There are numerous arguments that support why music therapy is truly amazing and beneficial, I picked several that I thought made the most sense and would have the most evidence behind them.
1) Music makes people happier because it causes the brain to release a feel-good neurotransmitter called dopamine.
2) Music lowers stress and improves health because it decreases the stress hormone cortisol, which counteracts the effects of chronic stress, and needless to say stress causes 60% of illness and disease.
3) Over 30% of Americans suffer from insomnia, and studies show that listening to music before or during sleep makes for a much more restful night.
4) Unfortunately there are thousands of people around the world trying to cope with the side affects of chronic disease and illness like cancer and geriatric/ICU patients, etc., but studies show that music therapy for these patients actually reduces pain.
5) It has been proven that listening/engaging in musical activities raises one's IQ and academic performance.
6) Despite age, Listening to music and playing instruments help keep our minds young because it exercises all parts of the brain which is very healthy.
7) Studies show that among young children, musical activities such as music class in elementary school increases verbal intelligence, which is why it's extremely important that we keep music as part of the required curriculum.
8) Strokes are the 5th largest leading cause of death in the United States, and they happen for various reasons, some unknown. However it's been proven that music therapy does in fact increase recovery in stroke patients.
9) Surgery can be a very scary and risky move for anyone, but studies show that music helps surgery patients by decreasing anxiety before the procedure and increases relaxation afterwards.
-Samantha Gardner
English 122
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