Music in My Head

Music is one of the things that separates us from animals. It is a universal phenomenon that all human cultures share. What is even more amazing, is that sometimes humans hear music in their head, even when there is no music around! Perhaps it doesn’t seem particularly impressive, but just think — have you ever been walking down the street and suddenly have a picture of your favorite couch pop into your head? Have you ever suddenly smelled a pumpkin pie that doesn’t exist? Moreover, have you ever heard an imaginary dog bark or an imaginary person laugh? If you have, you are very unusual. Almost everyone, however, regularly hears familiar songs in their head while they are walking, driving, playing, whatever! Scientists call this “audiation”, and it is actually one of the fundamental skills children learn that prepare them to be musical when they get older. Having this skill helps us to move more rhythmically, alleviate boredom and tap into our imaginations in mysterious ways. So enjoy the music in your head, and next time you feel a song coming on, take the time to reflect on this unique human trait!