Music Musical Chills: Do You Experience Them?

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Musical chills, or frisson, are linked to emotional peaks in response to music, with studies indicating that only about 37% of the general population experiences them, compared to 90% of music students. Participants in the discussion share personal experiences of chills triggered by various music genres, often noting a stronger response to classical music and specific pieces. Some individuals report that their ability to feel chills is mood-dependent and related to their focus on the music. The phenomenon is also noted to occur in response to other art forms, such as literature. Overall, the experience of musical chills varies widely among individuals, influenced by personal connections and musical knowledge.
fuzzyfelt
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I’d previously read information about musical chills, (“Chills (goose bumps) have been repeatedly associated with positive emotional peaks. Chills seem to be related to distinct musical structures and the reward system in the brain.”)

http://musicweb.hmt-hannover.de/kopiez/Grewe_etal(2009)ChillsEmotionalPeaks_NYAS_1169.pdf

but didn’t know a few things, like other names for the experience and, particularly, that not everyone experiences it, which I find hard to believe (in various samples roughly half and down to 37% only, reported experiencing it, compared to 90% of music students).

http://www.cogsci.msu.edu/DSS/2008-2009/Huron/HuronFrisson.pdf
(linked to in another thread).

I thought it might be interesting to take a sample here of those who do or don’t experience it, or who may admit to, given the alternative names it has been given, etc. (I would understand any unwillingness to participate.) Some questions for affirmative answers would be-
1. Do you play any instruments?
2. Which genres do you like?

I do experience it, and play instruments and generally like all genres I know of, but probably less so music with lyrics that are overtly emotional.
 
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I used to experience it, but I haven't in two years or so. Maybe I haven't heard good enough music.
 
Yes, I did experience it, but only with classical music.
 
I have experienced it many times. I don't play any instrument, and don't know any of the technicalities of music - I generally consider myself very unmusical. I think I have experienced it with nearly every genre except for punk and metal which I don't care for.
 
Great, 4 out of 4 so far!
TubbaBlubba said:
I used to experience it, but I haven't in two years or so. Maybe I haven't heard good enough music.
I imagine I would really miss it.
waht said:
Yes, I did experience it, but only with classical music.
Seems I'm not very fussy, but probably feel it more with classical music.
Andre said:
Some music that gives me the chills:

Conquest of Paradise

Et les oiseaux chantaient

May it be

deliver me

Thanks. One of the papers mentions Jussi Bjorling, amongst other pieces. I think this was the recording that introduced me to the feeling.


Academic said:
I have experienced it many times. I don't play any instrument, and don't know any of the technicalities of music - I generally consider myself very unmusical. I think I have experienced it with nearly every genre except for punk and metal which I don't care for.

That is interesting, considering whether or not knowledge of music is a prerequisite.
 
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It has happened to me, usually because it reminds me of a situation or even a specific incident. For instance, when I hear 'Born to Run' I feel that 440 in my Roadrunner throbbing. I don't even want to mention what I feel when I hear Bonnie Tyler or Laura Brannigan.:-p
 
I guess its hard to call myself completely unmusical, I listen to it for hours a day. I very much seek it out and explore new genres, know a lot of the history and connections and sounds. But I have no idea how or inkling to play anything. I have no idea what terms like stanza, tone and tambre really mean and don't have any idea what particular notes sound like.

I get the same chills with other art forms as well, particularly literature. I think that's what gives me the chills most often, the written word or even oral speech with a profound idea.
 
I just listened to some of my favorites but none give me any chills, sorry.
 
  • #10
I copy you on that, Academic. Regarding my musical talent, I'm just now learning to play the radio. I'm hoping that sometime next year I will graduate to remedial tape-deck.
When I read any of Martin Caidin's stuff (my favourite), I feel the aeroplane wrapped around my body. It was because of his books that I learned to fly, and his descriptions still give me chills.
 
  • #11
fuzzyfelt said:
Jussi Bjorling, .

Oh definitely, Bizet, very strong, same for me with the httphttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Xp88GE2hw, albeit in quatro here.

Edit: link seems doubtful here is another version.
 
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  • #12
I play violin and I only get them when I hear really really good players. I get it every time I hear Mendelssohn violin concerto played by David Oistrakh.
 
