Harmonizing Emotional Intelligence: How Musical Training Shapes EQ
Dhwani Shah
May 6, 2024
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7 min read
If a child can do advanced math, speak 3 languages, or receive top grades, but can't manage their emotions, practice conflict resolution, or handle stress, none of that other stuff is really going to matter.
In a world where stress and anxiety are becoming commonplace, learning to deal with these emotional challenges is essential for success and well-being. While traditional academic achievements are undoubtedly important, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Emotional intelligence (aka Emotional Quotient or EQ), the ability to understand and manage emotions effectively, is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in personal and professional success. And surprisingly, one of the most effective ways to develop a high EQ is through something seemingly unrelated: music.
Try thinking of any iconic movie scene without its musical score—the big battle in Avengers without Alan Silvestri’s composition, or Interstellar without Hans Zimmer’s famed soundtracks (this one still gives me goosebumps each time). Not half as effective, are they? Think of all the times songs have helped you deal with love and heartbreak, have reminded you of a specific person, place, or memory, kindling a sense of heightened nostalgia. Music is a driver of emotions, a definer of moments, and a powerful tool for connecting with our innermost feelings.
Just as a skilled composer orchestrates a symphony to evoke a range of emotions, music empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of their own emotions and those of others. So let's dive into the harmony of emotions and melodies and explore the fascinating intersection of music and emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions as well as recognize and respond to the emotions of others. Some examples of emotional intelligence include-
Psychologist Daniel Goleman has identified five key components of emotional intelligence, namely,
Maria Iturriaga in her Ted Talk, ‘Emotional Intelligence and Music’ says, “So what did I gain by studying music? I learned discipline, resilience, resistance to frustration. I learned about myself and I learned about others.”
So here’s how music can aid in developing each component of emotional intelligence-
Self-awareness is, simply put, the ability to know what you feel. It is the ability to recognize and understand not only your emotions but also the consequences of your emotions and actions on those around you.
Children and adults alike are always exposed to a myriad of emotions - from joy and excitement to jealousy, insecurity and fear, and everything in between. Take, for example, the common childhood scenario: a peer takes away their toy or their parents refuse to buy them the candy they so desire. In these moments, children experience a whirlwind of emotions – frustration, disappointment, perhaps even anger or sadness. Identifying each emotion, what causes it and how to deal with it are skills that reap innumerable benefits far into the future.
Musical education fosters introspection and self-reflection. As children engage with music, they become attuned to the subtle nuances of their emotions – the flutter of excitement before a performance, the tension of frustration when mastering a difficult passage, or the warmth of satisfaction upon achieving a musical milestone. Moreover, listening to music and associating how different genres, melodies, harmonies and rhythms evoke certain feelings allow children to develop a deeper understanding of their emotional landscape as well as that of others, learning to identify and label feelings with greater clarity.
Furthermore, music provides a safe space for children to explore and process complex emotions. In the supportive environment of a music classroom or studio, children are encouraged to express themselves freely without judgment. Whether improvising on a musical instrument or composing their own songs, they have the freedom to explore the depths of their emotions and experiment with different musical expressions.
By fostering emotional awareness through musical training, children gain invaluable insights into their emotions, strengths, and areas for growth. Armed with this self-knowledge, they are better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of life with resilience and grace.
In addition to being aware of your own emotions, it's also essential to learn how to control your emotions. This is the essence of self-regulation – better management of one’s emotions and impulses.
The influence of music on our emotions is undeniable. Upbeat and vibrant music causes our brain to produce chemicals like dopamine and serotonin and thus, can invigorate and elevate our mood (case in point – Happy by Pharell Williams and Shake it Off by Taylor Swift!), whereas softer, introspective tunes can induce a sense of calm and relaxation (Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin). By deliberately choosing music that resonates with our emotional needs and moods, we can successfully control and navigate our own emotional responses.
Music is a challenging and demanding discipline; learning to play an instrument or sing requires patience, persistence, and perseverance – qualities that are central to effective self-regulation. Consider a child who is struggling to master a new piece of music. Faced with frustration or self-doubt, they must learn to regulate their emotions and stay focused on the task at hand. Through consistent practice and gradual progress, they develop resilience and determination, overcoming obstacles and gaining self-confidence. In a music classroom or studio, students learn to follow instructions, manage their time effectively, and set achievable goals for their musical development, thereby developing self-regulatory skills through a structured framework.
Besides, music provides a unique avenue for emotional expression and release. When playing an instrument or singing a song, children learn to channel their feelings into music, creating a tangible outlet for emotions that may otherwise be difficult to express verbally. In moments of stress or anxiety, they can turn to music as a source of comfort and solace. Through the rhythmic patterns and harmonious melodies, they also learn to regulate their breathing, lower their heart rate, and center themselves in the present moment.
