Music as a Spiritual Practice: How Sound Connects Us to Something Greater
Have you ever had chills when you played a song, or goosebumps at a live concert? I know I have. It’s quite the experience. Whether you see music as a spiritual experience or just a scientific phenomenon… I choose the former. To me, music is one of the most powerful spiritual experiences a human can have.
Music Transcends Language and Thought
Music speaks in a way that words never could. A single melody can make you feel understood, connected, and moved without a single lyric being spoken. It’s a form of communication beyond language, reaching straight to the soul, subconscious, or whatever you believe lies beyond the physical. Not to mention, music is universal. A sad chord progression is sad whether you live in Asia, America, or Antarctica.
The Science of Vibration and Energy
Everything is vibration. From the way atoms move to the way sound waves travel, music is energy in motion. Many spiritual traditions and ancient cultures believed that sound was the foundation of existence itself. Think about the sacred “Om” in meditation or the chants used in rituals. Music taps into these same energetic forces, affecting our bodies, minds, and emotions in ways we don’t always understand.
The Flow State: Music as Meditation
Ever been so deep into music that time disappears? That’s a flow state. It’s the same trance-like presence that monks cultivate in meditation. When you’re fully immersed in sound, you’re not thinking, judging, or analyzing, you’re just being. This state of deep focus, where you let go and allow creativity to move through you, is one of the most spiritual aspects of music.
Music and Emotion: Healing Through Sound
There’s a reason people turn to music when they’re heartbroken, lost, or looking for inspiration. Sound has the power to heal, shift moods, and bring clarity. Certain frequencies have even been studied for their therapeutic effects—binaural beats, solfeggio frequencies, and sound baths—all tools that use music for healing and transformation. Whether it’s a sad song that helps you process emotions or a high-energy track that lifts you up, music moves through us and changes us.
Music as a Gateway to the Divine
For centuries, music has been used in spiritual rituals, religious ceremonies, and sacred traditions. Whether it’s gospel, chanting, shamanic drumming, or the hypnotic repetition of electronic dance music, sound has always been a bridge between the human and the divine. It’s why festivals can feel like spiritual experiences, why certain harmonies give you chills, and why playing or listening to music can sometimes feel like channeling something greater than yourself.
Music as a Remedy for the Modern Meaning Crisis
When I was a show promoter for Simshows in Minneapolis, I didn’t have much going on. I was working a job in IT, living in my parents’ basement, and feeling stuck. But that music community brought meaning and joy into my life. It gave me something to look forward to, a sense of belonging, and a deep understanding that music is more than just entertainment, it’s a shared spiritual experience.
Right now, especially in the West, many people are experiencing what cognitive scientist John Vervaeke calls the Meaning Crisis. When all of our basic needs are met. We don’t have to fight for survival, hunt for food, or worry about shelter—we start looking for a deeper purpose. Instead of fulfillment, many feel lost, stuck in routines, and disconnected from anything meaningful.
If the most stressful part of your day is sitting in traffic or deciding what show to binge next, yet you still feel unfulfilled, that’s the Meaning Crisis in action. Modern life gives us comfort, convenience, and endless entertainment, but it doesn’t always give us a sense of purpose.
This is where music as a spiritual practice comes in. Creating and engaging with music isn’t just about sound. It’s about expression, connection, and tapping into something bigger than yourself. It offers a way to step outside distractions, be fully present, and experience something real. Whether it’s through playing an instrument, producing beats, or just listening with intention, music has the power to reconnect us to meaning in a world that often feels empty.
Final Thoughts: Music is More Than Just Sound
Music is a portal to a different reality. I've found that the best artists create a new reality and their music is the portal to it. It is a vibration, an energy that has the power to connects us all. Whether you see it as science, spirit, or something in between, there’s no denying its ability to transform, heal, and elevate. If you’ve ever felt lost, disconnected, or in need of something greater, maybe music is the spiritual practice you’ve been looking for.
Want to go deeper into music as a spiritual and creative practice? Let’s connect. I offer coaching for artists and producers who want to tap into their creativity, break through blocks, and create from a deeper, more meaningful place. Sign up for a free call here.
