I’ve recently been doing some research into why music makes us happy (or not) and came across an interesting piece from Australia. Essentially, …it’s not just about listening to music, it’s how you interact with it!
In the research (which you view read here) they surveyed 1,000 Australians to see how different types of music engagement connected with their subjective wellbeing (SWB). SWB is essentially how happy you feel and how satisfied you are with life. The survey looked at life satisfaction across domains like health, relationships, achievements, and safety, while also asking participants about their music habits - listening, playing instruments, composing, dancing, or attending live music events. It covered a whole host of different things. There is also an article in 'Salon' referring to the research here.
The big surprise for me (not really), was that dancing and attending live music events are the real mood boosters, the things that bring the vibe!
People who danced to tunes or enjoyed concerts in social settings reported higher SWB (felt better) than those who didn’t. It’s not just about enjoying music but also the connection and community these activities bring. When you dance or (or shuffle) at a gig, you’re not just engaging with the music - you’re also bonding with others, and that sense of togetherness is a big contributor to happiness. It also has a profound effect on our bodies in other ways (more about this in a later blog).
Surprisingly, solitary music activities like playing an instrument, composing, or simply listening didn’t show the same strong link to wellbeing. I wonder what this also means for studio musicians? (Maybe start dancing in your studio...).
I personally find playing an instrument a real buzz but according to the study they didn’t move the happiness needle as much as social musical experiences. The research highlighted how communal experiences amplify music’s emotional impact. While prior studies often focused on music in therapeutic or clinical contexts, this research zoomed out to explore its role in everyday life.
So... the dance floor, sing along at a concert, jam with friends or just find a way to music together! The more you connect with others through music, the more likely you are to feel the rhythm of a happier life.
Whether you’re a concert goer or a weekend raver, this study is a reminder that music isn’t just for the ears—it’s for the heart, body and soul too! Wow, that’s sounds like such a cliché.
But it’s true!
Adam Ficek hosts a monthly show 'Tonic Music' on Totally Wired Radio, where he talks to various guests about music and mental health. You can listen again to any of the previous show on the Tonic Music Mixcloud page.
