Chicago (band)

This iconic rock band formed in 1967 in where you could probably guess, Chicago. One of my favorite songs ever is "Saturday in the Park"- my mother and I have listened to this song so much together, that it reminds me of her. Terry Kath Chicago wrote most songs for the band, however the talent across all band members is what made the group so spectacular. Although not as well-known by generations today, it is one of my most highly respected band of artists. 

SMU and UCLA Study - Explained

 On my last post, I briefly summarized the science behind the SMU and UCLA study.  Zachary Wallmark, assistant professor and director of the MuSci Lab at SMU, explained that the study found that people with higher empathy differ from others in the way their brains process music. Journalist Justin Martin explained the research process as follows: "A new study from Southern Methodist University shows that empathetic people — those who are generally more sensitive to the feelings of others — receive more pleasure from listening to music, and their brains show increased activity in areas associated with social interactions. 

Researchers interviewed participants about their taste in music — songs they loved and others they hated. Then, participants were put into an MRI scanner and played different selections, including unfamiliar tunes, and researchers studied how their brain reacted to them.

All participants experienced positive activity in the brain when listening to music they loved, says Zachary Wallmark, an assistant professor of musicology at SMU, who led the study. This activity increased for empathetic people.

When played unfamiliar music they didn’t like, empathetic participants still showed activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of the brain, an area associated with executive control and regulation of emotional reactions, Wallmark says."

It is now scientifically proven that higher empathy people experience music on a more euphoric level compared to those of lower empathy.  The way these empaths process music is compared to how they feel when they have a social encounter- it affects the same areas of the brain. 

SMU and UCLA Study- "Empathetic People Interpret Music Differently"

 Interested in my personal connection with music, I decided to dig deeper into why I feel so passionately that music has healed my soul. I read this study from Southern Methodist University that they partnered with UCLA to understand this same feeling. They discovered that empathetic people are more sensitive and compassionate with music, making it feel more personal to them. Empathetic people interpret music on a deeper level of emotions. One of my strongest and clearest qualities is my empathy, so this study supports my feelings of comfort with music.

"A new study from Southern Methodist University shows that empathetic people — those who are generally more sensitive to the feelings of others — receive more pleasure from listening to music, and their brains show increased activity in areas associated with social interactions."

There is scientific proof that neurologically, music and empathy are directly correlated with one another. 

Van Halen

 One of my father's favorite bands is Van Halen. I wanted to dedicate this post to the bond my father and I share of our love for music, and honor the loss of Eddie Van Halen. With your eyes closed, listen to Eddie play the guitar- it is surreal. His passion literally consumes those who listen and drift us away from reality for a few minutes. Although his death is a tragedy, it is also a gift that his talents and print in the music industry with live on forever. 

"Music is My Life" by Myles Tanzer

 I am currently visiting Dallas, Texas for the first time. I absolutely LOVE it! I have been exploring the different cultures in the area- the city, downtown, the financial district, Boho, and the art centers. I found this amazing book in a local shop called "Music is My Life" by Myles Tanzer. I instantly was drawn to it by the colorful cover including gifted musicians from multiple decades. I saw my personal favorite, Elton John, and knew I needed to read it. It is a color book about different artists and their expression through music. I am so glad I discovered this great read- its a familiar read that is a great escape! I love it.