New Study Shows Violin Music Brings Genetic Benefits to People With Musical Backgrounds

STOKE NEWINGTON, U.K. - Nov. 6, 2015 - PRLog -- Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects that listening to and playing different types of music can have on the body but a new study has shown that listening to classical violin music could have positive gene altering effects, and that these effects are strongest for those with musical backgrounds.

Previous Studies

Previous studies involving brain imaging and physiological testing have a shown that listening to and playing classical music can lower blood pressure, improve muscle function and cause the release of the brain’s ‘happy’ compounds like dopamine, but the effects at a molecular level have not been observed until now.

New Molecular Level Study

The new study by Scientists at the University of Helsinki involved 48 participants being split into 2 groups, those who had musical experience and those who were inexperienced.  They were then played Mozart Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major.  This was accompanied by the use of genome wide transcriptional profiling from their peripheral blood to test the effects on their molecular mechanisms i.e. at gene level.

Gene Altering Results - Better For Classical Musicians

The results from this detailed study published in PeerJ showed a striking positive difference in the musically experienced group who showed increased expression of the glucocorticoid receptor, which regulates stress, depression and addictive behaviours. There were also positive effects on the brain’s reward centre.

Opinion From A Violinist

Gary Bridgewood of Stoke Newington based dealers, repairers and restorers of fine stringed instruments Bridgewood and Neitzert says:

“It is always interesting to hear the latest scientific research into why and how we get so much enjoyment from the instruments and the music we play and listen to. These results complement other recent studies that show how learning and playing the violin for example exercises many parts of the brain, and helps with its development, with co-ordination and even our learning abilities. The results also highlight the fact that childhood music lessons are extremely beneficial to our cognitive function.  Learning and playing the violin, and listening to and playing great pieces of music can be very rewarding in so many different ways”.

Gary says ““At Bridgewood and Neitzert we have customers at all levels and musical abilities and I’m sure they’d be interested to also know that some great physiological benefits can come from playing their instrument in addition to the enjoyment they get”.

Bridgewood & Neitzert sell fine stringed instruments, strings, and a wide range of accessories.  The workshop can undertake the whole range of repairs and restorations (http://www.vivaceviolin.com/sitepage/Repairs.html) on well as violins, violas, cellos, basses and bows, and on early and period instruments including lutes, viols and viola d’amores. All workmanship is guaranteed.

For more information call Bridgewood and Neitzert on 020 7249 9398, visit the website http://www.vivaceviolin.com or contact Bridgewood and Neitzert online here (http://www.vivaceviolin.com/sitepage/ContactPage.html).