Music and Emotion

Abstract

Does music induce emotion in the listener or do we project emotion to music? It is the latter opinion that is supported most frequently in music psychology research. Various studies demonstrate that a variety of physiological and psychological changes occur when listening to music, although it is not yet clear how these changes are brought about, related directly to musical qualities. The question how music influences the listener is of importance to music therapy. Music therapy and music psychology generally function as separate disciplines. In this review article it is proposed that music therapy and music psychology can benefit from each other's work in a living–apart–together relationship. Keywords: emotion – music – music psychology – music therapy – research