Why I listen to Classical Music (and the incredible benefits of doing so).

As a young child, my mother introduced me to classical music. We would sit and listen to Beethoven, Haydn, Chopin, Handel, Vivaldi, Bach, and her particular favourite, Mozart, for hours. Perhaps that is why I feel so comforted listening to classical music now.

At junior school, our headmaster also loved classical music. Every morning assembly began with us sitting cross-legged on the school hall floor, listening to the greatest composers of all time.

In senior school, our PE teacher had us dancing around to The Planets by Gustav Holst Mars. I’m not going to lie; I found this idea a bit weird at the time. It was one thing listening, quite another making up moves to accompany the music. I love dancing, but I stick to popular music or jazz on that score.

As a teen, my mother bought herself a Hammond organ, which I remember with her earphones on, happily playing away. I felt a little disgruntled that she didn’t buy a piano, but I am sure she had far more fun with the Hammond, as it had all kinds of switches so you could add Bossa Nova beats, jazz sounds, drums, or varying musical effects to accompany your playing.

As an adult, my love of classical music has endured. I am no music buff by any stretch, but I keep an open mind and listen to a wide variety. For a long time, the only place I listened to classical music was in the car, or again with my mother in her later years.

More recently, when I struggle to sleep, I pop in my earpods and listen to Mozart. It gives my mind something to focus on other than my worries. I follow the different instruments and guess at the next note the musicians will play (not that I am musical, but I recognise the patterns from years of listening). The music creates a comforting kind of meditation, and I prefer it to the guided meditations I sometimes use.

I believe doing this has a very positive effect on my brain. I sleep well after listening for around 20 minutes, and my mind feels more alert when I wake up. This results in increased creative productivity during the day and a sense of calm.

Benefits of listening to classical music (I can personally vouch for these)

• relaxation
• meditation
• improves focus and productivity
• boosts memory and sparks creativity
• enhances sleep
• uplifts mood
• increases dopamine production (which makes you happier)
• can help relieve pain
• fights depression

I just wish I had time to take up an instrument, as that has even more health benefits attached. Maybe one day I will act on the dream of playing the piano, but for now, I am happy to listen.