Live music enhances self-reported audience immersion and physiological synchrony compared to live-streaming.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Level 2 by design analogy (randomized controlled experimental trial in a non-clinical setting).
PubMed 42380467 · doi:10.1038/s41598-026-59372-3
What was done
Researchers randomized 296 audience members arriving at two concerts (one jazz, one classical) to either be physically present in the performance space or to watch a simultaneous, professionally filmed livestream in a separate room. The study measured self-reported immersion, intent to re-listen to the artist, intent to return to the venue, physiological (heart rate) synchrony, and the influence of seating position and camera viewing angles.
What was found
The abstract reports directions of effects without exact numerical values or effect sizes. Participants who were physically present reported significantly higher immersion, greater intent to listen to the artist again, and higher intent to return to the venue compared to the livestream group. The in-person audience also showed significantly higher levels of heart rate synchrony. Seating position did not significantly alter the live experience, but viewing angle significantly influenced the livestream experience.
Why it matters
This study provides experimental evidence that physical co-presence enhances both subjective engagement and physiological synchronization during musical performances compared to high-quality livestreams.
Limits
The abstract does not provide exact numerical effect sizes, p-values, or confidence intervals. The findings are limited to two specific musical genres (jazz and classical) and may not generalize to other performance types or remote viewing at home. Participants could not be blinded to their assigned condition.
Cited by
- supports Attending a concert or watching a sporting event causes participants' heart rates and brains to synchronize.