Despite the well known effects of music in intensive care medicine, this kind of [treatment] is observed rarely in daily practice,” according to the study. 

Better Sleep 

Listening to classical music can be an easy and inexpensive intervention to help create healthier sleep patterns for restless sleepers. Studies have shown that listening to music with upbeat, fast-paced tempos and music with words can create the need for your brain to multitask and actively respond to the music style, making it difficult to focus on sleep. 

Classical music usually acquires a slow tempo and calm, soothing rhythms. Scientists claim that classical tempo’s are in a similar rhythm to the human heart, which can ease anxiety and depression. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious over a meeting or presentation, play some classical tunes while laying in bed. 

Turning on Brahms or Mahler can be a great way to calm your mind and thoughts to get a good night's rest. 

Reduce Stress Levels 

If you can’t seem to turn off your overthinking thoughts, listening to classical radio may be your solution. Classical music can increase your “feel good” neurotransmitters in your brain, which can reduce stress or anxiety levels significantly. Slow and soft-toned music can produce a relaxing sensation more significant than other music genres.

“Bright, cheerful music can make people of all ages feel happy, energetic, and alert, and music may even has a role in lifting the mood of people with depressive illnesses,” according to a Harvard Medical School article. 

The power of music is shown to reduce stress levels of many kinds. Music has allowed people to express their emotions and communicate with others. Being able to listen to or create music can provide avenues of relaxation and lower stress-related hormones.

Where you can hear live classical music in the Valley 

Although classical music may not be your first “go-to” when listening to music or turning on your favorite playlist, it may just be the right holistic medicine you need.

Your Youngstown Symphony Orchestra (YSO) has provided top-quality classical music for 96 years and continues to create a relaxing and enjoyable experience for patrons today. With the wide variety of musical programming and guest conductors, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

If you are looking for an opportunity to experience a serene musical journey performed by Your Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, come watch and listen to A Journey Serene this Sunday, November 20th at 2:30 pm in the Concert Hall at Stambaugh Auditorium. 

The deep colors and calm breeze of harvest time create sensations of peace felt through Deep Summer Music (Libby Larsen). Mahler Lieder eines Fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer) will take the audience through the emotions of love and loss. The concert will close with Brahms’ Symphony No. 2. Guest Conductor Dean Buck will lead the YSO.

For more show information and to purchase tickets, visit the link below