Music is a cultural force, and how we compose or perform it reveals much about ourselves. Music may be performed live or recorded, used in religious rituals or simply for entertainment; its structure can range from highly structured compositions with specific rules and harmonies to some degree improvised styles like Hindustani classical music or jazz improvisation; it can be performed both publicly and privately, including festivals, rock concerts, orchestra performances and other events; it can even be heard as background noise in films or video games!

Ancient civilizations used music as a form of communication to convey ideas or feelings. Philosopher Pythagoras (c. 550 BC), for instance, saw music as part of mathematical studies and attempted to relate its rhythm and melody with celestial movement through “harmony of the spheres.” Later in 17th-century France, Rene Descartes (1596-1650) believed music to be mathematical in nature and held firm to Plato’s belief that certain modes were immoral while others promoted virtue.

Researchers have revealed that music stimulates the brain in several ways. Notably, it activates reward centers similar to how eating favorite food activates them, providing motivation to work or study or complete other tasks more easily.

Music can also help to enhance attention. Researchers have discovered that those who listen to music they enjoy are more likely to focus on tasks than those who don’t enjoy their selection, due to listening reducing cortisol stress hormone levels which interferes with concentration.

Research has also demonstrated how listening to rhythmic music can help synchronize movements, which is especially helpful when engaging in team-oriented activities. A study where adults were asked to complete a coordinated task with multiple partners completed more efficiently when those listening to rhythmic music completed it rather than those listening to non-rhythmic or white noise music.

Studies have also demonstrated the power of listening to relaxing or classical music before bed can help speed up the time it takes you to fall asleep, and improve its quality. It is thought this occurs because these types of music induce an alpha state in your brain – an alpha state is thought to provide natural calming benefits while its soothing qualities reduce anxiety while creating positive vibes essential for good restful slumber.