In music school, students often learn about the mood-boosting effects of different sounds. While listening to songs has been linked to improving mental health and reducing depression, certain sounds appear to be more effective than others. Among those with the most powerful mood-boosting effects are binaural beats. Below is a brief introduction to these sounds and why they are beneficial.

What Are Binaural Beats?

Binaural beats are produced when two sounds of different frequencies are experienced at once. For example, a song will deliver each sound to one ear at the same time, through a pair of headphones. The brain then reconciles the differences between the frequencies, resulting in an auditory illusion that can improve your mood. To be effective, both frequencies must be less than 1,000 Hertz (Hz) and have a difference no greater than 30 Hz.

What Are the Benefits?

Scholars in music schools have been working with mental health experts to track the potential benefits of binaural beats, which depend on the difference in frequencies produced. For example, a difference of 1 to 4 Hz can promote improved sleep and relaxation. For higher differences, such as the 8 to 13 Hz range, the sounds can make you more positive and decrease anxious feelings. The 14 to 30 Hz range can boost cognitive function, enhancing alertness and memory.

How Can They Improve Your Mood?

While a mental health professional should address any lasting feelings of hopelessness or despair that you feel, music can help remedy short-term changes in mood. Since certain binaural beats can decrease anxiety and drive positivity, listening to them could lift your spirits next time you’re feeling sad. 

Additionally, some people find that the sounds achieve effects similar to meditation, including increased creativity, reduced stress, and improved pain management. Thus, if you didn't have success with meditation in the past or you want a supplementary practice, binaural beats could be an effective tactic to try. Whether you’re pursuing music school and learning about the different effects of sounds or simply interested in finding an all-natural mood lifter, binaural beats are worth exploring.

If you’re looking to start playing music of your own, turn to Hawaii Musicworks on Oahu in Pearl City. This music school is led by skilled coaches who offer both group and individual lessons for aspiring musicians. In addition to instruction on instruments, students also develop the skills to compose their own tunes. Visit them online for more information about their classes, and call (808) 486-8600 to speak with a team member about enrollment.