Author: Maria | BSc Aquaculture, MSc Fish Nutrition
A significant part of my professional life has been devoted to evaluating the technical feasibility of SME agriculture and aquaculture projects. Through these experiences, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the primary industries and the complexity behind them. More importantly, these projects have also shaped my personal perspectives and influenced my lifestyle in meaningful ways.
One experience that has stayed with me was a visit to a small-to-medium enterprise planning to expand its greenhouse operations. They supplied fresh produce to high-end restaurants and hotels and were exploring opportunities for export. Their setup was impressive—they were cultivating temperate vegetable varieties such as aubergines, large tomatoes, capsicums, and leafy greens.
As I walked through several of their greenhouses, something unexpected caught my attention: classical music was playing softly in the background of each one.
Being someone who enjoys classical music, I was naturally curious. I asked the horticulturist why they had incorporated music into their growing environment. She explained that the music helped the plants grow faster and healthier, ultimately improving yield and profitability.
That simple explanation sparked a deeper curiosity in me. I later did some reading on the effects of classical music—and sound vibrations in general—on both plants and living organisms.
Plants, it turns out, respond to mechanical vibrations in their environment, including those produced by music. These vibrations can stimulate cytoplasmic streaming—the internal movement of fluids within plant cells that helps transport nutrients, proteins, and organelles essential for growth and metabolism. In simpler terms, it supports the plant’s internal “distribution system.”
Beyond that, such stimulation may influence biochemical processes, including gene expression, nutrient uptake, and stomatal behavior—which plays a key role in gas exchange. All of these contribute, in subtle but meaningful ways, to plant growth and vitality.
Interestingly, the sensitivity to vibration isn’t limited to plants—it’s something we observe across living systems.
To make this more relatable, I’m reminded of a scene from the movie Finding Nemo. A boy in a dentist’s clinic taps on the aquarium glass out of curiosity. The fish instantly react—they dart away, agitated and unsettled, retreating to the safety of their hiding spots. The vibration disrupts their sense of calm.
Yet when left undisturbed, watching those same fish glide peacefully through the water has a calming effect—not just on them, but on us as observers.
Let’s take this a little further.
Studies suggest that when babies in the mother’s womb are exposed to soft, soothing, or classical music, it can positively influence their early development. Gentle sound stimulation supports the baby’s developing auditory system, helps stabilize heart rate, and may even contribute to early memory formation. Just as importantly, it creates a calming and intimate bonding experience between mother and child—an early connection shaped through rhythm and sound.
For adults, the effects are just as meaningful, though expressed differently. Soft background or classical music helps the brain remain focused and engaged. Its steady, gentle rhythm acts as a buffer—blocking out distracting noise without overwhelming our cognitive load.
Music without lyrics, especially with slow and consistent tempos, creates an environment that supports calm concentration. In the workplace, this can be incredibly beneficial—helping us stay present, steady, and productive without mental fatigue.
On the other hand, research also reminds us of the importance of balance. Exposure to loud, harsh, and constant noise can have serious effects on our well-being. It can damage hearing over time, but beyond that, it can trigger chronic stress responses—elevating blood pressure and increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues.
There are also more immediate effects. Excessive noise can lead to dizziness, vertigo, and sensory overload. When the nervous system is constantly overstimulated, it eventually becomes drained, leaving us feeling fatigued, anxious, and unsettled.
And this brings me back to my own experiences.
As someone who loves gardening, I find myself naturally speaking to my plants in a soft, gentle tone. I tell them to be healthy and happy. I reassure them that I will take care of them the best way I can. It may sound simple—even a little whimsical—but for me, it feels like an extension of care and mindfulness.
Perhaps that connection is part of the reason people say I have a “green thumb.” I genuinely enjoy nurturing my plants, and in their own way, they seem to respond—with vibrant greenery, healthy growth, and the quiet beauty of their design.
In my daily routines, music continues to play a subtle but important role. When doing household chores, I often play soft jazz or instrumental music. It helps regulate my pace, keeping me steady and focused rather than rushed or distracted.
At the end of the day, music becomes part of my wind-down ritual. I listen to instrumental sleep music—sometimes blended with the sound of waves, rain, or a quiet forest. These slow, rhythmic, low tones create a sense of calm that prepares both mind and body for rest.
________________________________________
Reflection
What I’ve come to appreciate is that sound—whether in the form of music, nature, or even our own voices—is more than just something we hear. It is something we feel. It influences how we grow, how we respond, and how we connect—with our environment, with others, and with ourselves.From greenhouses to human wellbeing, from unborn children to everyday routines, there is a quiet but powerful thread: harmony matters.
And sometimes, the simplest things—gentle music, a soft voice, a calm environment—can make the most profound difference.
What fascinates me most is how this experience highlights the quiet, often overlooked connections between environment and well-being—whether in plants, animals, or even ourselves. It’s a reminder that growth, in all forms, thrives not just on nutrients and structure, but also on subtle influences like sound, rhythm, and harmony.
