Every once in a while, a book comes along that completely changes the way you think about something you’ve always taken for granted. For me, that book last year was Everybody Hertz by Richard Mainwaring.
At first glance, you might think this is just another science book about sound. But Everybody Hertz is so much more than that—it’s an eye-opening, deeply fascinating exploration of how frequency, vibration, and resonance shape everything around us, from music and the human biology to history, technology, and even the cosmos.
Whether you’re a musician like me, a science enthusiast, or just someone who loves learning how the unseen forces of the world work, this book is an absolute must-read. Here’s why I loved it—and why I think you will too.
The Frequency of Everything
One of the book’s biggest takeaways is that everything vibrates at a certain frequency—including the human body, the planets, and even historical events.
Mainwaring explores how the Earth itself has a measurable resonance known as the Schumann Resonance—a set of electromagnetic waves that pulse between the Earth’s surface and the ionosphere. These frequencies, averaging around 7.83 Hz, have been theorized to affect human brainwaves, sleep patterns, and even emotional well-being. It raises the question: could our bodies and minds be subtly tuned to the vibrations of the planet?
Then there’s the story of the mysterious “Hum”—a low-frequency sound reported by people all over the world, often in quiet rural areas. While some scientists attribute it to industrial noise or hearing sensitivity, others speculate that it could be related to the Earth’s natural frequencies or even electromagnetic activity.
Music, Healing, and the Power of Sound
One of the most intriguing parts of the book is how certain frequencies might have healing properties. Mainwaring looks at theories behind binaural beats, solfeggio frequencies, and ancient tuning systems, all of which claim to influence the mind and body.
For example, 432 Hz tuning, often called the “natural tuning,” is said to have a more harmonious and calming effect than the standard 440 Hz tuning used in modern music. Some claim it resonates better with the human body, though the science is still debating this.
Then there’s the effect of music on physical and mental health. Mainwaring discusses how hospitals have used music therapy to reduce pain and anxiety in patients, and how specific rhythms and tones are being researched for their potential effects on memory, focus, and even immune function.
Historical & Scientific Oddities
One of the things that makes Everybody Hertz so engaging is how it connects sound and resonance to historical and scientific mysteries.
- The collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940—not caused by wind alone, but by resonance amplifying the bridge’s vibrations until it tore itself apart.
- The strange link between sound and movement—how marching soldiers have to break step when crossing a bridge to avoid triggering a similar resonance disaster.
- How opera singers can shatter glass—not because they sing loudly, but because they hit the exact resonant frequency of the glass, causing it to vibrate uncontrollably.
The book is packed with these kinds of fascinating stories, showing how sound has shaped the world in unexpected ways.
Why This Book Stood Out for Me
A lot of science books are interesting but dense. What makes Everybody Hertz different is that it’s written in an engaging, conversational style, making complex concepts easy to understand.
- It’s full of humour and personality, so it never feels like a dry textbook.
- It connects science, history, and music, making it especially fascinating for musicians.
- It constantly makes you question things you’ve never thought about before—like why we respond so deeply to certain pieces of music, or whether sound might be affecting us in ways we don’t realize.
Should You Read Everybody Hertz?
If you’re a musician, a science geek, or just someone who loves learning how the world really works, I highly recommend this book. It will change how you think about sound, music, and even reality itself.
What’s a book that has completely changed the way you think about something? Let me know—I’d love to hear your recommendations!
NATALYA PLAYS PIANO 
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