Many people enjoy gathering to watch live bands, such as soul bands, in their free time. It can be an ideal time to relax and catch up with friends. However, scientists are now wondering whether such activity may be able to help those suffering from certain health problems. A team from Glasgow Caledonian University are using sound engineering and psychology to see how tunes can regulate individuals' moods. It is hoped by those involved that the study could benefit the treatment of depression and the management of physical pain. The project is looking in greater detail than ever before at how music effects people's emotions. Leader of the team conducting the trials Dr Don Knox said: "The impact of a piece of music on a person goes so much further than thinking that a fast tempo can lift a mood and a slow one can bring it down. Music expresses emotion as a result of many factors." He went on to state that these include the tone, structure and other technical characteristics of a piece. Dr Knox added: "Lyrics can have a big impact too. But so can purely subjective factors." For example, where or when people first heard a song and whether they associate it with happy or sad events can be very influential. It is already known that distinctive smells have the power to evoke emotions based on past experiences they are associated with. The aim of this piece of research is to develop a comprehensive mathematical model that explains music's ability to cause different responses in the brain. This could make it possible to develop computer programs that identify tunes that will influence a person's mood. Eventually, experts may advise certain patients to listen to particular types of music, whether it be live bands, soul bands or any other form of the medium.
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