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." - Victor Hugo, Author of Les Misérables
Whether facing academic challenges, interpersonal conflicts, or personal setbacks, children can draw upon their musical experiences to stay composed, focused, and strong in the face of adversity.
Motivation refers to a person's intrinsic drive to set and achieve their goals, beyond external factors like money, fame and prestige.
Motivation plays a crucial role in the journey of learning and mastering an instrument or voice. Children often encounter challenges and setbacks along the way – from the frustration of hitting the wrong notes to the difficulty of mastering complex techniques. Yet, it is their internal motivation that propels them forward, igniting their passion for music and fueling their determination to succeed.
Music has the potential to inspire and uplift, tapping into the deepest recesses of our emotions and fueling our sense of purpose. A study in the Journal of Sports Exercise Psychology found that motivational music helped exercisers push through fatigue. In fact, music can increase endurance during a workout by up to 15 percent!
For children immersed in musical education, the joy of creating music and advancing their musical journey becomes a powerful motivator in itself. Whether playing a favorite song, composing a new piece, or performing in front of an audience, each accomplishment brings a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that spurs them on to further achievement.
In this way, learning music provides children with a source of intrinsic motivation that extends beyond the confines of the practice room or stage.
Empathy is the capacity to put oneself in another’s shoes and try to see things from their perspective.
Music, with the range of emotions it carries, offers a platform for cultivating empathy in children and adults alike. Some artists make music from a place of love and triumph while others, from a place of loss and grief (I mean, Adele and Taylor Swift have helped quite a few of us deal with breakups in our own way). Lyrics and tunes have the power to convey intimate feelings and through music; individuals are able to connect with experiences and perspectives as felt by composers, performers, and musicians, and elicit empathetic responses.
Moreover, musical education exposes children to a diverse range of musical genres, styles, cultures, and perspectives. By exploring music from different traditions and backgrounds, children gain insights into the rich tapestry of human experiences and emotions. Whether through the rhythmic beats of African drumming, the soulful melodies of jazz, or the intricate harmonies of classical orchestration, music provides a window into the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life, thereby enhancing the capability to empathize with others.
Armed with a heightened sensitivity to the thoughts and feelings of those around them, kids are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the social world with compassion, kindness, and understanding.
Social skills refer to the ability to navigate interpersonal relationships effectively. They involve interacting well with others, communicating effectively and building strong and meaningful relationships.
Music has the power to unite individuals across cultures and backgrounds. Consider the powerful moment when the national anthem resonates through a stadium before a significant sporting event – in that instant, thousands of voices are bound by a shared sense of pride and belonging. It is a universal language that transcends geographical barriers and countless differences, exemplified by the collective experience of concertgoers singing in unison, each note carrying the weight of shared emotions and experiences.
I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music. - Billy Joel
Collaboration and cooperation are often integral components of the process of learning music. Whether participating in a choir, orchestra, or ensemble, children learn to work together towards a common goal – creating beautiful music – and develop invaluable social skills such as teamwork, communication, and empathy. In a musical ensemble, each individual plays a unique role, yet success depends on the collective effort of the group. Children learn to listen attentively to others, communicate their ideas effectively, and compromise and negotiate to achieve harmony in music. Moreover, they develop empathy as they attune themselves to the emotions and perspectives of their fellow musicians, learning to adapt and respond accordingly.
Further, music provides an opportunity for meaningful social interaction and connection. Whether playing in a band, jamming with friends, or participating in community music events, children have the opportunity to connect with others through a shared love of music. These shared experiences foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie, strengthening bonds and building lasting friendships.
Thus, musical training provides a rich and dynamic context for developing strong social skills for kids that lay the foundation for meaningful relationships and positive social interactions throughout life.
Learning music also offers a multitude of additional benefits for children’s development, beyond improving emotional intelligence. Engaging in musical activities enhances motor skills as individuals coordinate their movements to play instruments or dance to the rhythm. This fine-tuning of motor control not only improves dexterity but also fosters hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
On top of that, music stimulates cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Learning to read sheet music, memorizing musical compositions, and improvising melodies require mental agility and sharpness, thereby strengthening neural pathways associated with cognitive functions. Thus, the multifaceted nature of musical engagement not only enriches emotional intelligence but also contributes to holistic development, nurturing both mind and body.
If you’re a music academy dedicated to promoting the holistic development of your learners, Classcard, with its dedicated music school management software, can help you in your journey to enable your students to reach excellence.
"Art is how we decorate space; music is how we decorate time." - Jeán-Michel Basquiat.
As Basquiat beautifully articulates, music is more than just sound – it is the very essence of time, woven into the fabric of our lives. Its influence extends far beyond mere entertainment; musical education serves as a transformative force in the realm of education, particularly in the development of emotional intelligence. As we embrace the melody of life and dance to the rhythm of our hearts, let us recognize the profound impact of music, not only as a source of joy and inspiration but also as a powerful catalyst for growth, learning, and self-discovery.