Family Doctor Talks About the Healing Power of Music

In 2022, Trinity Health Michigan became the official and exclusive health care partner of Pine Knob Music Theatre. The health system saw sponsorship of this iconic venue as an opportunity to promote good health and good music together in the community. Victoria Torgler, DO, a primary care physician with Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Primary Care – Rochester Hills shared her thoughts on the many health benefits of music and her most memorable concert at Pine Knob.

Dr. Torgler is a Board-certified family medicine physician. She is passionate about disease prevention, wellness, integrative medicine and osteopathic manipulation therapy. Dr. Torgler enjoys treating patients of all ages and has a special passion helping teens and young adults transition into taking responsibility for their own health care.

Q: How can listening to live music help decrease social isolation and depression?

Dr. Torgler: Social isolation and loneliness are serious health concerns, which are often combined with depression. The three years of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic caused more problems with depression and anxiety than we had anticipated. Getting together with friends is an important step in regaining a well-balanced life. Interacting with people is a great way to reduce depression. A live concert can leave people feeling connected with others. Simply enjoying music together creates a common bond – hopefully leaving people feeling fulfilled.

Q: Could listening to music decrease stress?

Dr. Torgler: Yes, it can. When people have music playing in the background while working or working out, they tend to stay focused on their task longer. Music seems to give you something else to focus on – decreasing focus on the worries or anxieties around you. Studies have found that listening to music can also lower the body’s levels of cortisol – a hormone that contributes to feelings of stress and anxiety.

Q: Can music help increase cognitive function (e.g., learning, thinking, remembering)?

Dr. Torgler: Personally, I have found listening to classical music helped me study. While in college and medical school, I know I performed better on exams when I listened to music while studying. In fact, surgeons often have music playing softly in the background while performing procedures. Sometimes it’s pop, sometimes classical – it’s the surgeon’s choice!

Q: Does music enhance creativity?

Dr. Torgler: I think it can. Music does tend to engage the right brain (creativity) more than the left side (logical) of the brain. Personally, I have found that listening to music can help me look at things differently.

Q: Do you have a favorite memory at Pine Knob Music Theatre?

Dr. Torgler: My favorite memory of Pine Knob was when my roommate from college – who is my best friend – visited and we saw Paul Simon together, for his farewell tour. We’ve seen him live before many times, which made this concert even more special for us.

Are you ready to get your groove back? Find a Trinity Health provider.