Nationalism is inspired, defined and celebrated in the form of music. Every country in the world has a national anthem, and many have other traditional songs that celebrate pride in a nation. Anthems become rallying points for the people. During the revolution against Ceausescu in Romania, the former pre-Communist Romanian national anthem became one of the important ways the people declared their own freedom from oppression. This eventually lead to its reinstatement as the official national anthem.
Such a strong connection exists between the mind and music that an entire branch of therapy is based on it, known as "music therapy." Music therapy uses listening, creation, interpretation and analysis of music as a method for treating various conditions of the mind. Music therapy is applied in the treatment of conditions as diverse as Alzheimer's and depression. It also has certain applications in treating physical problems, such as traumatic brain injuries. Although much remains to be learned about the field, it cannot be argued that music has a deep and profound effect on the mind. Validation of the practice is shown by the recognition of music therapy by Medicare as a valid, reimbursable therapeutic methodology.
Music is a strong motivator for many people. A driving rhythm is something that can motivate, move and inspire a person to greater action. The battle songs that armies have sung over the centuries are one good example of this. Another is the current trend that involves many people listening to music when they work out. A study done at Brunel University suggests that an athlete's performance can be improved by as much as 20 percent by listening to certain types of music.
Music affects mood and emotion, but it also effects the intellect in ways that scientists are only beginning to understand. E. Glenn Schellenberg from the University of Toronto conducted a study on children who were taking music lessons. The study showed an average increase of 3 points on IQ tests taken by students that had formal music lessons for the length of a school year. The ways that music forces a person to think seem to help create connections in the brain that assist in many types of non-musical thinking.