NewMexiKen thought this was curious, though it makes sense once you think about it.
In the early decades of the 20th century when recorded music first became available, it was considered unusual or strange for a person to listen to music during the day or while alone.
Previously, of course, music was a social event requiring performers and an audience. For the first time in human existence, recorded music made it possible for an individual to hear music while alone without playing it his or herself.
It was another 50 years before the transistor radio, Walkman and iPod made it possible for listening to become a truly private experience.
(Commercial music recording began in 1889. Victor’s recordings of Enrico Caruso in 1902 are considered the first musically satisfactory recordings.)
I’m very thankful for the transition, however. My iPod was extremely helpful during my dental appointment earlier today. The technician asked if I had an .mp3 player, and I was all too happy to replace the sound of her tools grinding away at my teeth with music. When I was listening to the dental instruments, naturally I focused on every screech. Once I started playing my iPod, I was less focused on the dental torture and I was even able to breathe normally for a few minutes.