1. The First Instrument Ever Made
What do you think the first instrument ever is? The answer… The simple flute! Starting out as hollowed-out pieces of wood, bone, and ivory with holes, flutes can be traced back as far as 67,000 years ago.
2. History’s First Rockstar
When most people think “rockstar,” they think Bon Jovi, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, or other major names of the 70s and 80s, but “rockstars” used to exist even on the Piano. Franz Liszt, a Hungarian composer from the 1840s is considered the first-ever rockstar, bringing audiences to a frenzy called Lisztomania.
3. The World’s Weirdest and Largest Instrument
From the stylophone to musical ice, there are many strange instruments that have been created throughout history. At the top of most lists, however, is the Great Stalacpipe Organ. The instrument was built in the Luray caves of Virginia by mathematician Leland Sprinkle and uses the cave surroundings to produce an ethereal sound.
4. Singing in a Group Makes You Happier
Been feeling down lately? Consider joining a band or choir! Studies show that it provides both physical and emotional benefits by increasing positive hormones and decreasing negative ones.
5. There’s Only One band to Have Played on All 7 Continents
Metallica is the first and only band to play concerts on all 7 continents, and all in one year! The band did a worldwide tour in 2013, playing across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. They checked Antarctica off the list too by performing for 120 scientists and competition winners at Carlini Station.
6. Listening to Music Can Help You Live Longer
Listening to music doesn’t just make you happy, it makes your heart happy! Studies show that music reduces pain and anxiety, it may help lower blood pressure and heart rate, helping you live a longer, healthier life.
7. There’s an Album That Was Recorded in Outer Space
Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield was the first person to ever write and record an album in space. Released in 2015 and titled “Space Sessions: Songs From a Tin Can” the album included 11 songs.
8. The Inventor of The Biggest Guitar Brand Can’t Play Guitar
You’ve probably heard the name Fender (It’s only the largest guitar and bass manufacturer in the world!), but have you heard of Leo Fender? The company’s inventor and founder, Leo couldn’t play guitar or bass, only the saxophone!
9. Music Was Once an Olympic Event
Between 1912 until 1948, art competitions were an official part of the Olympics. Divided into five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture, there were 155 art medals total given out during that period.
10. The Largest Free Concert Ever
With an audience of 4.2 million people, Rod Stewart’s New Year’s Eve concert on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the most attended free event ever. The concert was produced by MTV and was part of Brazilian efforts to boost tourism.
11. Classical Music and Heavy Metal Fans Are a Lot Alike
For two almost opposite genres of music, you’d think their listeners would be too, right? Well in this case you’d be wrong. Classical music fans and heavy metal fans are actually very similar, at least psychologically. Studies found that listeners of these two genres tended to be creative, gentle, and self-assured
12. It’s Very Rare to Hear Music in Your Dreams
Hearing music in your dreams isn’t as common as you may think, it’s actually extremely rare! Musicians hear it more often than most, with around 40% of them reporting music in their dreams, while only 18% of normal people do.
13. Horror Movie Music is Scientifically Supposed to Scare You
If you’ve ever seen a scary movie, you know the uneasy feeling you get when you hear the high-pitched sounds just before something jumps out at you. But what causes that feeling? Turns out the sounds are meant to mimic screeches of baby animals, yikes!
14. There’s More Behind the Alphabet Song Than You Think
The alphabet song, the number song, and so many more…there’s a reason why these educational songs are taught in schools around the world! Music helps kids remember faster. It’s because songs tap into parts of our brain that are sensitive to melody and beat.
15. Listening to Music Helps You Run Faster and Work Out Harder
If you don’t already listen to music while working out, you should start! Music while working out can boost your mood and listening to it while running can also help you keep pace to run faster, easier, and longer.
Learned something new about music? Check out the articles below for more fun facts
Jonathan is the VP Growth at TutorOcean. Jonathan previously worked at Klipfolio, Invest Ottawa, Irdeto and IBM. Jonathan is also the Co-Founder of STEAM Foundation who successfully launched a Kids Coding Camp helping inspire students early in their educational development. Jonathan is also an active startup advisor, giving back to help the next generation of entrepreneurs. Feel free to reach out on LinkedIn.
