We don’t know when human beings began listening to music, but we know that it benefits us individually and collectively.  One of the most important functions of music is to create a feeling of cohesion or social connectedness.

Shortly after World War 2, community musicians began visiting veterans hospitals producing profound therapeutic benefits, with an official music program being launched in 1945 in Army hospitals by the U.S. War Department.

Music changes the brain. Researchers have found that listening to music triggers the release of several chemicals that play a role in brain function and mental health.  As all people, including youth, battle the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, music has shown the power to improve our physical, mental and emotional health. Its rhythmic and repetitive aspects engage the neocortex of our brain, which calms us and reduces impulsivity and reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness and memory. By raising your mood and fending off depression, music can also improve blood flow in ways similar to medications, lower your levels of stress-related hormones and ease pain.

In addition to listening, making music by singing and playing an instrument can offer a sense of mastery and self-esteem, while enhancing brain activity. While singing may be the simplest and cheapest way to get started, PBW encourages learning to play instruments and allocating daily time for music. Its powerful psychological effects that can improve your health and well-being by encouraging feelings of motivation, happiness and relaxation.