Neurochemical Responses to Music

Neuroscientific pursuit of music is of growing interest. Literature shows that music enhances neurochemical release, activating the pleasure center of the brain; promotes the secretion of an antibody, enhancing immunity; as well as attenuates and prevents the release of a stress hormone, helping to cope with stressors. These findings demonstrate that music can potentially serve as a scientifically proven medium to exert positive effects on physical and psychological health and well-being. However, research on neurochemical responses to music is still in its infancy and further research is critically needed to determine more specific effects of music. This chapter summarizes existing literature investigating central and peripheral molecular responses to music including neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, hormones, and immune biomarkers, discusses the limitations, and warrants more neuroimaging studies to aim to expand interdisciplinary research in music and neuroscience.