This accessible book is a systematic review of over 20 studies of the relationship between the brain and music. The main message is that music is very important to human brain development, maintenance and repair – it activates numerous areas of the brain, leading to improved memory, problem solving, creativity and general wellbeing. The book focuses on the clinical use of music in therapy, and the science behind what listening to and making music can do to the brain. It will be useful for teachers and older students, and some sections could be used with younger students in class discussions. 

This article explores the relationship between music and the brain through choral music, which can be found across many religions and worldviews and has greatly increased in popularity in British secular settings more recently. Choral singing has many health benefits, such as improved posture and breathing and reduced muscle tension. It also impacts the brain, as singing with others releases 'feel-good' chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. This resource would be useful in the RE classroom to explore the impact of choral singing on wellbeing and communities, and in discussions around defining the secular and the religious in British society today. 

There have been a wealth of scientific studies on the effects of chanting mantras on the brain in recent years as interest in the health benefits of this ancient practice has increased. In this readable and accessible article, Thakur references six findings on the impact of chanting on the brain. Readers may use hyperlinks and references in the text to more advanced studies to allow further exploration. Thakur recounts the experience of someone who found that chanting mantras (including Aum/Om) each day calmed his anxiety and normalised his high blood pressure. This example offers an interesting case study to explore in class as an extension to learning about the sacred sound of Aum/Om, which has significance in many religions and worldviews, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. 

This article is written from within a Christian worldview, which focuses on the group nature of Church worship. It explores the phenomenon of 'entrainment', which describes the synchronisation, connectedness or flow that occurs when singing or listening to music together in a group, which can help the members to bond more closely. In addition to this, the 'happy chemicals' released in the brain help the group to form strong bonds. The author acknowledges that this can have possible negative effects if manipulated for the wrong reasons, but he suggests we can also see this as a form of 'positive peer pressure' when a group is led by those with good intentions. This article will enable students to explore the impact of worship on the brain and community from both a neurological and sociological perspective, and in discussions around how Church interaction has evolved and changed following the separation necessitated by Covid-19. 

A look at how Confucius saw instruments and music as valuable accompaniments to religious rituals, and how they could provide a form of therapy (a then uncoined term) for people 2,500 years ago.