Music Nourishes

How Music Shapes Our Mood, Learning and Creativity

What can one say about music?

Music has a remarkable ability to change our moods, add depth to our emotions, and enhance the situations we find ourselves in. A single song can energize us, calm us, or help us reflect. In this way, music becomes more than just sound—it becomes nourishment for our minds and spirits.

A Universal Language

Music is universal.

It’s fascinating to see how every culture in the world has its own music, rhythms, and traditions. Whether in celebration, storytelling, or quiet reflection, music plays a meaningful role across societies. Why is that? What is it about music that connects us so deeply?

It’s something that makes me wonder.

Early Memories of Music and Learning

Some of my earliest memories are intertwined with music.

I remember songs helping me learn my alphabet and music accompanying the learning of numbers. Rhythm was even part of learning how to conjugate French verbs:

Je suis, tu es, il est, elle est, nous sommes, vous êtes, ils sont, elles sont.

Not bad, eh?

The wonderful thing about learning through music is that it made lessons fun. Music helped me recognize patterns and relationships, turning learning into something engaging rather than difficult. In many ways, music helped me learn.

Music nourishes and is universal

Music and Brain Development

Research supports the important role music plays in development.

According to an article by Diane W Bales, a professor of Extension Human Development and Director of the Child Life Program at the University of Georgia, studies show that listening to music helps children to “develop strong music-related connections in the brain,”  and that some of these neural pathways can affect the way we think. Some of these neural pathways can influence how we think.

Professor Bales also notes that the relationship between music and brain growth is particularly significant in children. She adds that "Learning to play a musical instrument, for example, can have long-lasting effects on spatial reasoning..."

In short, music is integral to development.

Music and Creativity

For me personally, music also helps increase creativity.

Having soft, pleasant music playing in the background creates a safe, nourishing space where ideas can emerge naturally. It helps me relax and think more freely.

As Anthony D. Fredericks explains in Psychology Today, "Making music a regular part of life is beneficial." He cites research that shows that listening to music, especially “happy music”, supports divergent thinking, a core element of creativity. It also helps shift the mind into a relaxed state, which often allows more creative ideas to surface.

A Nourishing Environment

Music is often used in meditation because of its calming effect. Certain melodies and rhythms help quiet the mind, foster connection, and nourish the soul.

Because of this, music can be a powerful tool for creating a nourishing environment—whether for reflection, creativity, or simple enjoyment.

Music feeds the mind, lifts the spirit, and enriches our daily experiences.

So I’ll leave you with a question:

What is your favourite music that nourishes you?