  • #13
I think that is 6 out of 7!

Danger said:
It has happened to me...
Great!

Academic said:
I guess its hard to call myself completely unmusical, I listen to it for hours a day. I very much seek it out and explore new genres, know a lot of the history and connections and sounds. But I have no idea how or inkling to play anything. I have no idea what terms like stanza, tone and tambre really mean and don't have any idea what particular notes sound like.

I get the same chills with other art forms as well, particularly literature. I think that's what gives me the chills most often, the written word or even oral speech with a profound idea.

I understand, I guess you may be comparitively more familiar with music than many? And yes, it isn't confined to just music.

wolram said:
I just listened to some of my favorites but none give me any chills, sorry.

This is good to know! You enjoy it but no chills. Hard for me to imagine, but good to know :).
Andre said:
Oh definitely, Bizet, very strong, same for me with the here is another version.
Nice!

glueball8 said:
I play violin and I only get them when I hear really really good players. I get it every time I hear Mendelssohn violin concerto played by David Oistrakh.
Agreed.
 
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  • #14
Glueball, I bet that you would love Marc Wood's stuff.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Wood_(violinist )
"Monkeybats" from his "Voodoo Magic" album just blows my mind.

Okay, that's not quite classical... but check it out anyhow.
 
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  • #15
I experience it too, frequently, in fact. But I always thought it was just due to emotion, not the structure of the music. It's very mood-dependent, though. And I can get it from any genre.
 
  • #16
Ahaha...right after I posted that, "Zombie" (Cranberries) came on the radio...yep, got 'em.
 
  • #17
lisab said:
I experience it too, frequently, in fact. But I always thought it was just due to emotion, not the structure of the music. It's very mood-dependent, though. And I can get it from any genre.

7 out of 8!
Yes, reports that it happens infrequently didn't seem right to me either. I had always linked it with structure, however. And I agree about it being mood-dependent, and being able to give the music your attention, I think.
 
  • #18
I think (with no medical or biochemical background to support it) that the ears might be connected in a fundamental way to the limbic system. Scent evokes incredibly complex memories that are otherwise buried in the subconscious mind. Perhaps sounds have the same effect.
 
  • #19
lisab said:
Ahaha...right after I posted that, "Zombie" (Cranberries) came on the radio...yep, got 'em.
[off-topic]
Is that not the most difficult song to get out of one's head?
[/off-topic]

I get them when a singer hits a particularly high/difficult note. I've had them from instruments as well, but vocals are the usual catalyst.
 
  • #20
Dembadon said:
I get them when a singer hits a particularly high/difficult note.

Minnie Ripperton must have driven you almost to the point of orgasm. She and Jack Smith (Wolfman Jack) were the only people that I've heard of who had 8-octave vocal ranges.
 
  • #21
Danger said:
Minnie Ripperton must have driven you almost to the point of orgasm. She and Jack Smith (Wolfman Jack) were the only people that I've heard of who had 8-octave vocal ranges.

I'll definitely look them up!

I'll spare you the details of the result. o:)
 
  • #22
I get chills when hearing new and impressive music. It settles down after repeated listenings, but never entirely goes away. Jackson Browne's "For a Dancer" can still get me, and Aaron Neville and Linda Rondstadt's "I don't Know Much" is close behind.
 
  • #23
lisab said:
Ahaha...right after I posted that, "Zombie" (Cranberries) came on the radio...yep, got 'em.

Me too.

Can't remember my first musical chill. But I think I've had them for at least the last 35 years.

The gentleman standing next to me says he has experienced them also. Don't know if that counts.
 
  • #24
turbo-1 said:
I get chills when hearing new and impressive music. It settles down after repeated listenings, but never entirely goes away.

This is exactly how I would describe it for myself.
 
  • #25
S_Happens said:
This is exactly how I would describe it for myself.
When I first heard Sting's "I'm So Happy that I can't Stop Crying" the song broke through too many barriers at once, and I was addicted to it. That is a viral song! Even before I saw the video. Please don't get addicted. The weird hair is just a bonus.

 
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  • #26
OmCheeto said:
The gentleman standing next to me says he has experienced them also. Don't know if that counts.

