Get in the Groove

Why Music Makes Us Move

Music has the power to move us both emotionally…and physically!

Across genres, our favorite rhythms urge our toe to tap or head to nod. Sometimes that desire grows into elaborate dances guided by the music. Not only does this urge (defined as “groove” by musicologists) feel automatic, but it also makes us feel happy. But why?

Scientists have defined “groove” as a pleasurable desire to move to music. Listening to music activates the same parts of the brain that process time and motor actions. This sensory link elicits the desire to move in response to the music. But not all music creates the same level of physical reaction.

The greatest link between a piece of music and the level of groove felt while listening is its rhythm. Rhythm is a pattern of sound that repeats to create a steady beat. Our brains love to find repetitive patterns that help us predict what will happen next. We must have that clear rhythm for optimal groove. However, if a rhythm is too consistent, we lose interest. That’s where syncopation comes in.

Syncopation is the unexpected disturbance of a pattern, usually by emphasizing an offbeat. It forces us to pay attention and increases that feeling of groove. Scientists have found that there is a sweet spot with just enough syncopation to keep us interested but not too much to disrupt our connection to the music. That middle point is where the groove is strongest, and we feel the most joy.