Here in Cleveland the weather has started to turn cool, which hopefully means no more 90-degree September days. Outside my office window it’s overcast. Inside, as I am writing this, I am on my second cup of Death Wish chocolate hazelnut-flavored coffee, a candle is burning, and my personal classical music playlist streaming.  

September is Classical Music Month, a time to celebrate the talented composers and musicians who bring this genre into our lives (and our ears!). The history of classical music goes back to the Medieval era when most of the music was hymns. But even in 2023, classical music’s roots shape the modern music we listen to today.  

Listening to classical music comes with many benefits. Read on to discover how classical music can improve your life and for ways to bring these benefits to your users with Libby Extras!  

Benefits to listening to classical music 

Heart health 

A 2016 study published in the journal Deutsches Aerzteblatt International that focused on the cardiovascular effect of musical genres found that those who listened to classical music had lower blood pressure, as well as lower heart rates, than those who listened to other genres.  

Better sleep  

Do you find listening to classical music makes you sleepy? There might be a scientific reason for that! A 2008 study in Journal of Advanced Nursing found students with sleep disorders got a better night’s rest if they listened to classical music. 

Makes you more productive 

While this is dependent on the person, the music, and the task at hand, a 2019 study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied found that listening to music can help some individuals be more productive when performing certain tasks. (I know some writer friends who can only write in complete silence, whereas I have many a carefully-curated playlist depending on what I’m working on!)  

Libby Extras for classical music lovers 

Looking to bring the benefits of classical music to your community? Our Libby Extras are here to help. Visit Libby Extras under the Shop tab in Marketplace to get started. 

ArtistWorks 

Through self-paced music lessons, patrons can save on pricey private instruction and instead get anytime, anywhere access to the greatest music teachers in the world. With beginner and advanced instruction for popular string and band instruments and voice classes, ArtistWorks teachers bring years of performing and recording experience to their engaging courses 

Qello Concerts by Stingray 

Featuring over 1,500 of the most amazing moments in music history from the 1920s to today, Qello is your go-to source for the live performances that matter. With new releases every week, patrons will never run out of riveting shows to watch such as the Berlin Philharmonic playing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 or Score: A Film Music Documentary. Music enthusiasts can relive the concerts they loved, see the shows they’ve always wanted to experience, and discover new artists. 

Stingray Classica 

With over 1,000 concerts, operas, ballets and documentaries, Stingray Classica delivers premium programming ideal for both classical music experts and those new to the genre. Along with featuring today’s most celebrated and inspiring classical music performances, Stingray Classica also offers timeless productions from the archives. Whether your users are looking for well-known classical masterpieces or hidden gems, there is something for everyone with Stingray Classica. 

Ready to get started? 

Visit Libby Extras under the Shop tab in Marketplace to add these services to your collection. Or sign up for your free Libby Extras demo access. To learn more about how libraries are educating, entertaining and engaging their communities with Libby Extras, visit the Resource Center.