The 'How Does Music Affect You?' thread (in association with Shard)

(Yes, it's yet another thread with which I try to distract myself from myself, and from the troubles I constantly bring both to me and to all-round much better people):

How Does Music Affect You?

There's an interesting article on the NAS website about music therapy for autists. One unfortunate person who struggles to communicate his emotions has been helped by way of this therapy: thankfully, he can now use musical instruments to have a 'voice' when, ordinarily, he might be lost in silence. After reading this feature, I wondered how music affects our lives? Not only in the 'helping' sense but also in music's basic power to change or sustain our moods? It doesn't matter if your own examples are standard or unusual ones. I'll start us off ~

*Cue the obligatory and dreaded 'Simon examples', listed because he has no actual life-experiences beyond those in his mind*:

1. When watching Kate Bush's 'The Sensual World' video, I feel transported to a world of Romance. It's like a Pre-Raphaelite painting come to life. A medieval fairytale in crimson, adorned with Autumn leaves. It is breathtaking. Who needs reality?:

'And how we wished to live in the sensual world...
You don't need words -
Just one kiss, then another

Stepping out of the page
Into the sensual world'

2. I often have images in my mind when listening to music, but sometimes I get it 'wrong'. On hearing a Classical piece, I was unshakeably convinced that it soundtracked a slender ship cutting through the ocean, casting blue waves aside; later, I found out that the piece actually represented the flowering of an English country garden. Doh.

More interestingly, (I hope): How Does Music Affect *You*?

Parents
  • I find some music relaxing. I often listen to quiet music before bed which helps me to unwind. I can remember short repetitive lyrics, but not whole songs so sometimes prefer instrumental. Also I struggle with seeing pictures in my mind.

    If it is busy around me I sometimes listen to music with headphones to zone out of the busyness.

    I like lively music when ironing or decorating as it helps the time pass.

    I can't usually concentrate on written work or calculations with songs in the background. However recently whilst working at home when I had a complicated task and my neighbours were doing DIY loudly, the only way I could concentrate was by putting on headphones with instrumental music.

Reply
  • I find some music relaxing. I often listen to quiet music before bed which helps me to unwind. I can remember short repetitive lyrics, but not whole songs so sometimes prefer instrumental. Also I struggle with seeing pictures in my mind.

    If it is busy around me I sometimes listen to music with headphones to zone out of the busyness.

    I like lively music when ironing or decorating as it helps the time pass.

    I can't usually concentrate on written work or calculations with songs in the background. However recently whilst working at home when I had a complicated task and my neighbours were doing DIY loudly, the only way I could concentrate was by putting on headphones with instrumental music.

Children
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