"There's a Spark" - The Neurochemistry of Music
- Dr. Teresa Wenhart
- Mar 25
- 5 min read
Have you ever wondered why music makes you feel so happy or calm? Music influences your brain in amazing ways – both when listening and actively playing. In this article, you'll learn how music promotes the release of happiness and bonding hormones, as well as stress-reducing and immunity-boosting neurotransmitters. Discover the fascinating neurochemical processes behind your favorite music!
Numerous neurochemical processes are influenced by listening to music and actively making music, particularly in social contexts, such as in groups.
The Role of Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that facilitate communication between neurons. Several neurotransmitters have been associated with listening to music and making music:
Dopamine - Reward & Happiness Through Music
One of the most important neurochemical reactions of the body to music is the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. Studies have shown that listening to music that one personally enjoys can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain. This increase in dopamine can induce feelings of well-being and euphoria, which partly explains why music has such a strong emotional impact on people. Some individuals, especially professional musicians who spend many hours a day with music, describe daily music making almost as an "addiction." Imaging studies have demonstrated that while listening to music perceived as pleasant, blood flow increases in regions associated with the dopamine-driven reward system of the brain, which is also involved in addictive substances or gambling.
Achieving goals on an instrument, such as successfully playing a challenging passage through practice or reaching a milestone, releases dopamine and simultaneously strengthens self-efficacy, provided one attributes the success to oneself. Naturally, positive critiques and performance-related compliments trigger significant dopamine boosts (including the well-known "performance high"), which, however, carry the risk of becoming overly emotionally dependent on the opinions of others. When these reactions from others are absent or negative, particularly negative emotions can arise. In such cases, the dopamine level rises significantly in anticipation, only to drop sharply if the expected reaction does not occur. Genuine appreciation and meaningful feedback are therefore healthier in the long term and more successful pedagogically. To become independent of others' opinions, self-set goals and self-reflection in a journal can also help (See also: SMART - Psychologically Effective Goals).
Serotonin - Music for Good Mood & as an Antidepressant
Music can evoke a wide range of emotions such as joy, sadness, and fear, and for many people, music holds significant importance as they actively use it to modulate their mood. Serotonin is another neurotransmitter that influences mood and emotions, and it is often prescribed in the form of serotonin reuptake inhibitors to treat depressive symptoms and anxiety. Music can promote the release of serotonin, thus contributing to mood improvement – similar to how exercise in fresh air does.
GABA & Glutamate - Music for Relaxation and Stimulation
GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, can reduce muscle tension and has a relaxing effect, which in turn promotes relaxation while listening to music. Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, plays a role in the perception of sound quality and rhythm.
The Role of Hormones
In addition to neurotransmitters, hormones also influence the neurochemical reactions to music, provided they cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain.
Endorphins - Music as a drug and pain reliever
Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers and happiness hormones, released during euphoric states, pain, and even when falling in love. Music that evokes strong emotions can stimulate the release of endorphins. This can create a feeling of euphoria and explains why music is often associated with positive experiences and memories.
Oxytocin - Strengthening Social Bonds through Music
Oxytocin, often referred to as the "cuddle hormone," plays a role in social bonding and empathy. Music can promote the release of oxytocin, especially when experienced in social groups, such as at concerts or during group singing. This can enhance feelings of connection and togetherness. Oxytocin is also released significantly during childbirth, breastfeeding, general physical contact between people, and after sexual intercourse. However, it is still unclear whether music specifically triggers oxytocin release or if this effect is solely due to the social activity and the resulting strengthened social bonds, which could also occur during any other positive social activity.
Cortisol - Music for Stress Reduction
Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released in increased amounts during stressful situations. Music can help lower cortisol levels, leading to relaxation and stress reduction. Slow, calm music is often associated with a calming effect. Studies have shown that listening to slow, quiet music can reduce heart rate and stress hormones like cortisol. (See also: Heartfelt - How Music Influences Heart Function). For patients with anxiety or in postoperative care, music can reduce the concentration of other substances related to stress.
See also: Stress in Musicians
Immune Messengers - Boosting Immunity through Music Making
Numerous studies have been conducted on the immune-boosting effects of listening to and making music. Immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) is an immune agent produced in bodily fluids like saliva, bronchial secretions, and digestive juices, and it is the first substance of the immune system to confront bacteria and viruses. Several studies have shown that both listening to calm, pleasant music and actively making music, especially singing in a choir, increase the amount of s-IgA in saliva. This effect was particularly pronounced in singers during performances (values were only moderately elevated during rehearsals), especially when they perceived the performance positively.
Conclusion - Harnessing the Neurochemistry of Music in Everyday Life
Music has an impressive and profound effect on your musician's brain and your health. It influences numerous neurochemical processes, ranging from the release of happiness and bonding hormones to the reduction of stress and the strengthening of the immune system. Whether listening to music or actively making it, especially in social groups, music offers you enormous emotional and physical benefits as a musician. Through the neurochemistry of music, you can not only elevate your mood and well-being but also boost your health resilience and social bonds—healthy aging included. Stay tuned and continue to discover how music can positively transform your life!
Sources & further reading
Altenmüller, E. (2018). Vom Neandertal in die Philharmonie: Warum der Mensch ohne Musik nicht leben kann. Springer-Verlag.
Chanda, M. L. & Levitin D. J., »The Neurochemistry of Music«, in: Trends in Cognitive Sciences 17 (2013), Nr. 4, S.179–193 (für einen Überblick)
Wenhart, T., "Backstage - physiologische und mentale Höchstleistungen von Orchestermusikern", in: Amort, F. (ed., 2023), 500 Jahre gelebte Tradition - das bayerische Staatsorchester. Bärenreiter Verlag
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