If you’re like me, music is a constant companion. It energizes my morning jog, fuels my work sessions, and underscores unforgettable moments with friends. But have you ever stopped to think about how truly impactful music can be?
In this post, we’re going to dive into 30 crazy science-supported facts about music that will blow your mind.
You do not need to be a seasoned musician or an ardent audiophile to appreciate the visceral rhythm of bass resonating in your bones or the way a minor chord tugs at your heartstrings.
Music is universal and incredibly powerful, possessing the capacity to stir emotions, trigger memories or even alter our perception of time.
These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the transformative influence music can have on us. Let’s keep reading and prepare for surprises!
30 Crazy Science-supported Facts About Music
Music is not just a form of entertainment, it’s a magical force with astounding powers that have left the realm of speculation and entered the arena of scientific fact.
Warner your senses and prepare to delve into a symphony of insights.
Catchiest Song of All Time
We all have songs that lodge themselves in our heads and refuse to go away.
But according to science, the prize for the catchiest song of all time goes to 1977 hit by “The Tornados”, ‘Wipe Out’.
It won over songs like “YMCA” and “Happy” in a study conducted by the online game Sequence.
The research was designed to determine which songs stuck with people the most after they stopped listening — an effect known as an “earworm.”
Genres Influence Taste Perception
Now, you might find it surprising when music influences your personal taste – literally!
An experiment conducted by Grimm’s Food Company demonstrated that different types of music could significantly affect our perception of taste.
High-pitched notes enhance sweet flavors, while low-pitched sounds make things taste more bitter.
Therefore, consider playing some light Mozart symphony for your next dessert party or a deep bass tune when savoring a dark chocolate fondant.
Also Read: What Is An Audio Interface [What Is It & Why You’ll Need It]
Music Chills and Goosebumps
Have you ever experienced chills or goosebumps while listening to your favorite track? Well, it turns out it’s not just because of great lyrics or a beautiful melody.
According to Matthew Sachs, a researcher at USC’s Brain and Creativity Institute, people who experience frisson (the technical term for music-driven chills) usually possess higher empathy levels and are more emotionally driven.
His studies found these individuals tend to have different brain structures with more fibers connecting the auditory cortex (the part of the brain that processes sound) and areas responsible for emotional processing.
Dopamine Release
From feeling blue to dancing shoes, music can immediately change our mood. This emotional roller coaster is associated with dopamine release in our brain – a neurotransmitter accountable for feelings of pleasure and reward.
A McGill University study involving PET scans has shown that dopamine is released during peak enjoyment moments in music, similar to how it responds when we eat something delicious or experience something exciting.
Unborn Babies Hear & React to Music
It’s fascinating to learn that our relationship with music begins even before we are born.
A pregnant woman’s belly can feel like a cocoon, but for the baby within, it’s more like Center Stage. Yes, that’s right.
he Institute Marquès’ research shows that unborn babies can hear and respond to music around the 16th week of pregnancy.
When music was administered through an intravaginal device (as opposed to abdominal headphones), fetuses displayed movements of vocalization and mouth and tongue activation – a true musical response!
So next time you are around a pregnant woman, remember you might have an audience listening!
Premature Newborns Benefit from Hearing Lullabies
Music is not only profound for unborn children but also tremendously beneficial for premature newborns.
The connection between music and newborn development is well documented by science.
A study conducted at Beth Israel Medical Center showed that premature babies exposed to lullabies showed improved feeding behavior, greater weight gain, and more stable sleeping patterns.
Thus, playing gentle lullabies is more than just a soothing ritual; it contributes significantly to neonatal health.
Listening to Music Decreases Anxiety & Boosts Immunity
We’re all well aware that a catchy tune can lift our spirits when we’re feeling down.
Well-designed studies have established listening to music as one of the potent tools against anxiety.
According to the Journal of Advanced Nursing, patients who listened to music felt significantly less anxious compared with those who did not.
Furthermore, listening to upbeat tunes also enhances our immune system by boosting the production of antibodies and activating cells that combat bacteria and other pathogens.
Classical Music Fans & Heavy Metal Fans Are Alike
If you thought classical music and heavy metal couldn’t be more different, you’d be mistaken!
At least, that’s what many psychologists think. Studies show that lovers of both genres tend to possess similar personality traits such as creativity, gentleness, low self-esteem, but importantly – higher intellect levels.
Although these findings might be surprising in the first place, both Mozart enthusiasts and Iron Maiden fans seem united under psychological similarity rather than conventional genre stereotypes.
Non-Musicians Rarely Hear Music in Dreams
It’s fascinating that our relationship with music even extends into our dreams.
A study conducted at the University of Florence found that professional musicians are more likely to hear music in their dreams than non-musicians.
This is due to the intense neural and motor rehearsal of melodies they engage in during their waking hours.
Despite this, non-musicians can hear faint snippets of songs or rhythms if they have a particular affinity for music or after listening extensively to specific tunes.
Also Read: How To Read Music? [Kickstart Your Musical Journey Now]
Your Parents’ Music is Better Than Yours
Indulge me for a moment as I take you back down memory lane with your parent’s music collection.
