Nobody really knows the origins of music and humans first started to play instruments, although the earliest known musical instrument was found in southern Germany and is believed to have belonged to Neanderthals. The small collection of flutes dating back between 42000 to 43000 years old were made from mammoth tusks.
Many in the scientific community believe they were used for religious purposes, or simply as a way of relaxing during the cold and bleak winters of the time. The fact that they were found in a cave could suggest the latter, but most people agree music was born before that time period and these are simply the best preserved.
Once early mankind started to play basic instruments it is believed that music was used for many different occasions. Religious ceremonies, drums being played before war, and nighttime entertainment whilst relaxing after a hard day hunting are the most likely reasons for playing music.
Nowadays we are surrounded by music, everywhere we go from the mall, commuting to work, the gym, bars, and nightclubs, or just relaxing at home, you cannot go one day without hearing music. But for many people music is more than just entertainment, it helps them cope with their lives, bringing joy regardless of the genre.
Health Benefits of Music
Everybody has different musical tastes, whether it is relaxing to classical music and a glass of wine or listening to johnny cash chords in the car, music can be good for our wellbeing. Here are some of the health benefits of listening to music.
- Lowering anxiety, music can help reduce anxiety and help you remain calm in stressful situations. Studies also show that music blended with natural sounds also helps people who have serious or critical medical conditions, helping to reduce their anxiety after music therapy sessions.
- Helping people suffering from depression, in 2017 a study found that listening to classical music or jazz music and even a combination of both, had positive results during therapy sessions. Similarly, percussion sessions involving drum circles help people suffering from depression.
- Deep breathing, most of the time we are shallow breathing, but by playing a wind instrument you need to breathe much deeper, which is beneficial to our respiratory system and lungs.
- Improves hearing, learning to play music helps you refine your hearing, listening to the notes often amongst other noises, and being able to isolate them is often something only a trained musician can do.
- Correcting posture, all good music teachers will not only train you in playing your chosen instrument but will constantly correct your posture. This helps you outside of the learning environment, even when sitting at home or at work you will adopt a correct seating position. Correcting your alignment will help you avoid neck and back problems in later life.