Classical Music May Influence Unborn Babies’ Heartbeats, Study Finds
Classical music has long been revered for its ability to evoke emotion, enhance focus, and even promote relaxation. Now, new research suggests that its influence extends even further, potentially shaping the heartbeats of unborn babies. A study led by the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez and the Metropolitan Autonomous University Campus Lerma has found that when fetuses are exposed to classical compositions, their heart rate patterns change in distinct ways, offering insight into early physiological development.
Music’s Impact on Fetal Heart Rate Variability
In the study, heart rate variability (HRV) was used as a key measure of fetal autonomic nervous system development. HRV reflects the subtle variations in time between heartbeats, which are considered indicators of both healthy growth and stress responses. The researchers analyzed these patterns in 37 pregnant participants to explore how classical music interacts with the developing fetal system.
Two classical pieces were selected for their distinct qualities:
The Swan by Camille Saint-Saëns – A delicate, flowing melody known for its lyrical and soothing qualities.
Arpa de Oro by Abundio Martínez – A composition rich in rhythm and traditional Mexican influences.
The music was played at a safe volume through specialized headphones placed on the bellies of the participants. Heart rate recordings revealed that both pieces led to more stable and predictable heart rate patterns, suggesting that classical melodies may have a regulatory effect on fetal cardiovascular function.
The Role of Melody and Rhythm in Development
While both pieces produced notable effects, Arpa de Oro seemed to create a stronger impact on certain heart rate measures. This raises intriguing questions about how different musical elements—such as rhythm, harmonic structure, and cultural familiarity—might shape physiological responses. The study hints at the idea that not all music affects the body in the same way, with each composition offering a unique interaction with the listener, even at the fetal stage.
Classical Music as a Developmental Influence
This study contributes to the growing field of research exploring how sound and music influence human development before birth. While classical music has long been recognized for its emotional and cognitive benefits, its potential role in prenatal well-being is an area that continues to be explored. The findings suggest that exposure to carefully selected classical compositions could have a subtle yet meaningful impact on early life, reinforcing the idea that music is not just an art form but a fundamental force in shaping human experience.
Let’s Collaborate!
Need help building the tone for your production? Hit us up – the Rareform Audio team would love to help you create the perfect soundtrack that speaks to your audience and enhances the power of your visual storytelling to new heights!
A weekly glimpse into the world of music & media with insider news, sync licensing opportunities, creative insight, and discussions.
Rareform Highlights
Black Sheep Music x Rareform Audio lands in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, with music featured in the film’s campaign.
Join our Spotify Playlist and vibe with us! Featuring an array of tunes our team has been listening to.
From silent-film trap drummers to massive hybrid trailer impacts, the cinematic drum hit has evolved alongside the technology used to create it. Here’s a look at how percussion became one of the most recognizable sounds in modern trailer production.
Why do some sounds feel cinematic while others feel sterile? Small imperfections can add physical detail, texture, and realism to music and sound design. Here’s how controlled imperfection can make audio feel more connected to the world on screen.
SOCAN is suing AI music company Suno in Canada, alleging the platform copied copyrighted songs without permission or compensation. The case adds to a growing number of legal challenges surrounding AI music, copyright and the use of protected works in AI training.
Sony Music has sued Kroger over at least 392 alleged unauthorized uses of its recordings in social media advertising. Here’s what the lawsuit says about music licensing, influencer content, expired licenses, and the $58.8 million figure circulating online.
Hyped to share that our sound design elements were featured in the campaign for Masters of the Universe!
Introducing The Foundry by Rareform Audio, our new line of professional instruments, sounds, and production tools for film composers and record producers. Built from the same sounds, techniques, and real-world experience behind our work across film, trailers, television, video games, and records.
New research from Hong Kong Baptist University suggests that adding 60 to 90 minutes of sleep each night may improve key musical skills, including rhythmic stability, sightreading, and musical memory.
Major record companies are calling for global music charts to establish clearer rules for AI-generated music, with proposed standards centered on human creativity, authorization and legitimate streaming activity.
We are hyped to share that our track Ironwake by Trey Anderson and Nathan Fields was featured in the campaign for The Odyssey. Here's a quick look at the upcoming Christopher Nolan film and the legendary story that inspired it.
Lollapalooza 2026 is underway with sold-out crowds, a diverse lineup, and a renewed focus on artist discovery. As one of the world's biggest music festivals, the event continues to highlight how live performances help emerging artists reach new audiences while reinforcing the lasting impact of established acts.
