"...And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." -Friedrich Nietzsche

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200009/music-the-mind

The link posted above is an interview by Psychology Today on music and the brain.  Norman M. Weinberger, a professor of neurobiology and behavior at the University of California at Irvine, delivers a pretty interesting interview about the role that music has on the human mind and our brain function. He speaks about the relationship b/t science and art (specifically music). The interview focuses on how our brain works both emotionally and intellectually, and how the role of a musical experience can have an impact on the brain. Weinberger was asked many questions, including: if music is in our genes, if musical experience or listening to music shapes our brain, or if it has a long-term effect on the brain. It's a good article. Read it!

I think that music can be innate in our personality, but I also think that experiences with music throughout life play a huge role on our personality as well. I love music. The first prominent memory that I have when I really fell in love with music was when I got the Beatles 1 album for Christmas. I was about 11 years old, and "Hey Jude" was my favorite song. This was before song lyrics were easily accessible online, and I would play the c.d. and pause it after every sentence in order to write down all the lyrics. This was when I first started analyzing lyrics and dancing to rock-and-roll.

Next in line definitely was Elton John; "Tiny Dancer" was all it took. In high school I continued to listen to a variety of music, from the top hits on the radio to the most obscure and indie bands that no one knew of. However, college was when I really found my groove, and since then music has been a very significant part of my life and who I am. After seeing over 100 live shows, camping at several music festivals, and traveling across the nation following music, I met some of the best friends of my life and I have had some of the most exciting and magical times.


Can music be form of therapy?
I think that art can serve as a form of therapy and help with depression; therefore, I think, depending on the individual, music can be one of the best instruments for the human mind. Sometimes when I can't handle all the stressors and chaos in life, or I'm overwhelmed and can't relax, I listen to music. I put on my "be happy" playlist when I need to feel better. I love poetry; thus I love good lyrics, and I probably analyze song meanings to a deeper degree than I should sometimes. People who play an instrument may play to express their emotions or ease their anxiety. Songs that I listen to when I need music to brighten my spirit or get me out of a depression include the following songs: (it's a weird mix of songs b/c I play different songs depending on my mood).These songs seem to make me smile: 

• "Raise the Roof" -Michael Houser
• "You Should Be Glad" -Widespread Panic
• "Blackbird"- The Beatles
• "Here Comes Sunshine" -Grateful Dead
• "This Part of Town" -Widespread Panic
• "Old Man and the Land" -Railroad Earth
• "Aunt Avis" -Widespread Panic
• "Danko/Manuel" -Drive By Truckers
• "Tiny Dancer" -Elton John
• "Please" -Widespread Panic
• "Birdsong" -Grateful Dead
• "Wonderful Tonight" -Eric Clapton
• "Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes" -Paul Simon
• "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" -The Flaming Lips
• "Sandbox" -Michael Houser