David G. Hargroder: Some thoughts about music, good and bad

I’ll be 100% honest, my favorite type of music is hardcore gangster rap. I was actually just informed the other day that I am a fan of “Trap Music.”

The next generation is a very knowledgeable group. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love all music. I will tap my foot and bob my head to just about any genre of music; however, it takes Lil’ Wayne, Lil Boosie, or Machine Gun Kelly to get my day started. I usually mellow out during lunch to a little Drake or Young Gerald. And if we’re being honest, I tend to close the day on a 2pac and Eminem note. That type of music just resonates with my mentality when it comes to conquering the day.

So, what if your favorite type of music is Country? What about Death Metal? Maybe a little light rock helps you melt the day’s stress away.

On the flip side, I wonder how many people go through the holiday season wanting to rip their hair out every time a Christmas song comes on? Despite the genre you feel most connected (or disconnected) to there is one undeniable fact, music influences us to our very core. 

In both times of good and times of bad most of us turn to music to either celebrate or get through the rough time. We use music as a tool to give praise, to party, to grieve; it’s almost like, we all really do have a personal soundtrack to our life. It took me several years to be able to answer the question, “If ever met with the unfortunate dilemma of deciding whether I would I rather be blind or deaf what would I choose?” At this point in my life I have to say I’d take being blind over deaf. I just love music that much.

Recent biomedical research has shown that music and rhythm affects multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, and the brain that engages in music is actually changed by that engagement. The research also shows that music is actually capable of building new neural connections in the brain through experience and exposure, thus improving the brain’s ability to “rewire” itself after trauma or injury. This rehabilitative phenomena, known as Neurological Music Therapy (NMT) has allowed certain individuals to lead more productive lives following their injury.

This type of therapy has been shown to be extremely effective in the treatment of PTSD suffered by our military veterans and active duty service members. 

NMT has become a recognized treatment option by departments such as: Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence. The recognition garnered by this therapy has led to the development of The Center for American Military Music Opportunities (CAMMO.) This organization has a very simple two-pronged approach. First, to create music-based therapeutic programming and outlets for service members, veterans and family members. Secondly, to train and educate service members, veterans, and their families in music career opportunities including artist development.



What about the negative impacts of music? Sure, it can be a great therapy for many but recent studies also show that music can have a negative affect on human behavior and rational cognitive reasoning. The vast majority of studies conclude that these negative impacts are far more prevalent among adolescents and teenagers than adults. Under the educated assumption that these studies are accurate, it is important to understand the correlation between childhood development and the role choice of music plays in the development of today’s youth.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “adolescents’ choice of music and their reactions to and interpretations of it vary with age, culture, and ethnicity. Research has even shown that there is also a difference in these variables between genders. 

While female adolescents are more likely to use music to reflect their emotional state, in particular when experiencing feelings of loneliness or feeling “down,” male adolescents are more likely to use music as a tool to stimulant their energy level, or to create a more positive image of themselves.”

I’m no pediatric psychologist, but I would speculate that the gender variable stays constant throughout life. This isn’t to suggest that women don’t use music to get pumped up just as much as men do when we’re feeling lonely. It’s merely a statistical probability that men and women will react in some form or fashion consistent with the gender role in which he or she identifies.

Listening to your favorite music, for most, is the best way to coast through the day. While it’s true that we are constantly influenced by our surroundings, I believe it is especially true that you are influenced by the music you listen to. My philosophy on the matter, rock on, live and let live, and let the pieces settle where they may. Party on party people.

(David G. Hargroder is a Webb City resident.)

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