Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Discover how music and shared rhythms synchronize our bodies, strengthen social bonds, build trust, and deepen human connection. Learn the surprising science of interpersonal synchrony and music’s power to bring us together.
I’m Mindy Peterson, host of Enhance Life with Music podcast, where we explore all the ways music can make our lives better. And this is Microhance, a micro-dose of musical enhancement.
Notes
- Explore interpersonal synchrony and how humans naturally align their movements, emotions, and physiological rhythms when interacting with others.
- Discover the connection between musical entrainment and human connection – how shared rhythms can strengthen social bonds and create a sense of belonging.
- Learn how synchronized activities like singing, dancing, drumming, marching, and even finger tapping can increase trust, cooperation, empathy, and rapport.
- Understand how music has served as a form of social glue throughout history, from military marching and religious gatherings to protests, rituals, and dance floors.
- Find out how meaningful conversations and shared activities – including walking together – can synchronize our movements, breathing, heart rates, and even brain activity.
- Get practical ideas for using music to strengthen relationships and social connections.
- Explore the downside of interpersonal synchrony, including the bad apple effect, emotional contagion, and the importance of maintaining healthy emotional boundaries.
Connect/Other Resources
- Why We Click: The Emerging Science of Interpersonal Synchrony, by Kate Murphy
- Jerusalem Youth Chorus’ founder Micah Hendler has been a guest on this show
- While listening to sad music can (counterintuitively) actually make us feel better(!), excessive use can also lead to negative rumination and a downward mood spiral.
Episodes including a discussion of entrainment:
- Ep. 241: Live vs. Recorded Music – Your Brain Knows the Difference; with Arun Asthagiri
- Ep. 214: Neural Resonance Theory – What the latest groundbreaking research shows about your brain on music; with Edward Large, PhD
- Ep. 203: Functional Music – Music powered by science for improved sleep, focus, or relaxation on demand; with Kevin JP Woods, PhD
- Ep. 169: Next-generation neurotherapeutics that leverage the power of music, neuroscience, and technology; with MedRhythms’ Brian Harris
- Ep. 167: Having Surgery? Use music to reduce anxiety and pain perception; with Alice Cash, PhD, LCSW
- Ep. 96: Restoring function and quality of life for those with Multiple Sclerosis; with Betsy Hartman, MT-BC
- Ep. 60: How does music training affect children’s Social-Emotional Learning, and how is SEL affected by a pandemic? With Dr. Assal Habibi
- Ep.39: Parkinson’s Disease Interventions with Music; “Music provides structure for movement.” Marion Haase, M.M.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn; and by signing up for my occasional e-Newsletter.
I’m Mindy Peterson, and I hope this inspires you to enhance your life with music.
In-Episode Promo
SHEET MUSIC DIRECT: One of the simplest ways I enhance my life with music is by having the right music available the moment inspiration strikes. That’s why I keep coming back to Sheet Music Direct. Powered by Hal Leonard, it gives you instant access to over a million digital sheet music arrangements – for every instrument, genre, and skill level. You can view scores, listen to them, download instantly, and build your own personalized library that travels with you on any device. Example: I watch a movie and love a song I hear. I find it on Sheet Music Direct. I watch the documentary, “The Greatest Night in Pop” and immediately get the itch to play “We Are the World” for myself. Sheet Music Direct. It’s the holidays and I want to play a fun modern song like Sia’s “Snowman.” You got it, Sheet Music Direct.
Pro Tip: If you’re a university student, you can get the Sheet Music Direct PASS for 50% off! And a free trial is available for everyone. Whether you’re practicing for class, playing just for fun, or rediscovering music as brain-boosting self-care, Sheet Music Direct makes it easy. Prices start at just 99 cents, and everything is available instantly at SheetMusicDirect.com.
If you enjoyed this episode, please:
- Follow us in your podcast app: This is FREE and conveniently delivers each new episode to your device when it releases, so you don’t have to search for it.
- Share us with others: If you know of someone who would enjoy this episode, please share it with them! It’s easy to do right in your podcast listening app. Just tap the Share feature for options to share by text, email, or social media (or share this page).
- Rate & review our show (in your fav listening app or on Podchaser): This fuels my creative energy, and also helps others find the show!
View all Microhance episodes
Note: We occasionally use affiliate links for products and services we whole-heartedly believe in. We may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, for purchases made through these links. This helps support the free content we provide.