Thursday, June 24, 2010

Benefits of Recreational Music Making

Dr. Barry MD, the Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute’s president and CEO, oversees both clinical and laboratory studies for Yamaha. Among the researchers’ findings: “recreational music-making” modulates natural killer cell activity in the body, a marker of immune response, and reduces stress as evidenced by changes in cells at the molecular level. 

Anyone who plays music knows about its positive effects first-hand. So, why go to the trouble to prove its benefits scientifically? Because only 7.6% of the U.S. adult population plays a musical instrument.   

Dr. Bittman thinks that musical instruments could be more widely used in health care settings to reduce stress, improve mood, lower blood pressure, and possibly affect the course of many diseases including cancer and heart disease. At Yamaha, we define recreational music making as music-based activities that unite people of all ages and musical experience. These activities provide exercise, social support, bonding, spirituality, intellectual stimulation, an ability to cope with life’s challenges – it is creative expression that unites body, mind and spirit

We couldn't agree more.  Click here to read the full article by Leah Garnett then make some music today and feel better!

No comments:

 
Music