This week I’m taking a page from Buzzfeed’s book with my very own list.  Without further ado, here are (in my humble opinion of course) the top 10 benefits of music:

10. Better Workouts.   Duh, right?  Studies have shown that listening to your favorite music may help people run faster, boost motivation and increase endurance.

9. Pain Reduction.  In a 2013 study, sixty people diagnosed with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to listen to music once a day over a four-week period.  Compared to a control group, the group that listened to music experiences significant pain reduction and fewer depression symptoms.   Recently, patients undergoing spine surgery had similar results.

8. Improved Memory.  Often dubbed the “Mozart Effect,” music enjoyment elicits dopamine release, which is tied to motivation and also linked to learning and memory.  In a 2014 study, listening to music helped improve mood, orientation and memory in patients with dementia.

7. Immunity Boost.  The preliminary results of a 2013 Meta-analysis concluded that music has the potential to augment immune response systems.  Another study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that listening to Mozart piano sonatas helped relax critically ill patients by lowering stress hormone levels.

6. Lower level of stress and anxiety.  Yet another reason to take voice lessons is for the potential effect it can have on newborn babies.  A study of 272 premature babies who were exposed to difference kinds of music including parental singing, the group of babies whose parents sang to them had the greatest improvement in the babies’ functioning.

5. Better Visual and Verbal Skills.  Several studies have shown that music education at a very early age stimulates the brain to improve verbal skills, communication as well as visual skills.   Studies have attributed interactive music lessons for aiding in this process.

4. Increased Spatial Intelligence.  There is a casual link between studying music at an early age and the ability to perceive the world accurately and form mental pictures.   This type of intelligence can also be applied to problem solving.

3. Enhance Sleep.  Listening to classical music has been shown to effectively treat insomnia in college students.  Who knew?

2. Elevate Your Mood and Relieve Symptoms of Depression.  It’s no secret that blaring your favorite song while driving or getting ready in the morning can make you feel better.  Studies have shown that listening to classical and meditative music can be particularly uplifting and actually alleviate depression.

1. A Gateway for Learning.  Research has demonstrated repeatedly that learning music facilitates learning other subjects and can enhance skills that children use in other areas.  Some of these include language development, increased IQ, and increased test scores.