It depends upon whether or not he actually exists...
 
  • #27
OmCheeto said:
Me too.

Can't remember my first musical chill. But I think I've had them for at least the last 35 years.

The gentleman standing next to me says he has experienced them also. Don't know if that counts.

I sure hope you knew that guy before you asked him that...:-p
 
  • #28
Am a musician. Experience this.
 
  • #29
I am a musician also and I do experience this. I think it is easier to get when the music is loud and in your face such as a good pair of headphones. Also, you have to be concentrating on the music and the music alone, not driving or anything else. On a side note, I get this mostly from progressive music.
 
  • #30
Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Queen... Really theatrical music seems to be more likely to trigger it (A lot of classical music works too for this reason.). If it doesn't change moods throughout the piece, it's usually not as effective.
 
  • #31
I sometimes get this feeling of blood flow increasing to my head and it feels a little warm. I'm actually able to control it and induce it as often as I'd like, i.e., I can give myself these "chills" through internal stimulus alone.
 
  • #33
  • #34
It's a strange phenomenon coming to think of it, genre is not important indeed. I can't put the finger on it yet. Concerning classical music for instance, Mozart doesn't have it. Beethoven does, many works.

One of strongest experiences for me is the final part of the Volgalied. I sit out the first part without much emotion, not bad but nothing special either, but at 3:02 minutes, the chill starts.

It appears that I'm not the only one, a shorter version is much more popular and you only have to wait 1:16 minutes before the magic starts. Andre Rieu seems to think likewise and he starts with that part right away here.
 
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  • #35
I play the banjo but never experience it listening to Bluegrass.
Sometimes I get it with 60's Folk-pop (Fairport etc.)

Definitely baroque - Handel, Bach, Vivaldi.
 
  • #36
I wonder how different the experience is between different people.

this has a strong chill factor for me too. Anybody else?
 
  • #37
I know this song (don't judge me) used to give me pretty strong response. And I did get a small chill from it. Probably mostly due to connection with the show; I do tend to get chills from "awesome moments" in movies, shows, video games and the like.

[Oh yes, this one too. Especially the intro.

Those are two that spring to mind.
 
  • #38
BB King once said of another guitarist that "his tone gives me the cold sweats". The guitarist he was talking about was Peter Green - founder of Fleetwood Mac - a young British blues guitarist formerly with John Mayall.
 
  • #39
Danger said:
I think (with no medical or biochemical background to support it) that the ears might be connected in a fundamental way to the limbic system. Scent evokes incredibly complex memories that are otherwise buried in the subconscious mind. Perhaps sounds have the same effect.


Nice thoughts, Danger. This thread is a bit of an off-shoot from a thread about synaesthesia in the Medical Sciences (which is very long, but begins here-
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=393977 ) and there was mention of musical chills there.


Quoting wiki, synaesthesia “is a neurologically-based condition in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway.[1][2][3][4]” . Musical chills might be related, considering a type of sound stimuli seems experienced by the skin, although there are other considerations. The definition has sometimes been qualified as “atypical” instances of the above. I started this thread because I had previously thought this experience was typical, and was surprised to learn it might not be. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia


I agree with you (and Proust and others) about how evocative the olfactory sense is, and agree there may be similarities.

On a note slightly about musical emotion or uses, I think I mentioned here years ago the Bata drum as religious discourse,
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2339968/Bata-Drum-Talk-Orisha-Worship-Theology-of-Sound
http://www.ashgate.com/default.aspx...ageSubject=310&title_id=9292&edition_id=11969
and might have mentioned the Kaluli sung cartography,
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T0D-49Y3W84-2&_user=10&_coverDate=12%2F31%2F2004&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1388849876&_rerunOrigin=scholar.google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=2d3969f3e51a5d31197bee07d4e4f06a
 
  • #40
Thanks for all the replies. I think that makes 18 respondents, including the gentleman beside Om Cheeto, and reports about BB King (thanks Turbo) and only one who doesn’t experience this, although I probably worded everything with bias toward those who do.


I’m pleased to hear TubbaBlubba’s chills have returned.

Minnie Riperton and all the other induces are fascinating.

