A Music Therapist’s Musings.

by

Empty Musings from a MT…
TB is a Board Certified Music Therapist in the state of Wisconsin.  At the current time, he is not practicing full-time due to his full-time job as Daddy, but visits nursing homes regularly with his two boys to provide music therapy and intergenerational activities.

Does music affect the way you shop for food?
Do you allow the music in the grocery store to affect what you buy?  There have been significant studies done that show the type of music being pumped in affect the shoppers’ buying-power.  This MT does allow music to get the best of me while shopping.  If the music is slow and moody, I wander slow and moodily for some good comfort food.  If the music is fast and upbeat, it’s off for what I need and then I’m to the checkout for a quick candy fix.

Why does music have such an affect on our shopping?  Well, while studying music therapy, music’s ability to affect emotions was a major component.  If you’re feeling vulnerable to emotional eating, maybe it would not be the best idea to shop when you’re hungry, tired, stressed, etc.

Does music aide in your fitness routine?
Do you use music while exercising?  Music has a natural rhythm that can help in raising and lowering your heart rate.  If you’re trying to raise your heart rate, choose music that has an upbeat rhythm.  If you’re into circuit training, change up your music and add a slower song to give your heart rate a chance to rest somewhere in the middle of the workout.

Music is used as a tool for so many different situations.  Recently, there was an article that stated if you hummed “We Will, We Will, Rock You!” while performing CPR, you’re compressions would be at the appropriate tempo for a beating heart.  It is suggested that you sing “Happy Birthday,” while washing you’re hands to wash them the appropriate lengths of time to kill all harmful bacteria.  How about singing “The Alphabet Song” or “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” while brushing your teeth too.

If you use music during you’re everyday routines, think about adding it to your workout routine as well.  With all the ipods, mp3s, podcasts, etc., there are countless ways to use music in your workout.

Personally, I don’t use music in my workout because I use it so much in my work that it feels like my workout is a job.  Instead, I tend to watch movies, but I still pick movies that will keep my heart rate high so as suspense, action and down right scary movies.  Got any suggestions?

Does music affect the amount of food you eat?
When I was doing my undergraduate research study for music therapy, I was working in a nursing home where there were several individuals with dementia.  I decided that it may be beneficial to see if music made a difference in the amount of food these residents were consuming.  Over the course of 13 weeks, I watched 55 residents 3 times weekly.  One day, with no music playing; one day with recorded familiar music playing and one day with live piano music that was unfamiliar playing.  To my amazement, the live contact improved their food intake by over 50%.  Moral of the story, if you’re worried about how much you eat, don’t eat at a fancy restaurant with live music.

This probably has more to do with the emotions that music brings out.  When I was playing “in the moment,” I was able to gauge the diner’s interest and play appropriate music accordingly.

Do you listen to music while eating?  Watch television while eating?  Think about whether it is affecting how much you are eating if you haven’t already.

Does music play a role in motivating you to stay healthy?
How do you stay motivated?  Do you reward yourself with new clothes, new accessories, etc.  How about rewarding yourself with music.  Pick a theme song for yourself.  Focus on staying healthy and using every tool possible, music included!!

Other oddball musings from the MT
Music therapy can be a beneficial tool in wellness.  There are many music therapists that specialize in Health & Wellness programs.  Many therapists offer community events including drum circles, stress relieving sessions, etc.  If you have an interest in learning more, visit www.musictherapy.org to find out more.

(From the homepage of musictherapy.org)
Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.  Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.  Music therapy interventions can be designed to:
* promote wellness
* manage stress
* alleviate pain
* express feelings
* enhance memory
* improve communication
* promote physical rehabilitation.

Thanks so much, TB.  I enjoy reading your musings on life, weight-loss (weight lifting? nudgenudge) & fatherhood at your blog & appreciate you making time to share your ‘other self’ with the Bumbling Band.

Other oddball muzings from the MizFit:

Im an avid clarinet player and, for a time, pondered a career as a music therapist.