You might assume it’s just nostalgia making their records sound better, but according to recent studies, there could be a scientific reason behind it.
Harvard psychologist Diana Omigie claims that there was indeed a so-called ‘Golden Age’ – statistical evidence points towards the diversity and quality being significantly higher before 1980.
Therefore, your parents might just have an edge over you concerning musical prowess!
Pop Music Is So Predictable That Computers Can Write It
Thinking about becoming a pop star? Well, you might have some unexpected competition – computers!
Research has found pop music is so formulaic and predictable that artificial intelligence can now generate it almost flawlessly!
Sony CSL Research Laboratory developed an AI called FlowMachines, capable of composing entire songs using databases from various genres.
If this finding didn’t already knock your socks off, brace yourself: AI-composed song “Daddy’s Car” actually made it onto iTunes!
Music Trends Might Affect The Stock Market
An unbelievable discovery from researchers Phil Maymin of NYU and Zakhar Maymin of Harvard shows that investment behavior could be predicted by analyzing top-chart music trend changes over time!
They found apparent connections like periods when light, easy-listening songs were popular, corresponding with bullish markets, while periods featuring chaotic, dissonant music coincided with economic turmoil.
Although merely observational research currently requires more robust testing methodologies for validation, its potential implications are truly astounding!
Good Beats Can Help Your Heart Health
Music doesn’t just touch our souls but also plays a significant role in our health, particularly heart health.
Studies suggest that tunes with a good beat can help regulate and improve your cardiovascular system.
According to research by the British Cardiac Society, listening to music with a tempo of 60-70 beats per minute can induce relaxation and decrease stress levels, aligning with the heart’s rhythm under calm conditions.
A lower tempo reduces adrenaline levels in the body, lowers blood pressure, and slows down the heart rate.
The Musical Way to Communicate with Babies
There’s no denying of the innate bond between children and music. It is essentially instinctive for a child to respond positively to lullabies and playful melodies even before they develop language skills.
A University of Washington study has shown that songs can introduce babies to language patterns better than spoken words due to rhythmic patterns.
Music therapy offers an enchanting way for parents and caregivers to bond time or calm fussiness while promoting cognitive development.
Music Assists in Brain Injury Recovery
Music’s charm isn’t restricted to mere entertainment; it’s also making waves in neurological rehabilitation processes regarding severe brain injuries.
The rhythm and melody-driven approach is called Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), which has been backed by multiple research studies globally affirming its effectiveness in recalling memories and improving motor functions.
Music engages large parts of the brain, encouraging neural plasticity, thus assisting patients in regaining lost abilities.
Stress Relief Through Music
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or frazzled after a long day, consider turning on your favorite soothing tunes.
This isn’t just about individual preferences; it’s actually scientifically proven. According to Harvard Medical School, listening to relaxing music can lower the levels of cortisol – a hormone responsible for stress reaction within our bodies – ultimately leading us towards relaxation mode more quickly.
Classical Music and Sleep Quality
The impact of music on sleep has been extensively studied. Among various genres, it’s regularly reported that classical music can significantly enhance sleep quality.
Research conducted by the National Sleep Foundation revealed that calm, slow-tempo music, particularly classical pieces without lyrics, can induce a state of relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
The rhythmic pattern of classical music also aligns synchronously with the brain’s natural waves during the early stages of sleep, promoting a smooth transition into deep sleep.
Augment Cognitive Performance with Music
Science continually emphasizes the beneficial effects of certain types of music on cognitive performance.
According to a study from Stanford University School of Medicine, music with a specific rhythm pattern eases our brain into paying attention. It makes it more receptive to information-processing tasks.
This phenomenon is often referred to as the “Mozart effect.” Basically, more complex tasks require more cerebral involvement, which focused listening sessions with Mozart or other classical composers can enhance.
Play an Instrument for Higher IQ
Ever felt intimidated by those who play musical instruments? Well, maybe you should be!
There is scientific evidence suggesting that playing an instrument can actually increase one’s IQ level.
A research report published in Psychological Science revealed that children who received three years or more musical instrument instruction scored higher than their non-musical peers on tests measuring verbal proficiency, cognitive abilities, and motor skills.
Moreover, adult musicians also tend to show strong correlations between their regular practice and increased working memory capacities.
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Can Plants ‘Listen’?
It may sound like an urban garden legend; however, science provides some supporting evidence claims that plants indeed respond to sound waves.
Dr. T.C Singh experimented at Annamalai University in India in 1962 and noted accelerated growth rates and biomass in balsam plants exposed to classical music at 10cm wavelength around 115kHz frequency band.
High-frequency Music Deters Mosquitoes
In what could revolutionize trap music, a scientific study published in the journal ‘Acta Tropica’ discovered that the Skrillex track, “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”, confuses mosquitoes.
The high frequencies and extreme pitch changes of electronic music appear to deter these insects—apparently, they’re not fans!
In the experiment, mosquitoes exposed to this song were less likely to bite and proved less effective at reproduction.
