Why do we find music emotional?

Question

I'm thinking in terms of brain function. I believe it has something to do with the proximity of the brain areas responsible for emotion and those responsible for sound

Answer 1

There are, within music, certain rythms that coincide with body functions such as heart rate and the body will react to these stimuli and adjust, this will release a chemical that will induce a certain emotion, some of these reactions are very primitive and some more sophisticated. Memeory also has a part to play, music may remind one of certain situations, places, people etc and therefore hearing the same or similar peice of music will evoke that memory set and emotive content thereof ...

Answer 2

I'm guessing this, and I think it is a valid answer.
Music is a series of notes, combinations of which trigger emotions. Fast music triggers adrenaline; slow, heartfelt music produces emotions of sadness. Emotions are chemicals, some of which are toxic, I believe, that are released into our body. This is how we 'feel' sad, happy et cetera. I think that depending on which combination of notes are played, different emotions, or chemicals, are released, causing us to feel a particular way, that is, sad, happy, angry, et cetera. Because the brain can register sounds (that is, understand if they are high notes or low notes, and remember particular tunes), the brain reacts in a different way to each tune, and, as above, releases different combinations of chemicals for each type of music and tune. This may also be where the like and dislike of particular types of music comes from.

Answer 3

What an awesome question ! Unfortunately I don't know the answer, but I may have to do some research because I've never really even thought about it. I'm sure it's related to some instinct....we are soothed as babies by our mothers heartbeat and/or soft voice, while being scared by the growl of a vicious animal. I would imagine it all ties in to that kind of thing somehow, but just on a more sophisticated level. .

Answer 4

good question.i think how you feel about music is what the composer want you to feel .its pretty basic,in horror movies you get certain types of scores than in an action flick etc.
point is music evokes these emotions becoz we relate to it too much as we categorize it,love songs,ballads,gospel etc.
thats what music is supposed to do make you feel 'something',thats why its important to choose music wisely.
the lyrics are a different story all together.if i can or may,i would say music and words are seperate.
when one sings its called a praise or lament,music is played.
emotions usually come after you listen to those words and remember situations whilst the beat(music) is subconsciously lifting that 'feeling' of ,anger,love,tenderness,need etc,which is more important than the word itself.
emotional manipulation is what i call this song by this other girl(Kellis),it goes something like ''i hate you so much right now'',the lyrics are hate speech whilst the beat is up tempo thats why i see people dancing to it.
uplifting music is non emotional,hence jazz and all types of instrumentals are healthy.
its pointless wanting to know the science of it all clinicaly,but rewarding to learn the effects it has on you socially.
my music,which i consider to be the best for me and my child is listening to the trees,birds the flowing river and the ever 'emotional' music in tranqulity.
hope you see the light.

Answer 5

that is a wonderful question,one of the best i have seen on this site.
i don't know the answer to that but i think that music and other art forms takes us to a place in our minds where we are free to be who we are.
sight,taste,sound and touch are all in the pleasure part of our brain and i guess we feel emotion with pleasure.

Answer 6

I think it's because certain words in songs touch our hearts, bring back memories, and sometimes we feel like we can connect to what the song is saying at a particular point in our lives.

Answer 7

It causes the release of chemicals into the brain.

Answer 8

because it reminds of of certain things whether its a person, place or a time and or event it just depends on the tempo of the music if its soft you feel comfortable if its reall heavy you might get all pumped up

Answer 9

because we use music as we would do diary's when a song comes on IT will remind you of a time which is good or bad every time i hear song i cry laugh or just feel down in side

Answer 10

because its an emotion in itself, the musician/s who made it they are trying to sharing their emotions with us, heard or felt by each of us differently. maybe.