I wonder how the experiences differ individually too, Andre. Personally, I’ve been listening to a song I first heard a few weeks ago quite a bit. There is a slight change in the melody at one point and when I first heard it struck me as inspired, and that then is accentuated by accompanying brass. The goose-bumps haven’t diminished with familiarity, yet, as long as it has my attention. I get it while I’m driving, but not if someone is talking to me at the same time.
 
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  • #41
Fuzzy,

Maybe it's just me, but certain songs by Pink Floyd, Nickleback, Rolling Stones, Rare Earth, (there's an old one), Dave Matthews do it, usually when I am riding my bicycle, motorcycle, walking or running, or sometimes driving with no distractions. Also, I can get the same chills (endorphin rush) just imagining these songs the in my head, and finally, yeah I know I am a bit weird, from thinking about a problem with science/math and coming up with a possible solution (I know that is not music), just wanted you to know that music is not the only form of mental stimulation that causes it. Sometimes when I read something that is surprising or I have never heard of before causes it too. You have seen this happen in the synesthesia thread.

To sum up:

listening to certain music
imaging listening to certain music
realizing a possible solution to a problem
reading about surprising information

Rhody... :wink:
 
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  • #42
rhody said:
Fuzzy,

Maybe it's just me, but certain songs by Pink Floyd, Nickleback, Rolling Stones, Rare Earth, (there's an old one), Dave Matthews do it, usually when I am riding my bicycle, motorcycle, walking or running, or sometimes driving with no distractions. Also, I can get the same chills (endorphin rush) just imagining these songs the in my head, and finally, yeah I know I am a bit weird, from thinking about a problem with science/math and coming up with a possible solution (I know that is not music), just wanted you to know that music is not the only form of mental stimulation that causes it. Sometimes when I read something that is surprising or I have never heard of before causes it too. You have seen this happen in the synesthesia thread.

To sum up:

listening to certain music
imaging listening to certain music
realizing a possible solution to a problem
reading about surprising information

Rhody... :wink:

Yes, thanks, the second paper notes some other situations, too, and I also feel it in other situations. I just thought it would be safer to keep this thread musical. I was unsuccessful at experiencing musical chills by just thinking of music, but maybe need to give it a better chance. That reminds me, one post mentioned control over it, which might raise questions of it being automatic.
 
  • #43
fuzzyfelt said:
Yes, thanks, the second paper notes some other situations, too, and I also feel it in other situations. I just thought it would be safer to keep this thread musical. I was unsuccessful at experiencing musical chills by just thinking of music, but maybe need to give it a better chance. That reminds me, one post mentioned control over it, which might raise questions of it being automatic.

Thinking of music I like doesn't cause it to happen automatically, I have to be calm, relaxed, not stressed and have my mind basically open and in an idling state, Does that make sense to you ? BTW, this never happened till reading, "The Brain that Changed Itself", I can't put my finger on the exact cause or causes, I just know for sure it is happening now and has never happened before. I guess my brain is changing somehow. I kind of like it but find it a bit weird at times.

Rhody... :biggrin:

P.S. When I get chills from realizing a problem solution or from reading surprising information I find a side benefit of being able to concentrate better for a longer time because my motivation increases.
 
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  • #44
Yes, it may not be related at all to the medical sciences thread, but still interesting and it is very interesting that this is new to you.
 
  • #45
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  • #46
Andre said:
I wonder how different the experience is between different people.

this has a strong chill factor for me too. Anybody else?

Definitely :smile:. Partly because I love the ocean and diving. But it also gives me a "path I didn't choose" kind of regret.
 
  • #47
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  • #48
lisab said:
Definitely :smile:. Partly because I love the ocean and diving. But it also gives me a "path I didn't choose" kind of regret.

Fuzzy,

What lisab just said reminded me of a similar emotion a couple of times as of late, while walking alone with music, thinking about personal family issues, the sense of chills can be immediately followed by a profound sense of sadness to the point of tears, which was surprising.

Rhody...
 
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  • #49
haael said:
This performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MExihLTljzk" gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I listen to it.

That was nice, very middle-east flavor. It didn't give me chills but the suit the pianist was wearing made me shudder.
 
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