Now your turn, People.

Got any musical insights of your own with regard to food, health or exercise?

Experience in music therapy or regular therapy we’re all about the disclosure up in herre?

Have some love for TB you, too, need to share?

Please to hit us up in the comments.

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Comments

  2. Thanks for the post TB! I love to listen to music while I work out. I find that I get a much better workout. I also find that when I’m listening to a song that I love when I’m driving I go over the speed limit. Yikes!

  4. I almost always work out with music. I put together specific playlists for long bikes/runs that will start out at a high intensity, move into long, steady periods, and finish with a slight pick-up, while maintaining the same tempo the whole time. I swear by my music, Miz.

    But I’ve never thought about the affects of music on eating. Interesting.

  5. I loved the piece about the live music at fancy food emporiums making us eat more!

    arent those usually the places with the teeny tiny fancy portions?
    I guess they are getting us to eat the bread and order appetizers and dessertS and…
    interesting!

  6. OOOOH and speaking of music:

    I have finally found a music site I ADORE!!

    It is in prelaunch and I have been invited to use it before it’s open.

    Ive also been given a pass for one of you.

    More info. coming soon.

    and yesterday? all your comments asking where MY book is (I loved and laughed at the final comment from yesterday as Ive oft asked myself that same question):

    it’s coming.

    but it may mean some changes around herre.

    fewer posts?

    more guest posts sprinkled in?

    more videoposts?

    more flashbacks to old posts?

    what would YOU prefer?

    I now return you to TB and his Musical Journey….

  7. I hadn’t ever thought about music in the grocery, TB.

    Is there even music IN my grocery??

    I need to listen closer I guess.

    MizFit I say you should take time and write the book so we have something to buy from you.

    I would happily accept more videos.

    (aren’t I kind?)

    Bea

  8. Verrrry interesting. I know music affects my workout, but I’ve never thought about how it might affect my eating. Will ponder some more…

    Thanks, TB.

    As for the book, MizF, I feel your pain. 🙂

  9. I found on Sunday that wearing my mp3 made elliptical time seem to go much faster. I’m not a fan of being “plugged in”, so this was a revelation to me.

    Hi TB from a fellow-Wisconsinite

  10. SO interesting! I love the bit about music impacting your food shopping! I will have to pay more attention to the music pumping in my local Publix! Happy Thursday Mizfit 😉

  11. What a fun way to make a living!

    I almost always have music on at home. I tend towards classic rock, but I switch to something mellower when I eat. Not because it makes me eat faster, but because I like to be relaxed and mellow when I’m eating. (Which indirectly slows me down, no doubt.)

    If there’s music at the grocery store, it must be pretty mellow and low volume, because I never notice it.

  12. The Bag Lady has never payed much attention to whether the music in the grocery store affects what she buys, but it has been known to make her dance in the aisles….
    sad, but true.

  13. I will linger longer in places that play music I like. Play 50s bubblegum pop and I’m outta there fast!

    Must have music to exercise because I find I will stay doing something for the duration of the song, like an extra set or slow down. Other wise I’m bored.

    My kid used to go to a music therapist. Not because we needed it, but because he was really good and it was summer and he had some openings and we wanted to support him. Truly it is fascinating.

  14. I have to have music to work out. I’ve actually bailed on a workout when my iPod died. If I don’t have music, I’m hyper-aware of time and pain and whatnot. Music = makes 30 minutes fly.

    I’ve also found that I can do the plank for longer with music.

    I’ve had music affect me in stores to the point where I leave because it’s too loud etc (makes me feel older) but if it’s techno music on loudly, I’m outta there. Faster music makes me hyper and want to shop quickly and leave. Slower pop music makes me comfortable to hang around and browse.

    Miz – write a book. Take the time because it takes time. And once it’s written, it takes more time. I’d publish it but alas, not our field. I’d be happy with videos or whatnot as long as you don’t shut us down!

