illusion of musical syntax

The illusion of musical syntax occurs when listeners perceive a sense of structure or expectation in music that isn't explicitly spelled out in the notes. Our brains naturally anticipate patterns and resolutions, so certain chord progressions or melodies create a feeling of coherence—even if the underlying rules are ambiguous or effective only through context. This cognitive shortcut allows us to enjoy and interpret music intuitively, often filling in gaps or expecting certain resolutions, which gives the impression of a logical, grammatical structure similar to language, even if the actual musical framework is intentionally unconventional.