Emotions and Music: How Music Evokes Emotions in Children and Adults: A Position Paper
Graduation Date
Spring 2005
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madalienne F. Peters, EdD
Abstract
The language of music communicates emotions. The choice of music to which we listen determines the feelings that are evoked. Music tells you what to feel. This literature review guides teachers and the readers to monitor their own moods, feelings and emotions. The literature reveals that our responses to music are innate. There are physical and psychological changes experienced from the emotions elicited through music. Scientific evidence reveals where music is “played and listened” in the brain and how the body physically changes. The listener’s response to the emotions evoked from music is influenced by their personal association, familiarity, and culture. In addition to the review of literature, I recount many personal stories from my experience, my colleagues, and my students of how music evokes emotions and how we can learn the invaluable tool of observing and changing our moods through music.