  15. Mostly in stores, I’m the one with an iPod because I can’t stand the random music. And the iPod usually has a book on it. The music connection to emotion is so deep for me that I used to go to the grocery store and get depressed as hell or annoyed or whatever. Not a productive way to shop!

  16. The clarinet is one of my favourite instruments to listen to. I love the timbre. I personally play guitar/drums just casually.

    Music isn’t something I really have on around me in the background. Occasionally I do, but music for me is more involved. I like to think about it, to experience it, to make it. When I hear music, I like to understand it.

  17. HEY FLG? You asking for a concert? The Toddler Tornado can accompany me on the coffee can, err, drums!

  18. I’m a HUGE believer in music therapy… i think its a huge reason that my grandmother lived until 89. She played the piano daily!

    When I work out, if I’m not walking with a friend, I watch episodes (ok, listen to episodes) of Grey’s Anatomy. The drama and fast-ish talking and suspense keep me going. Gilmore Girls does a similar thing, but mostly because they talk so darn fast!

  19. This is really good, I don’t tend to think much about how music affects me but of course it does! And I didn’t know there were such things as music therapists…

    I always listen to music before I go out to social events just to get me “in the mood”. And I played piano for years (and clarinet for a couple years:)) so I really enjoy listening to all kinds of music even if I don’t make much of it myself anymore.

    I do have a tough time listening to music with lyrics if I’m supposed to be studying, though 🙂

  20. What a cool job! Music is a huge part of life. Growing up in Nashville, my friends and I were bombarded with music…and not just country but all different genres. We went to hear live music at a very young age, and it had such an impact. I listen to different types of music throughout the day. My Patty Griffin Pandora station always accompanies my blogging hours, and I have several upbeat playlists on my iPod for gym workouts. In the car, it’s my favorite progressive radio station. Love music – so good for the soul.

    This post made think of last week’s The Office when Michael was learning to give CRR along to the beat of Staying Alive…Hilarious!

  21. Woah! I never thought about almost any of those situations! Other than working out of course.

    I often use music to help get me out of a bad mood or to work through some anger. Put on some street punk and bang my way up a few flights of stairs. Burns out the anger right quick! I suppose that’s a bit of therapy in itself.

    As a singer, I did find that the tone and mood of the music could really affect the mood of the choir. Solemn music lead to a quiet choir, while jazzy or pop-ish music made us chatty after rehersals.

  22. Absolutely fascinating interview!! The informal research about music helping the elderly eat raised so many questions in my mind. Someone should really do more research into that. But this was my favorite line: “Personally, I don’t use music in my workout because I use it so much in my work that it feels like my workout is a job.” I had never considered that would be an issue before!

  23. The informal research about music helping the elderly eat raised so many questions in my mind.

    me as well charlotte.
    my grandmother passed away at 102.
    still pretty feisty but she just slowly wasnt eating enough.

    I wonder if they play music in any dining rooms at nursing homes etc.
    Id imagine NOT because of the hearing difficulty in the elderly.

  25. I was a couch potato for several years. I wrote earlier that notwithstanding health reasons, I could not get into fitness. But I was ready when I saw Riverdance. I so wanted to dance. But I struggled for a couple of years with aerobics DVDs and running on the track. Then, I ran with an audio-guided program called Cardiocoach and it was love at first try. I have never looked back since then ( 4 years ago). I have been running with it ever since and am just absolutely in love with life after every single run. I went form running one and a half mile to running a half-marathon. The music is amazing.. scored like a movie track and the coach is AWESOME!. I never thought I needed a coach, but I was dead wrong. I am trying hard to run these days without music. My dad was a great runner and would never understand why I need music to make my feet move. I admire people who can synthesize their music in their heart and head while I run. I rely on my headphones.

    I also have gotten interested in music therapy since my fitness experience and in general in brain research. Growing up, I always used to sing nonstop and loved the idea of being in a band. I am working on trying to capture that joy, though my vocal chords have atrophied through disuse.

