Science of Music
Music and mental health: what scientists have revealed about the connections between them
Does listening to and playing classical music benefit the brain? Though much is still unknown, James Goodwin says there is plenty of evidence to suggest a strong connection between music and mental health
Timing, poise and mental calm: why legendary gymnast Simone Biles is an inspiration for all musicians
Conductor Gemma New salutes the focus, positivity and grace under pressure of artistic gymnast Simone Biles
Reduced stress, healthy heart… and five other surprising benefits that music will give you
We know that music has a positive effect on the brain, but music’s impact on the body can also be helpful, improving heart health, stress levels and pain management
New research shows surge in mental health concerns among musicians and performing artists since Covid-19
The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine has revealed that its mental health consultations have quadrupled since 2019
How music therapy is treating victims of torture and war, facing the long-term consequences of trauma
Harmin Sijercic, a refugee from Bosnia, has been running creative music therapy at Freedom from Torture for over 16 years. He reflects on how music therapy has helped him on his own journey escaping war, and how he's since used music to support others to rebuild their lives
Music and AI: how AI will shape the future of music
The AI revolution is here, but how will it affect the musical world? We look into the future of music and AI – and how the two will be irrevocably linked
Music from memory: pros and cons of playing music without the score
How do you learn music by heart? The classical music world is mixed in its views towards playing music without the score, but when does it help or hinder a performance?
The Mozart Effect: does Mozart actually make you smarter?
Does Mozart actually make babies smarter? We're here to bust myths and sort the rumours from the reality
Here's how listening to music might help you trigger lucid dreaming
Lucid dreaming is something lots of people will never experience, but it's something many of us are interested in. Here's how music might be able to help you start...
Listening to these pieces of classical music will improve your concentration
What is the best music to aid a little learning? These are the best pieces of music for studying and keeping you on task and concentrating when the going gets tough and you're feeling easily distracted
Does tone deafness actually exist? What being tone deaf really means and why it can't be cured
Often the term ‘tone deaf’ is used to describe a person with little musical talent – but those with genuine tone deafness are unable to distinguish differences in pitch, as Charlotte Smith explains
Playing the piano drastically improves the memory of the over-40s. Here's why
New research from Exeter University has shown that playing an instrument or singing is linked to better memory in older age
History of memorising music: the trend for binning scores and music stands on stage
Performing from memory hasn’t always been required of our soloists – so why is it universally expected today? We explain the history of performers learning music by heart
Is music ACTUALLY that good for us?
Since ancient times, many of us have liked to believe in music as a civilising force for good. Tom Service offers a more pessimistic view of music and its capabilities