The Health Benefits of Going to Concerts by Nancy Gheysens

Life is music, and music is life—they shape each other in every beat and every
breath.

There is plenty of scientific research supporting the benefits of experiencing live
music—whether it’s classical, pop, rock, festivals, or intimate club shows. Shared musical tastes, dancing, and simply enjoying the same atmosphere make it easy for people to form social connections; music naturally brings people together.

Strong evidence also shows that attending concerts can significantly boost overall well-being. Studies highlight benefits such as increased self-worth, a greater sense of connection with others, enhanced mental stimulation, reduced stress, and even a potential increase in life expectancy.

Here are some of the key reasons why concerts have such a powerful effect:

1. Social Bonding
Being part of a crowd creates a feeling of togetherness, shared identity, and social
cohesion.

2. Aesthetic Experience
Live music — the combination of sound, lights, and atmosphere — can evoke deep
emotions such as joy, awe, and excitement, all of which contribute to emotional well-
being.

3. Physiological Regulation
The rhythm, tempo, and volume of music can help regulate our physical responses,
lowering stress hormones, calming the mind, and elevating mood.

4. Cognitive Activation
Live performances stimulate memory, attention, and anticipation. This mental
engagement explains the sense of “mental refreshment” many people feel after a concert.

5. Meaning-Making
Concerts often feel like shared rituals — moments of transcendence, connection, and
purpose. These experiences support deeper well-being by giving life meaning and
encouraging personal growth.

This year I had the chance to enjoy the Lokerse Feesten, reliving my youth with the Pet Shop Boys — what an incredible atmosphere and surge of positive energy!

I also went to a smaller, cosy event at Ancienne Belgique — a place I absolutely love — where a group of young musicians paid tribute to Jean-Jacques Goldman. It was the perfect opportunity to bring two French friends who didn’t know each other yet but work in the same field, creating a natural bridge for networking with like-minded people.

So… what are you waiting for to enjoy a heart-warming Christmas concert?

 

Sources

Fagan, E. M., & Woolhouse, M. H. (2021). Positive well-being from participating in musical activities: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychology of Music, 49(4), 833–856.

Mulder, J., & van den Tol, A. J. M. (2020). The experience of live music and its relation to well-being. Music & Science, 3, 1–16.