How Music Influences the Soul

I love music. I am not as much into television and movies, but, it is rare to find me not listening to something.

Music has always played a pivotal role in the human experience. Since ancient times, cultures have used music in worship and religious rituals, to aid in storytelling, idea sharing, preparing for war, and even meditation.

Music for Spiritual Transitions

In the times of the Temple in Jerusalem, Psalms and other verses from the Torah were sung as offerings were carried out¹. From ancient times to today, Psalms are still sung at the Kotel to help make a spiritual transition into the holiness of Shabbat.

Rebbe Nachman teaches that holy music is powerful and helps amplify our study of scripture. This is partly why many religious Jews have traditionally sung Niggunim² in preparation for study or spiritual elevation.

But what about when music is not holy or misaligned with our spiritual goals? Is there any danger we should be aware of? We will explore this idea in this article.

Music and Emotion

First, think about your favorite types of music. We may each have a playlist for exercising, studying, reading, working, and possibly a few in between. This is because the different types of music seem to have an inherent emotional frequency we are tapping into for a specific purpose.

Frequency is important, and a topic we'll discuss more in the future. Higher frequencies correspond to more elevated emotions, while lower frequencies correspond to anger, and depression - and can even result in physical illnesses.

Music can import non-verbal content that can evoke strong emotions. If you don't believe me, find a song from one of your angsty teenage years. As you listen, pay close attention to your inner space, and the subtle inner reactions of the emotion and mind. (It doesn't have the same impact if you were to silently read the lyrics to yourself without music.)

This has long been understood in Jewish tradition and factors into the yearly observance of the holidays and various customs. Most of the year, music remains a staple of celebrations, weddings, and holidays. However, in times of mourning, the Rabbis have placed a temporary ban on music to assist us in maintaining the appropriate emotional range. Among the prohibitions when someone sits Shiva (mourning the loss of a loved one), music is not permitted.

Yet, recognizing the importance of music on the human psyche, some opinions have allowed for specific types of music during certain times of prohibition provided they do not include instruments.

Interestingly, in these situations, most agree it is right to prohibit live music, suggesting there is something worth exploring in the difference between live and recorded.

Music as Programming

The concept of subliminal messaging in music has long suggested that hidden or subtle messages, often imperceptible to the conscious mind, may influence the listener's thoughts, and behavior.

While some remain skeptical about the nefarious intent behind subliminal messaging, we can recognize that thoughts and ideas enter indeed the mind through music. It has also been studied that music impacts certain brain structures to treat psychiatric disorders³.