Art and Music as Tools of Development

As young people, we need to move forward and develop to prepare for our future. Developing can be done through various ways and using various tools. One of the tools that can be utilized as a means of development is art and music. If you are asking how art and music can influence your development, then you are reading the right article. 

So, how can art and music affect your development journey? 

Music and The Brain 

As we know, any activity that stimulates the brain, directly or indirectly, will help improve the functionality of our brain. Most artistic activities are thought to stimulate only the right side of the brain, which is associated with creative endeavors. However, music is an artistic activity that also stimulates both sides of the brain.

Activities related to music allow the right and left sides of the brain to communicateto coordinate body movements produced through music. The creative and intuitive right brain will help interpret the sounds and melodies in music. Meanwhile, the analytical left brain is responsible for interpreting language, words and understanding the structure of music. This is what also allows musicians to translate the musical notation played by their fingers into music.

Art and Reward System 

An artwork can be produced from various activities. Even abstract doodling when bored listening to the teacher’s in class can result in artwork. In fact, such activities can activate the brain’s reward system. Regardless of the end result, creating something has been shown to stimulate dopamine production, give us a sense of pleasure, and motivate us to continue our artistic activities. 

Music, Art, and New Perspective 

Engaging in activities like viewing, hearing, feeling, or even creating artwork not only enhances our aesthetic experience, but also helps us to understand new perspectives. This can happen when we are enjoying an artwork or a musical performance, we directly engage in an aesthetic experience that connects us to sensory and cognitive experiences. The process will eventually help stimulate the brain to generate new ideas and new perspectives. 

Art, Music, and Expression of Creativity 

Beyond gaining new perspectives, art and music can serve as means to express our perspectives, emotions, and experiences to others. Art and Music have become popular tools to express the creative side that can sometimes be difficult to express directly. In addition, art and music can also help us to pour complex thoughts and feelings into a piece of art work or a song. In fact, besides being a means of expressing creativity, art and music also often serve as means of expressing our own selves.