Akshinth Kongara, Week 14: How Music Triggers Memories
A direct connection to our brain’s capabilities for memory and emotions allows music to evoke powerful emotions and memories. Numerous studies have shown that music and memories display a strong connection. These studies have also illustrated that specific songs or records can trigger vivid recollections and intense emotions.
The main reason music is directly linked to memory is because music activates the hippocampus, a significant component of our brain’s limbic system. The hippocampus is used for storing and retrieving memories and transferring them to long-term storage in our brains. Studies have proven that listening to music transmits the sound signals from our ears to our hippocampus, which then encodes the lyrics and beat that make up the song. As music can activate this region, it allows us to recall past experiences associated with specific songs or tunes. This phenomenon is known as music-evoked autobiographical memory.
When it comes to thrilling, memorable moments that are coupled with strong feelings, the brain is likely to store these memories intertwined with sensory information such as sights, sounds, and smells. In this regard, music tends to solidify memories by conjoining the experience with heightened feelings associated with a particular event. As a result, whenever one listens to a specific song or melody symbolizing an event with emotional connections, the individual is not only reminded of the event but also experiences the feelings. This concept explains the recollection of memories by stimulating the brain through music, which treats the brain generally. Some research indicates that even in old age with advanced illnesses, patients remember and sing music sung in their early years, which brings joy and a feeling of togetherness. Article:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/music-memory-how-songs-evoke-emotions-on-the-streets-of-chennai
Hi Akshinth! This is such an interesting topic: the intersection between music and memories, and how music and either influence, or bring out such memories. I really like that you used specific information, such as describing the exact parts of the brain that stores the memories, and is affected by music. Evidently, you put a lot of effort into researching and writing this blog. I do not think I personally have many memories that are deeply related to music, save for some moments in which I was playing a video game, and there was very good music in the background. This also reminds me of how smells, and certain patterns can draw out certain memories, just like how music draws out memories, as you describe. This is also probably due to the same reasons that you list above.
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ReplyDeleteHey Akshinth! Music is definitely a strong trigger for memories. There are several songs I correspond to memories, and it is interesting to understand the mechanisms behind correlating certain recollections with specific tunes. My first ever dance performance was to the song "Happy" by Pharell Williams, and to this day, I can still recognize the song from the first note, and immediately transport myself to the feeling of being on stage for the first time. I was always amazed by my ability to remember several choregraphies at a time, but this concept explains how the brain stores these immense amounts of information. Their brains would associate parts of the songs with certain steps.
Hi Akshinth! Your blog topic is so relatable! Music definitely brings back so many core memories for me. Whenever I put on song that I listened to many years ago, I get transported back into that era and suddenly all the past moments rush back into my mind. Music is also a great way to connect with others. I think if a group of people listen to similar music, they are more likely to become friends because they may have similar personalities, interests and more. It is so fascinating to see how much the modern-day human brain is receptive to music and how much music influences our levels of happiness as well as attention span.
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