Your Musical Self

Using music to learn, heal, and live

Kimberly Sena Moore Ph.D.

How Does Music Help Us Feel?

Why do we love the music we do? Three reasons top the list.

"Macho Man" and "Beat It": The Meaning of Song Selections

Music holds meaning. It reflects our personal, social, and cultural identities. So let's examine the possible meanings of this week's political rally playlist.

Film Music and the Suspension of Disbelief

Thoughts from an award-winning composer about the underlying value of music in film and TV.

The (Surprising) Value of Music Through Zoom

Can virtual music therapy work? After observing my students, I'd say yes—and here's why.

6 Ways Music Can Be Damaging

There's little doubt of music's benefits, but can there be negative effects as well? A new model helps us make sense of music-induced harm.

Is Hearing the Last to Go?

Hospice professionals and recipients of hospice services say hearing is that last to go. But is that true? New evidence indicates yes.

Wait...Music Can Be Racist?

Can music help us live as a society that embraces diverse persons, cultures, and lifestyles? Here are some thoughts to get started.

56 Ways for Music to Help When Social Distancing

People have found ways to engage with each other through making music together from afar. But this isn’t the only way music can help us cope.

Why We Can (Sometimes) Hate Music

Is it possible to grow to hate a song? Here are a few ideas to keep your holiday favorites feeling merry.

Bringing Music to Veterans

How music therapy is improving the quality of life of veterans in Atlanta.

What Makes Sad Music… Sad?

How does music make us feel? Research helps explain how the structure of music itself can be arranged to express emotions.

Music to Motivate Exercise

Does music listening actually improve exercise? Research helps explain the role of music for entrainment, mood, and overall motivation to participate (and adhere) to exercise.

The Road to Recovery Is Paved With...Music?

During the 2017 Memorial Day concert, singer Renee Fleming shared four ways music therapy can help injured soldiers. Here's an explanation.

The Subtle Impact of “Pomp and Circumstance”

You can’t attend graduation without hearing Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” trio. Here’s four reasons why this tune remains a significant part of the commencement experience.

Inaugurations, Women’s Marches, and the Social Role of Music

I've found myself wondering what type of music we'll hear this weekend...and how they'll reflect the upcoming administration and women's march.

The Soothing Balm of Music

Music can help us cry, grieve, and ultimately feel relief. Here are 9 ways to harness that.

#BecauseofArtsEd: Arts Education and Me

This week is National Arts in Education week. How did arts education impact you?

Harmonicas, Social Connections, and Politics

Research and experience indicate that live music experiences help with group emotional connectedness. Words not required.

Patriotic Music and Cultural Identity

How is it that music can be such a strong carrier of cultural identity? Examining music’s function in our lives may provide a clue.

Are Musical Genres Outdated?

Is it hard for you to identify what music you like? A little insight into your personality may help.

Music for Productive Creativity

Can music help you get in a creative flow? Here's one writer's strategy and why it may work.

Learning about Allison's Brain

How music helped one woman's post-brain surgery healing

Building Bridges: Music Therapy in Hospice Care

The practice of including music therapy as a hospice and palliative care treatment option began to grow significantly beginning on the 1990s. Here's how music therapists help.

Don't Stop Music Learning

I'm a big believer in the key role music and the arts have for a child. Which child might benefit the most? Perhaps it's the ones who struggle the most.

Music, Smell, and Holiday Shopping

Does it feel like you hear holiday music too early in stores? Research helps explain why.

The Evolution of Music: A Bonding Effect?

New research explores why singing brings us closer together

3 Musical Ways to Influence a Child's Emotions

One of the most common ways we consume music is to shift our emotional state. This little trick works with children, too.

Scoping Out Sticky Songs

What makes songs too sticky? Exploring earworms—what they are and how you can get rid of them.

What We've Got Wrong With the K-State Marching Band Story

The Kansas State University marching band director is in hot water following this weekend’s halftime performance. However, this 3-second segment is taken out of context. With the drill in motion, the announcement, and the music it all makes sense. So who are the real losers in this story?

Punk Music Isn't "Bad"

New research explores whether extreme music (e.g. heavy metal and punk) makes you angrier, or helps you process and regulate your anger.

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