  26. I’ve never thought about it in the grocery store, nor do I remember hearing it, I’ll have to pay attention. As for exercise and how I feel, yes, if it’s upbeat and fast, so am I. I also feel better when listening to fast upbeat music. I get moody with the whole “Tear in my beer” junk.

  27. “Shot through the Heart” by Bon Jovi makes my strides per minute on the elliptical trainer DOUBLE, no matter where I was when the song started.

    BK and I eat in front of the TV, but I don’t think it affects us, mainly because we still cook dinner, and leave the serving plates in the kitchen. Then, because we don’t want to get up in the middle of the show, we wait a few minutes before getting more food, which gives our tummies time to figure out if they’re full or not.

  28. Thanks for the comments.

    If I do listen to music whiling exercising, it’s 80’s rock. People tend to listen to what they liked in their late-teens, early 20’s. I love me some Guns ‘n Roses while I ride the elliptical.

  29. I keep music everywhere! at work, at home, in my car. At the gym, I love love love me some booty bumpin’ music – it’s my own little club on a treadmill! Beyonce gets me motivated to shake my rump! haha!!!

  30. PS forgot to add, I absolutely need music when I lift weights too. I love the Body Pump classes at the gym. I no longer go to that gym, but at home, I always tend to reach for strength DVDs that have good music. I don’t enjoy lifting as much as I enjoy running even though I think I can see more tangible physical (appearnce) changes when I strength train.. I guess that is not as great a motivator as the endorphin high from a run for me.

  31. Excellent post Mizfit! Yes I am back posting again lol…
    I have to admit that music does have psychological effects which stimulate physical positive effects with me. For example, when I workout without music I tend to get tired faster.

    But when I put on some organized noise I am instantly revived and in gear ready to keep up with the beat. I really to this day can’t get a good workout unless I have a beat to guide me so I have to give this post 2 thumbs up and a 2 step. Keep up the great post!!

  34. Great post!

    Music makes a huge difference in my workouts. I once had to fight back tears when I realized I’d left my iPod at home and had to exercise without it. How pathetic is that?

  35. Lots of good information! I know for a fact that music makes a huge impact on everything I do. I need music in the background to work properly (I’m an Illustrator and Graphic Designer) and the type of music I’m hearing can influence the ideas I come up with. I also notice that if I forget my ipod I have a much harder time with my workout than when I’m just flying along to my playlists.

  36. I haven’t noticed music affecting my shopping – just the amount of people. If I make it while normal folk are still at church (since I skip it myself), I’ll take my time, look for new foods to try, check the labels on everything…if it’s after church lets out and super busy, I get in, get out, and get what’s on my list and ram people (ok, I don’t, but I’m tempted) with my cart. One observation is I remember grocery stores playing horrible music before, and now I bop along to some of the songs they play. Has it gotten better, or have I gotten old…hmmm…

    I don’t like working without music, and I CANNOT do cardio without it. TV just doesn’t cut it as a running companion even on the treadmill. If my MP3 player dies, I will quit my cardio and either get my backup player or make it up another day.

    Interesting today! 🙂

  37. Music really is therapy for me!! It helps me relax and it helps get me moving and motivated at the gym. I cannot do any cardio with out it that is for sure. I have noticed that when I take spin classes if the music is not cranking with a great beat I do not get the same workout as I would have if the music was jamming.

  38. Hahah. How appropriate. It’s mostly thanks to music that I pushed myself harder than I’ve ever pushed myself before last night’s workout. Check my blog, I just made a post about it last night. Bonus: I mentioned you in it 😉

  40. Interestingly, my son with autism, is accutely aware of music and color. He hears things in the background that I never would have noticed and quotes movie lines with the background music “hummed” in between the words. He hears a song and immediately has that specific part of the movie catalogued in his mind. He can’t stand the singing of a church congregation…off key and unacceptable. Much of the language he has learned came from music. I’ve looked for a music therapist, but they are hard to find!
    As for music and fitness…I have specific lists set up on my ipod for different workouts. Makes a difference!

