Brainwave Music and Musicians
Brainwave music is an audio format that has been scientifically proven to have beneficial effects on the brain. Studies have noted its ability to promote relaxation, focus, sleep, concentration and pain relief; in addition, it may serve as a therapy tool to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Focus is key when it comes to focus for musicians, and there are various brainwave patterns that can impact performance. These include delta, alpha, theta and gamma waves which can be measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG).
The delta state is often associated with deep, dreamless sleep – an essential step in healing. It also serves to induce profound spiritual experiences and subconscious patterning.
Alpha Waves are a focused state of calmness and clarity that can help a performer focus on their music without distractions. This is also the mindset many hypnotherapists recommend their clients use when preparing for sessions with them.
Beta patterns, on the other hand, are fast impulsive waves that may lead to overthinking or lack of focus. This is a common issue for musicians as they get caught up in performance mode without being aware of what’s going on around them.
That is why it is essential for musicians to comprehend how brain waves influence their performance. Doing so will enable them to make adjustments to their technique that will enable them to achieve the highest level of excellence possible.
Research has been done to uncover the impact that music has on brainwave activity. Some studies examine its effects in healthy individuals, while others examine patients with various conditions. In either case, brainwave spectral analysis is employed to measure how music alters power spectral density at various frequencies within the brainwave spectrum.
Studies of Mozart’s Sonata K448 have demonstrated a marked increase in alpha waves (8), the same frequency found in our background alpha rhythm, which may help improve spatial performance.
Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” has also been shown to have an beneficial effect on bioelectric activity of the brain (7). Additionally, this song helps improve attention and concentration levels as well.
The valence of music you listen to can have an effect on how effective it is at altering your brainwaves. For instance, listening to positive valenced (such as a happy song) has been known to reduce alpha, beta and theta power in the auditory cortex while listening to negatively valenced music increases these frequencies (8).
Music with a positive valence and played at the right frequency, known as binaural beats, is the most effective for altering brainwaves. You can find plenty of these on YouTube.
