How to Use Background Music
Music is a virtually inescapable part of society. Whether we are turning up the radio or hardly even aware of the music in our environment, it is nonetheless present. Many studies have analyzed the effects of background music--music we may or may not be aware of--on our cognitive and emotional processes. As it turns out, there does seem to be a variety of uses for background music.
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Instructions
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Set the mood using music. There is a reason spas play slow, ethereal-sounding music at a soft volume, whereas trendy clothing stores play upbeat pop music. Whether or not you are aware of it, you respond emotionally to the volume, tempo and melodic and harmonic patterns of the music, which consequently causes feelings of arousal, relaxation and sedation, or even depression.
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Incite physical change. Evidence supports that, in addition to influencing our emotions, music affects us physiologically. Even neonates have been shown to respond to musical stimuli as far as heart rate and sleep patterns.
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Supplement visuals by incorporating background music. The next time you watch a movie, pay attention to the presence of music. During suspenseful moments, music is often dissonant and tense, whereas joyful moments are accompanied by bright and consonant music. Not only is this setting the mood, but it is reinforcing our response to visual stimuli and helping us to draw conclusions about what we see.
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Market and advertise using music. Catchy, upbeat tunes accompanying certain products or services invoke positive associations, regardless of the lyrics. Familiar tunes may actually help an audience identify with your product or service, not because the music related in any way, but because it is familiar. You can even target a specific audience based on the music you use.
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Encourage productivity. Whether working or working out, studies suggest certain music may boost productivity. This is most likely related to the impact music has on mood.
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Facilitate rote learning and memorization. Though the "Mozart effect" is disputable, there may be some merit to playing certain types of background music when studying and learning. As our brains process the repetitive patterns of music, there may be heightened sensitivity to recognizing and remembering other patterns as well.
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Exercise your brain. The various elements of music, such as tempo, melodic patterns, harmonic patterns, timbre and rhythm, each activate different areas and processes of our brain. Listening to music is, therefore, roughly equivalent to a full-body workout for the brain, whether we are actively or passively listening.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember, the type of music you choose may not affect every individual equally. We all have our personal preferences and associations, and, in some cases, music may prove more detrimental than useful. Observe reactions to background music and adjust accordingly.
Visit your local library or contact your local university for help finding more studies related to background music.
