Why does music bring us pleasure?

Neural DevelopmentRewardWellbeing & Therapy

22 Oct

Music = brain pleasure!

“This study shows for the first time a causal role of dopamine in musical pleasure and motivation: enjoying a piece of music, deriving pleasure from it, wanting to listen to it again, being willing to spend money for it, strongly depend on the dopamine released in our synapses,”

This type of research has many purposes beyond understanding how music affects our brain. Why is it we enjoy participating in cognitively challenging activities like singing and listening to music when it doesn’t seem to directly impact on our survival. Or does it? To survive do we need to feel cognitively alive and does music help create and sustain that cognitively life. Big, exciting questions.

Top 7 questions asked by students

Music Learning

Founder of Bigger Better Brains, Dr Anita Collins, receives hundreds of emails from students around the world asking questions about neuromusical research. So she decided to record a short video about the most asked questions she has received.

Music Learning

Music Listening

The surprising link between music and cognitive health in older adults

Music Listening

Can music play a role in healthy aging? According to new research, the answer might be yes.

Music Listening

Can Music Sync Our Heartbeats? This Study Says Yes!

Music Listening

Imagine sitting in a concert hall, completely immersed in the music, when something incredible happens—you and the people around you begin to breathe and feel the same rhythm.

Music Listening

Advocacy

Trick or Treat! The Halloween Themed Digital Campaign

Advocacy

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Trick or Treat Digital Campaign for Halloween. Enter your email and receive the campaign now!

Advocacy

Fireworks

Tuning up our Brain for the Test

Fireworks

As a music teacher, how often have we heard the phrase, “I have to skip rehearsal, I have a test”? In my school, as in many schools, we have our only rehearsal time in the morning prior to school starting, and I hear this comment regularly through the school year.

Fireworks

Singing

Singing is not just singing, it is social glue

Singing

A new research project will investigate if singing together could be more than just a pleasant pastime; it might be a powerful tool for enhancing cooperation across various aspects of society, from classrooms to boardrooms.

Singing

Advocacy

‘If you’re aiming for this…’ Free Digital Download

Advocacy

Introducing our exciting new ‘If You’re Aiming for This…’ campaign, created to help you engage with your community like never before!

Advocacy

Singing

Pitch Perfect: Singing Earworms Reveals Surprising Trait

Singing

Many of us have experienced those catchy tunes that get stuck in our heads, but did you know that nearly 45% of people can sing these earworms in perfect pitch?

Singing

Singing, Wellbeing & Therapy

Singing Together: How choirs boost brain health and emotional well-being

Singing, Wellbeing & Therapy

Singing in a community choir is more than just a musical activity—it's a powerful therapeutic experience

Singing, Wellbeing & Therapy

Advocacy

Ebook: Music benefits every child!

Advocacy

There is a commonly held belief that learning music should only be for those students who are identified as talented or interested. Neuromusical research has shown that music learning can benefit all students in terms of cognitive development.

Advocacy

'Wanna Be Like...' Olympics Edition

Advocacy

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Olympics 'Wanna Be Like...' campaign, created to celebrate the excitement of the 2024 Olympic Games!

Advocacy

The Advocacy Quiz

Advocacy

Take our free, 60 second quiz and maximize your advocacy impact by discovering your advocacy style and knowledge gaps.

Advocacy

Music Learning, Cognitive Health

Playing music when you're older could come with brain benefits

Music Learning, Cognitive Health

Imagine a world without music. There are no high school marching bands, no commercial jingles, and no need for Grammy Awards. It’s a rather dreary thought, yes?

Music Learning, Cognitive Health

Music Learning, Cognitive Health, Executive Function

Music Education vs. Brain Training Programs

Music Learning, Cognitive Health, Executive Function

Recent research has revealed that brain training programs for children do not lead to significant improvements in real-world cognitive functions.

Music Learning, Cognitive Health, Executive Function

Music Learning, Cognitive Health, Executive Function, Wellbeing & Therapy

Could 'musical medicine' influence healthy aging?

Music Learning, Cognitive Health, Executive Function, Wellbeing & Therapy

Imagine a world where music serves as a powerful tool for healthy aging. Dr. Psyche Loui at Northeastern University explores how music strengthens brain connections, enhancing memory and emotions.

Music Learning, Cognitive Health, Executive Function, Wellbeing & Therapy

Music Learning, Cognitive Health, Executive Function

A 90-minute habit that can boost your brain and mental health!

Music Learning, Cognitive Health, Executive Function

Dr. Seinfeld's research involving participants aged 60 to 85 found that those who took piano lessons showed remarkable improvements in executive functions, attention, and inhibitory control.

Music Learning, Cognitive Health, Executive Function