  41. I am a music therapist and I work at a psychiatric hospital. I am like TB and tend to not listen to music while working out. Instead I read a book or watch the TV’s. However, I do LOVE a class at my gym called BodyPump, which is choreographed weight lifting to music. In that class, the music is essential to the workout, as it gives you cues of when things are speeding up or slowing down. I am positive that without my body entraining to the rhythm, I wouldn’t be able to do the workout.

  42. I know that without music, I’d never push myself on the treadmill. If I’m rocking out to a great Justin Timberlake song, I can’t hear my inner chatterbox complaining how much sprints SUCK!!!!

  44. Like TB, I’m a TV watcher at the gym. I try to limit my TV the rest of the week (I watch a “Bones” rerun every night at 6, but then the TV goes off), so I use it to bribe myself to go to the gym. For that reason, I do best with serials of some sort: I want to know what happens in the next episode! Lost is what I’m watching now, interspersed with Fringe. Alias always gets me going: all the running and punching and kicking, plus: GIRL POWER! LOL.

    I have read about the music in grocery stores, but I never really paid attention to it. I’m a list-shopper, and I’m pretty good about sticking to it. (Except at the olive bar. I have permission to go hog-wild at the gourmet olive bar.)

    I HAVE noticed though, that when I play music in the evenings I feel MUCH more rested. The nights that I’ve left the TV on seem to fly by, and I don’t feel like I’ve really had any downtime. But if I put Natalie Cole or Frank Sinatra (yeah, I’m a 70-year-old in a 30-year-old body) on to play, my whole evening sort of slows down. It makes a HUGE difference.

  45. Lovin TB! But, like you, I THINK HE NEEDS TO LIFT SOME WEIGHTS. (hint, hint).

    I heard of a recent study that showed if we listen to music we like (whatever that music is, classical, country, rock, etc.) it slows are heart rate and reduces blood pressure. Immediately started making sure I got some time with my rock and roll every day.

    Use music to motivate us. Yep.

    I walk up the stairs from the gym locker room at the beginning of each session listening to Bonnie Riatt’s Let Give Them Something to Talk About.

    I walk up the stairs at the END of each session to Seger’s STRUT (but, oh.. they love to see her strut. ).

    Inspiration and reward for hard work. I STRUT outta the gym, head high, shoulders back and great butt

    Other therapy.. I’m working with a psychologist right now..but that’s probably meat for a post of my own.

  46. OK.. secret confession here: I not only hear the music in the grocery store… I SING ALONG TO IT.

    Might/could be that came from working in a office where afternoons we’d play trivia games to the piped in music while we were working…

  47. It’s amazing to think of all the different ways that music impacts our lives- for good and for bad.

    I definitely have to have good tunes for a workout- or a really good TV show (such as Biggest Loser). And especially when I run. I don’t think I could ever do a marathon where iPods are not allowed. I would never make it to the end (unless the scenery was really, really good).

    Another way that music helps me is when I’m cleaning. Upbeat music gives me the energy to go faster and get it done quicker (my all-time favorite is the “Clueless” soundtrack, go figure).

  48. Music therapy. What a wonderful thing! Even though I’m lousy as a musician, my world is music. I even title my blog posts with song titles.

    Music makes my world go ’round, that’s for sure, however, I don’t take an Ipod out on an outdoor run or listen to music when I workout, but instead I watch the Food Network… Is that warped? LOL. 🙂

  49. Neato.

    Question on heart rate: Does the music itself elevatate your HR or is it a result of working out harder to faster music?

    • I find this really interesting too Jess. The study showed that the heart rate SLOWED when the music was paused and not the workout.

      it all intrigues me…I need to read more.

  50. So fascinating! I can’t stand having music on when I eat; I can’t stand having music on all the time– to me it feels like a sensory assault (eek, stay away from me with those pots and spoons). But I love listening to music when I work out and when I’m performing very boring tasks at work, I hum to calm myself when I feel upset and I’m no music-hater. I love reading about the therapeutic uses of music and am fascinated by the way music can also be used as a form of violence (such as in prisons)– such a powerful thing.

