The Latest From Our Blog

New Music Raleigh
posted by: Jeannie Mellinger, Director of Communications

The fall issue of Opus magazine, due out in November, includes a profile of the North Carolina Symphony’s assistant concertmaster Karen Strittmatter Galvin. You’ll read about the wedding business she ... More »

Teachers Take Center Stage
posted by: Jessica Nalbone, Education Manager

Every August, teachers from across the state flock to Meymandi Concert Hall for the North Carolina Symphony’s Education Concert Workshop. They spend an entire day of their summer vacations learning ... More »

Classical Music, Alive and Well
posted by: Arthur Ryel-Lindsey, Communications Project Manager

Here’s a music activity you may not have heard of. The world championships of Drum Corps International kicked off with the quarterfinals last night in Indianapolis. Strictly DCI for those ... More »

Your Chance for a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the North Carolina Symphony!
posted by: Amy Russell, Director of Artistic Programs and Partnerships

It’s 7:55 pm and you are settled into your seat in the balcony at the concert hall. The lights are about to dim and then you will be transported into ... More »

North Carolina Symphony Blog

The Care, Feeding and Eradication of Earworms

Posted: March 17, 2010 2:50 PM | Posted By : Jeannie Mellinger, Director of Communications

Maybe it’s the theme from “Rocky.” Maybe it’s Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Maybe, we hope not for your sake, it’s the Disney “Small World” tune. Regardless of any musical merit, we’ve all had the experience of a tune getting stuck in our heads—a phenomenon known as an “earworm.” Why does that happen and more importantly, HOW DO WE MAKE IT STOP?

Check out this New York Times piece on mental melodies for the answer:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/16/science/16qna.html?ref=science

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Jacobi Daley's Gravatar Do the musicians really hum the tune in order to eradicate earworm as prescribed in the NY Times article? It does not work for me. Comments from musicians please.
# Posted By Jacobi Daley | 3/30/10 10:42 AM