When it comes to how art affects my mood and emotions, first off, I consider art to be all-encompassing. It can influence my feelings in many different ways, from caricature artists’ work that makes me laugh to photography that tells me a story, to music that helps me feel a multitude of emotions and, magically transcends time.
In this article, I will focus on music since I was given the wonderful privilege of being born into a music-loving, music-playing, songwriting family. That gift has been passed on down through the generations. Although my father was not in my life until I was a parent myself, his talent for playing instruments was handed down to me via genetics.
My mom was a beautiful singer and poet. Between the two parents, one being nurture and both being nature, I have the gifts from each of them – I can play many different instruments, I can sing, and I enjoy songwriting. From what I have been told, I am talented in all aspects of my musical gifts.
For me, music is everything. It can transport me to better days, help me release a good cry when I’m struggling to process my feelings, boost my spirits, or hype me up as I head out on a road trip. In my home, you will rarely see the television on. However, music is always playing in the background, no matter what I am doing.
When I entered my teenage years, I developed a unique taste in music from artists whose songs helped me navigate the anguish of being a teenager and contributed to the soundtrack of the good times as well. Some of the concerts I have seen (that I can remember) include:
- Prince
- Depeche Mode
- Madonna
- Metallica
- Ozzy
- Alice in Chains
- Tesla
- Blues Traveler
- Aerosmith
- Foreigner
- Eagles
- Gloria Estefan
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Mary J. Blige
- Janet Jackson
- Pat Benatar
- Van Halen
- Sammy Hagar
- Audioslave
According to a non-profit organization, Harmony and Healing, music affects our moods and emotions, as, “Music has long been used as a source of comfort and solace in times of distress. Of course, holistic therapy for depression can provide direct relief, but music can provide a regular sense of connection, support, and understanding during difficult moments. The history of music in healthcare has shown that music can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and even chronic physical pain. Listening to calming music can help people relax and focus on the present moment.
Studies by scientists have also found that listening to music helps release endorphins – hormones associated with pleasure (and reducing pain) – which further reduces stress levels and may even aid in the healing process,”.
How does music affect your personality
In addition to my parents’ influence on my life, my grandparents’ (Nana and Papa) love of music and musical abilities also contributed to my musical character and personality.
I have fond memories of going to dinner clubs with my Nana and learning how to dance to Big Band and Italian polka music. Of course, since we are Sicilian, she loved to sing the tunes from the Rat Pack fellas, who were:
- Frank Sinatra
- Sammy Davis, Jr.
- Dean Martin
- Joey Bishop
There were also those days I spent with my Papa tinkering around in his garage, listening to jazz. Whenever I need to “calm the savage beast” within, I often find that playing jazz, and more recently Gospel jazz, eases my anxiety.
Whenever I cook those old family recipes, I put on my Nana’s albums and sing those classic Italian songs that take me back to my childhood, where I instantly feel the nearness of my Nana’s spirit.
Furthermore, since my mom has passed on, whenever I miss her, I play her favorites to feel the nearness of her spirit. Some of the music my mother loved best was by the following artists (which by no means is complete):
- The Beatles
- Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
- Bob Dillon
- The Rolling Stones
- The Byrds
- Marvin Gaye
- Stevie Wonder
- Sonny and Cher
- Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Peter, Paul, and Mary
- Sam Cooke
Rock and roll Civil Rights movement
The music of my mother’s generation was very indicative of the hippie culture of the anti-war, pro-civil rights movement. They sang of peace, love, and coming together, as well as spreading awareness of the extreme injustice happening in the United States.
Psychologically, this musical movement brought together diverse groups of young people who were hungry for better opportunities and a more just society. From The Beatles’ “Let it Be” to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” to Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come,” and many more, these artists brought awareness to a diverse group of young people.
From the Digital Public Library of America, “Rock ’n’ roll emerged as a new musical genre in the 1950s, blending African American traditions such as blues and gospel with white American country music and Western swing. It made an important impact on America and the world by inspiring and contributing to social and cultural change. Rock signified rebellion and young people’s rejection of their parents’ music, attitudes, and expectations. It also offered a bridge between races, classes, religions, and cultures. Before rock ’n’ roll, record companies, radio stations, concerts, and popular television variety shows were segregated, officially or unofficially. Rock ’n’ roll brought black artists and musical traditions to white artists and listeners, both in the US and overseas,”.
The shared passion for change and equality fostered a sense of unity and collective identity among the youth, empowering them to challenge the status quo and advocate for a brighter future. Music not only served as a form of expression but also as a powerful tool for social change, leaving a lasting impact on generations like mine and my children’s.
My mom and I would often have conversations about how rock and roll and the music of Motown brought together our generations (Boomers and Gen X), unlike the prior generations that came before us.
How does art affect your mood and emotions
In conclusion, art—especially music—shapes our emotions, memories, and identity in powerful ways. It connects generations, comforts us through challenges, and reminds us that creativity is one of the most meaningful threads tying our lives together.