Music can make us feel an array of emotions depending on so many factors, including its compositions, the presence of lyrics, our associations with certain pieces of music and the effects of different keys or melodies on our interpretation of sound.
The enjoyment of music involves the same pleasure centre in the brain as other forms of pleasure, such as food, sex, and drugs. Evidence shows that an aesthetic stimulus, such as music, can naturally target the dopamine systems of the brain that are typically involved in highly reinforcing and addictive behaviours. In my research back in phase one, on addiction, I explored how pleasure associated with a particular behaviour and its release of dopamine can become so addictive. Listening to the same music or having a favourite song can become addicting.
Association - The memories we associate with a song or our personal aesthetic preferences influence the music we hear and what we choose to listen to in order to experience a specific emotion. Depending on our experiences, certain songs have special associations. By involving the pre-frontal cortex (part brain associated with memory) music can elicit all kinds of emotions.
Emotional mimicry - When we listen to music, we mirror our reactions to what the music expresses, which is how "sad music" makes us feel sad.
Emotional regulation - People crave escapism during times that cause them anxiety and stress Music offers a resource for this. It can energise, maintain focus on a task, and reduce boredom. Emotionally, sad music enables the listener to disengage from the distressing situations (breakup, death, etc.), and focus instead on the beauty of the music. Lyrics that resonate with the listener’s personal experience can give voice to feelings or experiences that one might not be able to express oneself.
Physical regulation - listening to music can alter your breathing rate, your heart rate, and your blood pressure, depending on the music’s intensity and tempo. This reasons for this are explained in my research found here Brain and Body
The chemical effect -
Music stimulate the release of the hormone dopamine, and the endorphin oxytocin. It also inhibits the release of the hormone, cortisol.
Dopamine is released when your brain is expecting a reward. It’s a contributing factor in motor function, mood, and even our decision making. It is known as the "feel good" hormone.
Oxytocin has the power to regulate our emotional responses and pro-social behaviours, including trust, empathy, positive memories and positive communication. Oxytocin also stimulates cannabinoid receptors and is known to relieve pain as well as induce a feeling of calm, and lower serum cortisol, stress, and anxiety
Cortisol is a hormone known for producing the fight-or-flight response and is the body’s main stress hormone.