Although the definition of music varies around the world depending on the means of expression, role and cultural interpretations, music and art in general are human constructs that have defined societies and civilizations throughout the ages. So, despite the terminological differences, we can all agree that music is and has always been a universal language. It’s the common denominator that brings people from all over the world together, regardless of idioms, traditions, customs, societal backgrounds and other aspects that set us apart.
Therefore, there’s no denying that music holds a special power that scientists have yet to fully decipher and understand. So far, the scientific research conducted in this respect has shed a bit of light on the health-related benefits that this art form provides. It has been shown in several studies that listening to music can improve memory and lead to better learning. Other studies reveal that music triggers the release of certain neurochemicals that play an essential role in the functioning of the brain, suggesting that music can be used as a form of therapy to treat mental illness. We also have proof that music can lower anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, improve heart health, decrease fatigue, boost exercise performance, and help with pain management.
As you can see, the health benefits of music are far-ranging, covering both mental and physical aspects, so we have more than enough reasons to be grateful that music exists and we can revel in its beauty. But if listeners are the ones who get to enjoy all these benefits, one can’t help but wonder what happens at the production end.
When it comes to creating music, whether it only implies recording and mixing sounds, or also composing, arranging and performing songs, things are a bit different, both in terms of advantages and disadvantages. People who are involved in music production get to experience a different set of health benefits and, unfortunately, they’re also exposed to certain risks. So, let’s take a look at both the pros and the cons to gain a better understanding of what it feels like to walk in a music producer’s shoes.
The positives
There’s no denying that working in music production can pave the path to a very challenging and equally rewarding career. Looking at things from a health perspective, you may be surprised to find out that music composition comes with a wide range of health benefits. The numerous studies that have explored this topic suggest that getting actively involved in the music-making process can have a positive impact on a wide range of mental and biological processes.
The results are pretty conclusive in that creating music can help lower blood pressure, improve lung and liver function, boost short-term memory, lead to better speech processing and, as curious as it may sound, make you a more empathic person. Since the process of music production triggers the areas of the brain that are linked to creativity, it also influences the release of dopamine and serotonin, which in turn contributes to better mood and lowers stress levels. This might also be linked to the fact that people who are proficient at playing a musical instrument tend to have a thicker brain cortex in regions implicated in emotion regulation.
And if this wasn’t enough, music production also seems to lead to a healthier lifestyle by encouraging you to adopt better habits. If you’re good at your craft and your work is appreciated, you’ll become more confident, motivated and disciplined, so you can keep producing great results.
After listing all these benefits, you might be tempted to jump on the music production bandwagon and start a career in the field yourself. Unfortunately, becoming a successful music producer is not as simple as some imagine. Apart from talent and having a comprehensive understanding of music, there’s also a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, and some risk factors that not many seem to talk about.
The negatives
If the positive side of music production had you thinking it’s all rainbows and butterflies, it’s time to take a look at the negatives as well for a quick reality check. As we’ve already mentioned, reaching success in the music production industry comes at a cost, and sometimes that cost comes in the form of health issues.
Music producers spend long hours in the studio, writing, arranging, editing and recording songs for other artists or for themselves, and this can take a toll on their mental and physical health. Sometimes, editing a single song implies standing at a desk in front of a computer screen for several days in a row. That’s why issues such as poor posture, eye strain, headaches and conic pain are quite common among professionals in the industry. But while these issues can be addressed by investing in the right gear such as standing desks and standing chairs, computer glasses that protect against the harmful effects of screens, and other similar gadgets and equipment, other health problems might be more difficult to mitigate.
It is often said that if you do what you love you won’t have to work a day in your life. Unfortunately, your body doesn’t care much about motivational quotes. Exhaustion can creep in even if the activity you perform fulfils you emotionally, and that’s also the case with music production. A lot of music producers focus so much on their craft that they completely ignore the warning signs, and sooner or later reach the point of burnout. And if burnout doesn’t get them, there’s also the risk of falling into the social isolation trap, which has numerous mental health implications.
This doesn’t mean that all people working in music production are bound to experience these issues, just as not all of them get to enjoy the benefits. However, being aware that these hazards exist is extremely important for finding adequate solutions and achieving a balance that ensures long-term well-being.