  51. Wow, that’s so interesting! For me, the thought of a workout (especially walking/running outside) without the iPod strapped on is like horrendous medeival torture. As for mealtime, I’d prefer TV to background music (at home) – bad girl, I know. There is something nice about live music at a restaurant though! Hmm…I am going to pay more attention and try to be more aware from now on.

  52. Hmmm…I admit it is difficult for me to run or workout without my iPod these days. I have heard that some marathon officials may ban iPods – I can’t imagine even doing a 1/2 marathon without my tunes! My sister, who has run many marathons, is the opposite – wants them banned from races altogether. Different strokes….

  53. Me again, with another thought inspired by Jess #49.

    One time, during a spin class, we were in the middle of a fast paced uphill pedal when the cd started to skip. Several people (myself included) felt that the skipping music disrupted our heart rhythms as well as our pedaling. So I’m convinced it’s the music but maybe Miz’s reading will debunk that theory.

  54. I always workout better/harder/faster with music and I love singing and dancing to boost my mood – preferably accompanied by ABBA (that is music right).

    I also enjoy putting on classical piano and watching my girls flit around like ballerinas.

  55. Cool post! Love the CPR tip about the Queen song. I had no idea music made such an impact in so many areas of life.

    When I was in delivery with my first child, we listened to the Beach Boys Pet Sounds CD. Beach Boys + breaking my water = somehow poetic-ly appropriate. I always remember my birthing experience when I hear Beach Boys music.

    I can’t run without my iPod. It gets & keeps my feet moving. I listened to Dave Matthews Band the entire 2 1/2 hours of my first half marathon.

    Movies to run by–I once ran on the treadmill while watching Matrix 2. Chase scenes with techno music made me feel like I was as fast as Trinity on her motorcycle. (In another life I want to be Trinity–the one in the Matrix, not the one under ground, haha.)

    Clarinet player? Is there anything you can’t do? 🙂

  56. I only listen to music when driving. But now I’m curious: I’ve never even noticed music playing in the grocery store. I wonder if it has a subconscious affect on me even though I don’t really hear it.

  57. Love TB………he’s another blogger who inspired me before I started my blog 🙂

    Awesome interview and great insight on the power of music.

    I don’t play anything but love to sing 🙂 I took voice lessons as a teen but mostly just sing to the radio or my kiddos these days 🙂 Too old for American Idol 😉

    Singing makes me feel so happy.

    When I’m down, putting on my favorite cd and belting it out really picks up my mood. It’s total therapy for me 😉

  58. I have mood music to work by that inspires me. It has the added bonus of drowning the rest of the world out.

    Certain songs take me back to certain times so clearly it’s like time traveling.

    I use dvds for workouts, so the music is not my choice. But, it does help to keep me energized and reaching.

  59. Music can turn my world around within seconds. I hear a song and I’m taken back to the time that I associate with that song.

    Just the other day in the grocery store I had to steer away from the bakery when The Cure started playing overhead…its friday i’m in lovvvvvvvvvvvve, not even my fav song by them but it took me back to hanging out with a friend who was studying to be a pastry chef and her feeding us her samples before the Cure concert and her playing that song over and over again.

  60. Music most definitely helps me exercise, but drives me nuts when shopping. Rarely does it enhance my shopping experience, leading me to think I either need to shop somewhere hipper…or lighten up.

    peace,
    mike
    livelife365

  61. Oh yes! I am a big supporter of the benefits of music! Music will help me push through an intense workout….have to have it!

  62. Music it’s all so true! Did you forget to mention housecleaning in music. If music didn’t exist I’d be in a mess constantly because I wouldn’t be motivated to clean.

    I honor and respect what you are doing for older adults. What joy you bring to their world.
    God Bless
    Tess

  64. Wow! This was really really interesting! We were just talking in one of my classes about whether or not music can affect the way you drive, so to read more about how music can affect you made me think even more about it!

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