Mozart for Mutts… and Marine Life?

It is not a secret that humans have been reaping the therapeutic benefits of music for ages. But, how about other species? Just yesterday, the renowned cellist, Alisa Weilerstein, played Bach’s Suite for Solo Cello No. 5 for fish at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. While this was inspired by NPR Music’s new Field Recordings series which sees musicians performing in public spaces, the fish (as well as the aquarium visitors) seemed to benefit from the glorious sounds that sang from her cello.

I loved watching the turtle come out of the water for a moment at 1:07. It appears as if he is enjoying the music, but I very well may be anthropomorphizing. However, according to Animal Planet, sea turtles can hear low-pitched sounds just like a person can. And they detect vibrations in the water (and on land). According to sound researcher Joshua Leeds, “The building blocks of sound are vibration and frequency (the measurement of vibration). All musicians are essentially sculpting sound, be it beloved Bach or Santana’s distortion pedal on his guitar. But there are so many compelling things about classical music that gently hold our auditory attention.” Well, Weilerstein’s performance wasn’t only for the marine life, she certainly captured the eyes and ears of the humans who were lucky enough to be visiting the National Aquarium.

Produced by Mito Habe-Evans, Dena Trugman, and Tom Huizenga, reporter and blogger for NPR Music, the video of this fabulous cellist particularly caught my attention because I am both a concert pianist and a canine music expert. That’s right, I play Debussy for Dogs.

Clinical research by Irish behaviorist Deborah Wells proved that classical music, compared to human conversation, heavy metal music, pop music, and a silent control (no music at all) had a marked soothing effect on dogs in animal shelters. Further research by veterinary neurologist Susan Wagner showed that all classical music doesn’t have the same effect on the canine species. Classical piano arrangements that are slowed down to 50-60 beats per minute, simplified (for passive hearing rather than active listening) and lowered (to frequencies that calm the canine nervous system) not only helps calm dogs, but also relieves a huge variety of canine anxiety issues. Listen to sound samples of the music that is calming canines worldwide and increasing adoption rates in shelters.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Essie D.

5:43AM PST on Feb 25, 2012

I rescue and adopt Rottweilers and am now on my third, a beautiful female from upstate New York. Since I am a trained classical pianist and singer, playing the local classical radio station all day is a natural for me. All my Rottweilers were like velvet dogs as a result. My current three "kids" -- all rescues -- love everyone and everything, and I credit classical music for their gorgeous dispositions! That, and lots of love, touching and hugging.
:-)

send a green star

Taylor i.

5:51AM PST on Feb 22, 2012

I don't have any pets right now but my last dog liked when I played jazz. Or maybe she just liked to see me snapping my fingers and tapping my feet? :)

Carrie Anne B.

5:44AM PST on Feb 22, 2012

interesting article, thanks for sharing :)

Pepper H.

10:35AM PST on Feb 20, 2012

I'm reading Through a Dog's Ears and it makes enormous sense. I am personally addicted to classical music and it's good to know that my Aussie benefits from it, too.

Lost A.

10:09AM PST on Feb 20, 2012

All animals seem to appreciate classical music.

Lynn C.

8:26PM PST on Feb 19, 2012

I was recently house-sitting an African Grey parrot, and she liked Salsa and the Classical channels.

Nicholas L.

7:35PM PST on Feb 19, 2012

I think it would be interesting to see how whales would react to the music.

Talya H.

5:40PM PST on Feb 19, 2012

Love this! I so enjoyed playing classical music to my dogs when they were still around :)