For millennia, humans have sought ways to connect with animals, recognizing the communication gap. Music, it turns out, is a powerful bridge. Studies show animals respond physiologically to music with changes in heart rate and brain activity.
Classical music can calm dogs, while reggae might reduce stress by increasing heart rate variability. Similar effects are seen across species: brain activity shifts, neuroplasticity improves, and blood pressure lowers.
Let’s explore 10 amazing instances where music fostered human-animal connections, deepening our appreciation for the interconnectedness of life. Perhaps this list will inspire you to connect musically with your own pets.
10. Cows Enjoy an Impromptu Jazz Session
In a 13-year-old YouTube video, The New Hot 5, a jazz band, performed for cows in France. The cows intently watched the band play Dixieland jazz. The video doesn’t explain the cows’ captivation, but their focus prompts the question: What do they experience listening to jazz?
The band began with “When The Saints Go Marching In.” Cows scattered across the field gathered close, attentively listening. These musicians, who specialize in jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, likely never expected such an audience.
The video has over 26 million views, suggesting people are fascinated by animals’ interest in music. It raises the possibility that the animal kingdom is more like us than we realize.[1]
9. A Golden Retriever Grooves to Guitar
A video uploaded to YouTube on December 22, 2011, has almost 15 million views. It shows Bailey, a golden retriever, bobbing his head to his owner’s guitar riffs.
Golden retrievers have always formed deep connections with humans since they were first bred in 19th-century Scotland. Lord Tweedmouth developed them by crossing a yellow retriever with a Tweed water spaniel, along with Irish setters and bloodhounds. Bred for intelligence and friendliness, they became ideal companions. Their gentle nature earned them global popularity. Thus, the musician-loving retriever and its owner have a natural bond.
The reason for the video’s virality is clear: it’s unusual to see a dog bobbing its head to music. Viewers left almost 8,000 comments, charmed by the dog’s happiness. It’s an authentic moment that’s impossible to fake.
YouTube stars are usually human, but this video is a rare instance of an animal stealing the show.[2]
8. A Hip Cat “Sings” the Blues
The blues, originating from African-American work songs in the mid-1800s, was once exclusively human. However, in 2020, a black cat “sang” a blues song with its owner on guitar. The video reached over 4 million views, introducing the feline blues musician to a new audience.
The video shows cats can have timing and rhythm, suggesting they enjoy music in ways similar to humans. The owner cues the cat, who responds with bluesy sounds. This interaction resonated globally, making the video a sensation.
Viewers were moved by how the cat’s “singing” embodies the blues, a genre rooted in human emotions. The video shows music transcends barriers, forging connections across species. It has over 8,000 comments, proving this feline blues act made an impact.[3]
7. A Deer Enjoys a Harpist’s Serenade
Deer are a historical part of human life, providing meat and featuring in art. However, how deer relate to music is less known. A YouTube video with 23 million views shows a deer finding harp music quite fascinating.
In a quiet setting, a harpist attracted a unique audience as she played. A deer emerged from the woods, focusing intently on the soothing sounds.
The deer seemed to enjoy 60 seconds of the concert before returning into the woods. Why did it seem so interested in the music? We may never know what the animal was thinking, but music is a gift that needs no explanation.[4]
6. A Girl Becomes a Cow Whisperer with Her Concertina
Movies inspire us. The Horse Whisperer suggested humans and animals can bond. In 2018, a girl captivated YouTube with a concertina serenade performed for cows.
The cows loved it, running toward her and standing attentively. The concertina, similar to a harmonica, created melodious sounds. The rural setting, the girl, and the cows proved a hit.
The cows’ captivation inspires questions. Does the fact that the cows loved the music so much mean that there is something biologically built into living things that allows them to enjoy music? Is there something biologically within us that makes us inherently enjoy music?
Most viewers probably didn’t ponder these questions, but the cows’ universal response likely interests the scientific community. The video has over 8,000 comments.[5]
5. Farmer Derek Plays Trombone for Cattle
Trombones and cattle aren’t typically linked. The trombone, from Italian words for “large trumpet,” originated in 15th-century Europe. Cattle were domesticated over 10,000 years ago. Yet, one Kansas farmer found a way to bring them together.
Derek Klingenberg gained attention for playing his trombone for his cattle. He performed “Royals” by Lorde. Judging by the video, cows love the song as much as humans do.
Klingenberg’s video is successful because of the large group of cows in attendance. About 60 cows came right up to him, while another 15 listened in the distance. Most people don’t live on farms, so a farmer playing trombone for cows is fascinating, especially for city dwellers.
Farmer Derek’s performance was a hit with his herd and the YouTube community. The video has over 25 million views.[6]
4. Chimpanzees Relax to Soothing Sounds
In 2018, Dave Norwoods shared how chimpanzees at the Chimp Eden Rescue in South Africa responded to his hand pan music. The chimps seemed curious, engaged, relaxed, and appeared to dance. It offered a glimpse of chimpanzees’ emotional response to complex sounds.
Research supports the idea that music can influence captive chimpanzees. A 2017 study in PLOS ONE found that slow tempos and simple rhythms can reduce stress and promote positive interactions. The hand pan’s calming qualities supported the study, suggesting music enhances well-being by reducing stress and improving mood.
Watching Norwoods’ video was relaxing, and it was great seeing how much the chimpanzees enjoyed the music. Though it has about 1.5 million views (far less than other items on the list), I enjoyed it the most.[7]
3. Violinist Plays for Horses
Ray Chen, winner of violin competitions, shares his talent with humans and animals.
Musical virtuosity is meaningful only if it brings joy. Chen performed for horses. One horse nodded in approval as Chen played soothing notes.
Chen played Vivaldi’s Winter, from The Four Seasons, composed between 1718 and 1720. Each concerto represents a season. Winter evokes the beauty and harshness of colder months. Chen’s performance captivated his equine audience, reaching over 14 million views.[8]
2. Flute Music for Dolphins
Flautist Sally Walker from the Australian National University explored the connection between music and dolphins in Port Stephens, Australia. She performed for bottlenose dolphins, who seemed to vocalize in duet with her.
At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida, a dolphin named Hope showed excitement during a flute performance. This enhanced care and engagement. Hope swam close, captivated by the melodies.
Dolphins are intelligent and sensitive to sound, and they have excellent hearing. Because human beings and dolphins share many of the same traits, the harmony between the two species is easy to understand.[9]
1. Pianist Calms Elephants with Classical Music
At a Thai elephant sanctuary, pianist Paul Barton connects with rescued logging and tourism elephants through piano music. Many have endured trauma, and Barton aims to provide comfort and relief.
The elephants enjoy Beethoven, Bach, and Debussy. They sway or stand calmly nearby. Lam Duan, a blind elephant, listens intently. Elephants are social, form bonds, and are sensitive. They remember those who hurt them and may seek revenge.
Barton’s Clair de Lune video shows him serenading Ampan, an 80-year-old elephant, with Debussy’s tune. It was a hit with Ampan and the YouTube audience, reaching over 12 million views.[10]
These stories reveal the profound impact of music on animals, highlighting its ability to create connections, soothe spirits, and bridge the gap between species. Music serves as a universal language we can all share.
Do you have a musical pet story? Share it in the comments below!
