Live music has been enjoyed by humans for centuries now, and it doesn’t seem like we’re planning on stopping anytime soon. But besides being a way to hear our favorite songs live, are concerts worth the amount of money we pay for them?
The short answer is yes, but the reason why is more nuanced than you think. Everyone in the world experiences life differently, but music is a way to help us experience life more richly. In an article for Harvard Health Publishing, board-certified music therapist Lorrie Kubicek defined several times where music clearly and immediately impacts our well-being: in times of transition (like going to sleep or calming down from a busy day), when we need motivation, when we want to express ourselves (through karaoke or sharing a playlist), or with connecting to others– like at concerts.
It’s obvious that concerts connect us with our friends, family and other music fans, but how else can live music benefit us? A 2016 study conducted in England reported that attending a concert significantly lowers the levels of cortisol, or the stress hormone, in the body. This is especially significant, considering that high levels of cortisol (and stress in general) can cause high blood pressure, headaches, digestive issues and negatively affect immune responses among other things.
While it’s common sense that listening to your favorite song will make you happy, music also helps with processing other emotions, as well as troubling events. Music therapy allows participants a safe environment to process trauma while lessening their anxiety and depression. Additionally, a study conducted in 2013 reported that attending concerts can reduce physical pain through the release of endorphins, which block pain signals from reaching the brain.
Music therapy has also been used to treat conditions like Parkinson’s Disease and PTSD. If you’re still not convinced, a research study conducted in 2018 by Patrick Fagan, a behavioral science expert at Goldsmiths University in London, showcased that attending a live music gig every two weeks could extend your life expectancy by nine years. It is important to know that the study was commissioned by the O2, a famous music venue in London, but it is fascinating data.
So when your parents say buying tickets to another concert is a bad idea, tell them they should tag along– it’ll help you all live longer.