The Functionality of Music Through the Ages

Music has been closely linked with human existence since time immemorial, with the earliest forms of musical instruments dating back 40,000-45,000 years, around the time that Homo Sapiens started migrating from Africa to Europe. In the centuries that followed, music evolved alongside humans, and its scope and purpose diversified. Throughout history, music has served different functions in different eras and cultures - from being used as a means of communication to a source of entertainment.

In recent years, the functionality of music has entered a whole new territory. Neuroscience experts believe that some frequencies of music and sound can potentially help reduce levels of stress, anxiety, and even help with sleep-related disorders. This remedial power of sound is at the crux of the science of music therapy. Before we delve into the latest developments in the utility of music, let us look at the different purposes it has served through the ages.

Music for Communication

Music is known to transcend all linguistic borders. When language becomes a barrier in conversation, music makes communication easier. Take the case of troubadours in Medieval times, who traveled across Europe and Asia during the Renaissance, telling tales and singing ballads, using music to connect with people speaking different tongues. Even today, music is brought into play when words fall short of conveying thoughts and emotions. This is true for movies and series that fall back on intense background music to amplify the emotions in a certain scene. 

Music for Bonding

Music has also promoted socialization through the ages. For instance, in ancient times, singing and dancing before a hunt or a war was viewed as a useful group activity - binding participants into a cohesive unit. Even today, bonding over music is one of the easiest ways to socialize. Just think about how easy it becomes to strike a conversation with someone who has a similar taste in music as yourself.

Music for Therapy

Though the science of music therapy has only recently been understood by music therapy research groups, the practice of using music as a remedial tool is not so new. Many Native American tribes once believed music to be a means to treat illness. When a member of the tribe fell sick, the tribe’s medicinal expert would fast in order to receive a song in a divine intervention that would instruct them on how to cure the patient. 

Today, the practice of music therapy is backed by neuroscience as a legitimate technique to improve mental health. Music therapy research suggests that certain sounds can effectively manage stress and anxiety levels in people, and also promote deep and uninterrupted sleep. The science of music therapy is at the crux of sona.  

sona is a music-based digital therapeutic application that curates original music based on the symptoms reported by the user. Relax, refresh and rejuvenate with the restorative power of music, exclusively on the sona app. Download now from Apple App Store or Google Play Store.