A new study from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music has found that music can genuinely provide a sense of companionship by fostering imagined social interactions. According to lead researcher Dr. Steffen A. Herff, music acts as a catalyst for social imagination, evoking feelings of connection and warmth even without words or voices.

The research shows that music not only shapes emotions but also influences thoughts and imagination, making it a meaningful companion in both joyful and difficult times. These findings could lead to accessible, low-cost ways of using music to reduce loneliness and support well-being, particularly during periods of isolation such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

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