The Gunners Dream by Roger Waters

You may have seen in the news this week there is new research connecting the impact music has on our wellbeing. The research highlighted how for music reduced agitation and the need for medication in 67% of people with dementia, and that simply playing a musical instrument in older adulthood cut the risk of developing dementia by a third.

For regular readers of the Retune blog this will perhaps come as no surprise. Here we often use the lyrics of songs to prompt and enable discussion on matters of living life well. After all, song lyrics do seem to have a way of getting into our heads, staying there and being easy to recall.

What I found interesting about this research though is that its not just the lyrics, but the music itself which can impact our quality of life and wellbeing.

Think about some of the songs you know. How many have a catchy riff or tune to them? So often, simply the notes of a tune can create atmosphere and emotion. Instrumental music can even change our mood without the need for lyrics.

So, it brings me to a question. What do you think is the most emotive chord progression or key change in a piece of music you like? For me, it’s the opening piano chord sequence from Roger Waters song The Gunners Dream. Or to put it as I did in the title … Trust me: Em | G | G+ | Em/C | C | G | D | C | G | Em. What do you think? Do get in touch with your comments below with your favourite emotive musical sequences.

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