The recorded music industry has introduced a proposal for standardized AI labels on streaming platforms. As AI-generated music continues to grow, the framework aims to improve transparency by distinguishing between fully AI-generated and AI-assisted recordings while raising new questions about implementation and industry-wide adoption.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expanding the role of music with its first-ever halftime show, a global soundtrack strategy, and a partnership with the Recording Academy. As music becomes a bigger part of the tournament's identity, the event highlights the growing connection between the music industry and major international sports.
Our remix of KRS-One's Step Into A World, created by Haukur Karlsson and Nathan Fields, is featured in Trailer 2 for Mutiny. Take a look at the project and learn more about the upcoming action thriller starring Jason Statham.
Music therapy continues to gain recognition as research highlights its role in neurological rehabilitation. New clinical programs and emerging technology are expanding how music supports recovery, reinforcing its growing impact beyond the entertainment industry.
John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" has become the unofficial anthem of the U.S. men's national soccer team during the FIFA Club World Cup. Here's how the 1971 classic found new life and why legacy songs continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
Benjamin Franklin's glass armonica earned a reputation as one of history's most mysterious musical instruments. From inspiring classical composers to fueling myths about its effects on the mind, its story reveals how unique sounds continue to shape music, perception, and creativity.
Hyped to share that our tracks “Bomb Squad” by Darby Phillips and Nathan Fields, along with “Ambush” by Nathan Fields, were featured in campaigns for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. From Warzone to the Season 03 Multiplayer Maps campaign, both spots delivered the fast paced energy the franchise is known for.
AI-generated music is filling streaming platforms faster than ever, but new research suggests listeners aren't embracing it. A University of Chicago study found that while AI tracks now make up a significant share of new uploads, the vast majority receive little to no engagement. Here's what the data reveals about music discovery, streaming, and the future of AI in the music industry.
The proposed No Fakes Act has moved one step closer to becoming US law after unanimously passing the Senate Judiciary Committee. As AI-generated voices and digital replicas become more common, the legislation highlights the growing conversation around creator protection, consent, and the future of AI in music.
Warner Music Group is expanding its AI strategy with a new acquisition focused on attribution, transparency, and rights management. As AI-generated music and content continue to grow, the move highlights the increasing importance of tracking how creative works are used in AI training and generation across the music industry.
Hollywood Sound, At Your Command. Learn more about us. Rareform Audio · Rareform PM · Black Sheep Music · The Foundry
New research published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise suggests that fast-tempo music could help people exercise longer. Researchers found that participants listening to music between 120 and 140 BPM improved their endurance by up to 20%, adding new insight into music's growing role in fitness, wellness, and human performance.
A simple sheet of metal may not seem like a groundbreaking production tool, but Steve Forman's legendary steel sheet helped shape the sound of countless film scores. This article explores how unconventional instruments like the steel sheet continue to influence modern music production, sound design, and cinematic storytelling.
Black Sheep Music’s “Divine Intervention” from the BSM74 - Other Worlds album was featured in the final trailer for Disclosure Day. Composed by Haukur Karlsson and Nathan Fields, the track blends cinematic tension and atmospheric sound design built for picture.
The 2026 Golden Trailer Awards winners are here, and we’re excited to share that several projects we contributed to were recognized this year, including Project Hail Mary, Weapons, Tron: Ares, Daredevil: Born Again, and more.
New research from Hong Kong Baptist University suggests that musicians who get an extra 60 to 90 minutes of sleep each night may see measurable improvements in rhythm, sightreading, memory, and focus. The study adds to the growing conversation around performance, recovery, and health in the music industry.
Spotify and Universal Music Group are introducing AI-powered remix and cover tools for Spotify Premium users, marking a major shift in how streaming platforms approach fan-created music. The new licensing agreement could reshape music rights, artist compensation, and AI integration across the industry.
New research from Australia and New Zealand shows that music licensing is evolving beyond legal compliance and becoming a visible marker of brand trust. As customer awareness grows, businesses are learning that licensed music can shape perception, strengthen credibility, and directly influence the in-store experience.
Golden Trailer Awards season is here, and we’re excited to see 29 nominated campaigns featuring contributions from Rareform Audio and Black Sheep Music. From custom trailer remixes to sound design, it’s great to see these projects recognized alongside the talented creative teams behind them.
In a music industry shaped by trends, algorithms, and endless content, standing out has never been harder. This insight explores why originality still matters, how chasing familiarity can dilute creative identity, and why the artists who last are often the ones willing to sound different.
Hannah Abing
Hi, I'm Hannah, the Marketing Manager at Rareform Audio. When I'm not crafting content and strategizing campaigns, you'll find me singing my heart out with my local choir. I love blending creativity and connection in everything I do, whether it’s through words or music!