The GuardianThe Guardian

Could we use music like medicine?

By David Robson

18 Sep 2023 · 4 min read

informed Summary

  1. Recent research suggests that active engagement with music can significantly benefit mental and physical health, leading to the development of a new field known as "music medicine". This involves the prescription of playlists as a treatment for common ailments.

In my adolescence and early adulthood, I could barely contemplate a life without music. Each Saturday I would traipse an hour to my nearest CD store, and spend nearly as much time browsing the aisles before returning home with my new purchases. I could spend hours lying on my bed, headphones over my ears and notebook in hand, as I deciphered every line of lyrics.

As time wore on, music slowly became a soundtrack to other activities, played in the background through the tinny speakers of my iPhone as I washed the dishes, cleaned the bathroom, or folded the laundry.

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