Numerous studies, including a 2019 review in the journal Annual Research & Review in Biology, have found that both performing and listening to music can have a significant impact on the immune system.
"Certainly music has an impact on the brain, and anxiety and stress impact the immune system," said Andrew Levin, a neurologist at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Levin, an amateur trumpet player who performs with several local ensembles, said he's not an expert in the ways music interacts with the brain. But it works for him. "Music is a part of my stress release paradigm," he said. "We know that music can affect brain states, so I don't believe it is much of a stretch to say that music can indirectly affect our physiology, and there is research that supports this notion."
According to a 2013 review in the journal Brain Behavior and Immunity, the emotional and psychological effects of listening to music have direct impacts on biomarkers and hormone levels. There is also general consensus among researchers that listening to music reduces cortisol (皮质醇)levels.
Does the type of music matter? It does. Prior associations and relationships with different types of music affect how your body responds. In general, research indicates that "relaxing music" (i. e. slower pace, peaceful music) is better for calming tense nerves， decreasing blood pressure and breath and settling the heart rate.
Singing a different tune? Potvin, a professor of music therapy at Duquesne University, is skeptical of some of the research linking music with the immune system, questioning whether it's healthy to use music or any other tool to resist anxiety. "The research is superficial, though I don't mean that in a negative way," he said. "I think the information we have is valuable, but we need to go deeper."