Psychoacoustics is the study of the impact of various sounds on humans. It includes topics and studies which are relevant to music psychology and music therapy.
It includes how we listen, our psychological responses, and the physiological impact of music and sound upon the human nervous system.
In the context of psychoacoustics, most of the time the terms music, sound, frequency, and vibration are used interchangeably.
Use in Music & Composition
Acoustics and Psychoacoustics gives you an understanding to how sounds behave in different spaces, whether during a performance or a recording, and how they are perceived by performers and listeners.
Some of these concepts can actually be very useful in music composition and audio processing.
Here’s a video explaining the Psychoacoustics of Music:
Here’s a another video that explains how applying the principles of psychoacoustics, and adding in real instruments, can bring the whole music composition to life.
Final Words
So, its not a completely new eureka discovery. Its just that many studies have been done on this theory ever since and now the proof of the effects of music is more glaring and conclusive. With all its benefits, the only thing that may be a hindrance in its use is it may cause a disturbance to the surgeon during surgery. It may come in the way of communication during the surgical procedure so care should be taken to see that the music is not be imposing.
Music till now was called as the succor for the soul but now it seems like it even heals the body. Seems like a good enough alternative to those expensive drugs and never-ending medical bills, don’t you think?
Know of any more benefits of listening to music, please share with us here.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
Wyoming Medical Center says
The Wyoming Medical Center has a new Samick baby grand piano, thanks to Dr. Mark and Caryn Dowell, who donated it to the hospital.
“We want people to come in and play. It’s common to have music and art programs in hospitals. We just kind of want to make this a place of celebration of music, healing, and community.”
The piano strengthens the hospital’s relationship with the community. Music also helps calm patients who visit the hospital for a procedure. It also makes the lobby more pleasant.
Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital says
A hospital in China started a music campaign to console its patients by playing the piano. Patients were intrigued by the music played by the volunteers, including doctors, pharmacists and nurses. A concert will be performed thrice a week for 1 hour in the morning. Besides the piano, other instruments such as violin and accordion will also be introduced.