Goosebumps (piloerection) are a physical response where tiny muscles at the base of hair follicles contract, causing hairs to stand upright and the skin to form small bumps. While commonly associated with cold or fear, this sensation can also arise from emotionally moving experiences. When triggered by music, this phenomenon is called musical frisson, derived from the French for “shiver” or “thrill.” It is a brief, pleasurable psychophysiological response combining physical sensations like tingling or chills with a positive emotional state.
How Common is Musical Frisson?
Musical frisson is not rare, though its prevalence varies among individuals. Studies indicate that a significant portion of the population, ranging from 35% to 90%, reports experiencing musical frisson. One study found 62% reported goosebumps from music, and 90% reported shivers. However, some research indicates that around 8% of individuals may rarely or never experience this phenomenon. Unlike goosebumps from cold, which serve a thermoregulatory purpose, or those from fear, which are part of a fight-or-flight response, musical frisson is tied to an aesthetic and often pleasurable emotional reaction.
The Brain’s Response to Music
Musical frisson involves a complex interplay of brain regions and neurochemical processes. When music elicits this response, the brain’s reward system, including areas like the nucleus accumbens, orbitofrontal cortex, and insular cortex, becomes active. These regions are involved in processing pleasure and reward, similar to responses to food or other pleasurable stimuli.
A key neurotransmitter involved is dopamine, which is released in these reward pathways. Dopamine release is associated with feelings of pleasure, motivation, and euphoria, and studies show its levels can spike just before and during peak musical pleasure, contributing to frisson.
The auditory cortex connects with emotional processing centers. The limbic system, particularly the amygdala, is activated during emotionally moving musical experiences, contributing to the intensity of the feeling. The autonomic nervous system, specifically its sympathetic branch, triggers physical manifestations like increased heart rate, pupil dilation, and goosebumps. This physiological arousal often occurs when music violates expectations, such as through unexpected harmonies or sudden changes in volume, creating a moment of pleasant surprise.
Why Individuals Differ
Individual differences in experiencing musical frisson are influenced by a combination of psychological and neurological factors. Personality traits, particularly “openness to experience,” are consistently linked to a higher likelihood of feeling musical chills. Individuals with this trait tend to be more imaginative, appreciate art, and seek out new experiences, which may make them more receptive to the emotional nuances of music.
Emotional sensitivity also plays a part, as people more attuned to emotional stimuli may have stronger connections between their auditory and emotional brain centers. Engagement with music, such as actively predicting musical developments or having a deep appreciation, can also increase the likelihood of frisson. This suggests a listener’s cognitive involvement can influence their physical response.
Neurological variations also contribute to these differences. Studies show that individuals who frequently experience musical frisson may have a higher volume of nerve fibers connecting their auditory cortex to brain regions involved in emotional processing. This increased connectivity allows for more efficient communication between these areas, leading to more intense emotional responses. Genetic factors are also believed to account for a portion of the variability in aesthetic chills.