Scientists and doctors at the Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute have been extensively researching the life-saving benefits of recreational music making. Through their research, they have discovered that music can lead to reduced stress and a stronger immune system. In addition to these benefits, music making has been shown to reverse stress at the DNA level. This could be particularly beneficial for seniors, as playing an instrument has also been found to “improve mood, lower blood pressure, and affect the course of many diseases including cancer and heart disease.” While many musicians have been experiencing these benefits for years, Dr. Bittman of the Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute believes that everyone has an innate musical ability and that we all should recognize our capacity to make music at some point in our lives.

Throughout your years of making music, have YOU noticed any particular health benefits? Let us know in the comments section below.

Read more about this study here: The Life-Saving Effects of Music

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for this spooktacular weekend of parties, costumes, & (most importantly) unhealthy amounts of candy. Oftentimes, people forget about one of the best parts of this holiday: the music! It’s easy to forget how many songs are perfect for this creepy time of year, so be sure to take a look at this list of the top 100 Halloween songs. Of course, topping the list is Thriller by Michael Jackson (that video still haunts us), but check out the other 99 that are just as haunting! Did your favorite Halloween song not make the list? Comment and tell us which songs you would add!

Click here for the article: Top 100 Halloween Songs

We recently posed a question on the Making Music Facebook and Twitter: “The oldest instrument I own is ____ years old.”

Excitedly, our readers filled in the blank, each with their own story about their oldest instrument. The oldest response we received was a 139-year-old violin. People told us about their 20-year-old flute, their 45-year-old Gibson bass guitar, and their 125-year-old viola. It seems as though many of our readers have a sense of pride and achievement toward these instruments. This, of course, made us think: Are good instruments like wine? Do they get better with time?

Of course, without proper care, instruments will decline. However, after reading your responses & stories, it seems as though there is something very special about instruments that have lived as long (or longer) as its owner. What is it about the age of an instrument that makes it so interesting? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Read about an ancient Chinese instrument here: $23M Zither?

With the increasing popularity and usage of auto-tuned vocals in today’s music, it seems as though many musicians are split on whether this is a useful tool or a slow degradation of true musicianship. On the Making Music Facebook and Twitter, we posed our question of the day: What is your opinion on auto-tuned vocals? The responses were mostly negative with a few people mentioning how it can be a great tool when used professionally and sparingly. With these unfavorable comments, we would love to hear some positive aspects of this growing trend. So, with that, we ask you: Can you see any benefits to auto-tuning vocals? Please share your ideas with us in the comments section below.

In the meantime, check out our blog post about a popular auto-tune app from Glee: “One Person Glee-Club on Your Phone”

In our current issue of Making Music, readers can learn about Chris Yip, a piano-playing police officer from NYC.

“While on patrol three and a half years ago, he heard the sound of pianos undulating from the nearby Brooklyn Music School. It was like a calling, as though the pianos were summoning him…”

This interesting story about an everyday hero who found a special calling to music makes us think: Is it ever too late to learn? After reading Chris’ story, let us know what you think. In our opinion, we don’t think it’s ever too late…

Click here for the story

Pitch Slapped Performs “Break Even”

Whether you’re a fan of the hit Fox show or not, there is no denying that Glee produces some amazing vocal talent. In real life, it might be harder to find a group of students with that level of talent. At Berklee School of Music, however, look no further than Pitch Slapped - the seriously talented student a capella group. Click the link above and watch this video of Pitch Slapped performing The Script’s “Break Even” while they were in Alaska for an a capella music festival. Do you know any a capella groups that we should know about? Fill us in!

For the full article about Pitch Slapped in Alaska, visit Our Alaska: Glee in Real Life

For some helpful vocal tips, visit 13 Vocal Tips.

For an interesting article about a capella, visit Voices Carry.

Seems like a great low-pressure introduction to the world of music for kids. Click on the picture for a nice story about the concept.

Ancient Chinese instrument tells a twisting tale of history but also is still playable and has a great sound.

Farmer Stephen Akrigg keeps his goats happy in the milking parlor by letting them listen to the radio or CDs – and he has even been known to play his guitar to his goats.

A new study, published by the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, shows a strong correlation between engaging in cultural activities (like playing music!) and happiness. See plenty more related stories under our Music and Health heading