Definition and Classification

Different types of music have different effects on mood. For instance, they counteract the effect of stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline through a release of endorphins or happy hormones. Music has dynamics such as tempo, modality, and melody which have implications on excitement, joy or somber mood and calming effects on the listener. The vocal aspects of the music have mood effects through the theme and the humor from the word effects (Szabo, Balogh, Gaspar, Vaczi, & Bosze, 2009). The effect of the different types of music on mood results from the extrinsic factors that alter behavior after listening to music and from a person’s intrinsic expectations.

A study investigated the effect of different types of music namely, grunge rock, new age, classical and designer music on mood. The study used Mozart’s classical music, which is characterized by smooth modulations into major keys, piano concertos, violins, chromatic harmonies and woodwinds played in high pitch. Full orchestras give the music a passionate and variations or punctuations of light melodies. Grunge rock selection consisted of Vitality and it is characterized by loud music having male vocals as the main voices. The music is considerably fast with heavy drum pounding and is also characterized by shouts, screams and partial singing and the instruments include an electric guitar and heavy percussion.

Shepherds moon is an example of new age music is characterized by a female voice singing in a low tempo, generous echoes and does not use percussion instruments. It has diatonic block chords which gives it a gentle feel. Designer music utilizes upbeat and light-hearted feel created through balanced percussion and melodic repetitions and may have a bass accompaniment (McCraty, Barrios-Choplin, Atkinson, & Tomasino, 1998).

Results from the study indicated that classical music has a positive effect on mood as it reduces tension, fatigue and sadness among adults. However, it only had a small effect on negating tension among teenagers. This is attributed to the fact adults enjoy classical music more than teenagers. New age music also had significant effects on relaxation which reduces anxious feelings. However, the study also indicated that the music raised fatigue levels among the teenagers.

Listening to grunge rock which is a form of rock music popular among the youth had little positive effect on adults and teenagers mood alike. This is because it increased their hostile tendencies and tension. It has a negative effect on relaxation and reduces vigor and caring attitudes. Designer music has the greatest positive impact on the listeners. It decreases tension, sadness, hostility and fatigue. Designer music is thus a very effective choice to assist people to cope with stress and promoting emotional wellbeing. It has been used in the treatment of certain emotional disorders (McCraty, Barrios-Choplin, Atkinson, & Tomasino, 1998).

Other reports indicate that people respond differently to joyful and sad music. For instance, they report that those experiencing hurt and emotional pain prefer to listen to sad music because it takes the place of a friend rather than listening to joyful music which does little in offering empathy. The responses to sad music are also strikingly different in situations such as when has a car problem that can be easily fixed (Rea, MacDonald, & Carnes, 2010). Listening to upbeat music assists them to improve their mood as opposed to listening to sad music. This implies that sad music is comforting to those experiencing heartache while joyful music creates an aura of positive mood. For music to have an impact on mood, the listeners must have a premeditated purpose or goal before listening to the selected choice of music. They also must select the right music to ensure that it elicits the desired effect on their mood (Cohen, 2013).

References

Cohen, H. (2013, May 25). Mood, Music, and Genre. Retrieved December 11, 2013, from Baselin eof Health Foundation: http://www.jonbarron.org/article/mood-music-and-genre

McCraty, R., Barrios-Choplin, B., Atkinson, M., & Tomasino, D. (1998). The Effects of Different Types of Music on Mood, Tension, and Mental Clarity. Alternative Therapies, 4(1), 71-84.

Rea, C., MacDonald, P., & Carnes, G. (2010). Listening to Classical, Pop, and Metal Music: An Investigation. Emporia State Research Studies, 4(1), 1-3.

Szabo, A., Balogh, L., Gaspar, Z., Vaczi, M., & Bosze, J. (2009). The Effects of Fast and Slow Tempo Music on Recreational Baseball Training. International Quartely of Sports Science, 2, 1-13.