While more research is needed, it’s an intriguing step towards a natural repellent. Maybe buzzkill playlist will be more than just a metaphor!
Listening to Music Enhances Workout Performance
Need that extra push during your workout? Turn up the tunes! Multiple studies have established a strong connection between listening to music and improved workout performance.
For instance, a researcher, Dr. Costas Karageorghis from Brunel University in London terms music as “a type of legal performance-enhancing drug.”
His research shows that upbeat tracks help us sustain a higher level of physical intensity for longer periods by distracting from fatigue sensations—an ideal aid for those grueling workout sessions.
Babies Recognize Rhythm Before Speech
Babies might not understand the words you’re saying – but they’re wired to pick up on rhythm!
A 2009 study from the University of Amsterdam found babies can recognize rhythmic patterns in speech such as clapping or stomping before understanding language.
So, while lullabies gently soothe your child into slumber, those funky beats are perhaps laying the foundations for their dance moves—and linguistic skills!
Music Calms Raging Anxiety
Is anxiety getting the better of you? Try having some music therapy; science approves!
A wide body of research supports that calming music can reduce anxiety levels and alleviate symptoms by triggering biochemical stress reducers.
An enlightening review by Harvard Medical School revealed various instances where simply listening to calming melodies effectively helped patients cope with medical procedures or chronic diseases like cancer—by lowering heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of cortisol (a stress hormone).
Studying Better With Music
Listening to music while studying may seem counterintuitive, but research supports it enhances performance.
In a study by the University of Wales Institute, background music was found to aid in the recall of information, especially when the music matched the information being studied.
Instrumental and classical music are typically recommended due to their lack of lyrics. However, personal preference plays a critical role; you should gravitate towards whatever provides you with focus and positive motivation.
Activating Whole Brain Networks Through Music
Intriguing studies have shown that our brain’s interconnected network becomes more harmonized while getting immersed within the rhythm and melody of music.
Stanford researchers found that music engages areas of the brain involved with paying attention, making predictions, and updating events in memory.
Listening to classical music, for example, can light up multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, creating a real workout for our minds.
The Joy of Singing Releases Happy Chemicals
Have you ever felt extremely relieved and happy after singing a song from your heart? This is because singing releases endorphins – neurochemicals often associated with feelings of happiness.
Moreover, it also stimulates the release of oxytocin – known as the love hormone, reducing stress levels and even acting as a natural antidepressant.
Music Training Enhances Language Skills
Music training isn’t just about cultivating an artistic talent; it has immense benefits on cognitive development too – specifically improving language skills.
According to Northwestern University’s Auditory Neuroscience Lab, learning to play a musical instrument impacts both linguistic and cognitive abilities positively, due to overlapping processing mechanisms in the brain.
In simpler terms, those piano lessons you’ve been considering could make you a wordsmith as well!
Vocal Resonance Influences Emotional Perception
Do different vocal tones make you feel distinct emotions? It’s not just you! Scientists at Aarhus University in Denmark discovered that listeners gauged singers’ emotional states based on vocal resonance.
Subtle changes in tone color contributed significantly to perceived expression; deep resonance induced feelings of happiness or sadness while “flat” vocals resulted in neutral or passive emotion interpretations.
Music Engagement Enhances Brain Plasticity
Brain plasticity refers to our mind’s capacity to change and adapt throughout life – enabling us to learn new skills and knowledge constantly.
Longitudinal studies have found evidence supporting that sustained engagement with music fosters greater neural plasticity than any other activities (dancing or drawing).
Musicians usually exhibit enhanced working memory capacities, attention spans, and cognitive flexibility – decoding the substantial role music plays in making our brains more malleable!
Music evokes much more than sensations or nostalgia; it leads us down a fascinating labyrinthine journey through cognition improvement & emotional richness – organically transcending boundaries between science & fine arts.
Also Read: How To Upgrade Your Flute? [A Comprehensive Buying Guide]
FAQs About Science-supported Facts
Can music affect brain development in children?
Absolutely, it’s evidenced that kids who play an instrument have better neural processing compared to those who do not.
What is the impact of music on workout performance?
Energizing music can elevate workout performance by increasing endurance and the overall mood during exercise.
Is there a connection between music and memory recall?
Yes, powerful connections between music and memory have been observed, with familiar songs potentially helping people with severe brain injuries recall past events.
How does music affect sleep quality?
Certain types of calming music, particularly classical pieces, have been found to improve sleep quality by relaxing the mind and body.
Can plants really ‘listen’ to music?
Some studies suggest that plants exposed to certain types of music may exhibit increased growth rates and health.
Conclusion
Music is not just melody and rhythm. It’s a science, an art form that stretches its impact across cognition, emotion and even our physical body.
It enhances our workouts, gives us chills and can seep into our taste perceptions!
These intriguing yet science-backed facts only depict the start of an infinite playlist of wonders that music has to offer.
So, the next time your favorite song comes on, remember all these fantastic facts and cherish music’s magic with a greater appreciation.
