How does the brain process music and how has the perception of music changed over time? We sit down with cognitive neuroscientist Anja-Xiaoxing Cui to chat about how we relate to music, music's role in social interactions, and how music might be used as a tool for regulating emotions. We cover theories of the emergence of music in human history, the relationship between music and other art forms, and whether reading sheet music is at all similar to hearing it.
My co-host this episode is Arianna Curioni (who was also our guest on Episode 13).
Show Notes:
Infant Music Perception: Research into how infants listen to and recognize songs reveals that melodic changes can disrupt recognition, which is measurable through EEG markers. Memory for music may differ fundamentally from other types of memory due to its multisensory nature.
Music and Alzheimer’s Patients: Singing interventions may aid in forming implicit memories in Alzheimer’s patients. Studies suggest that music can evoke autobiographical memories when other stimuli fail, possibly due to its motoric and sensory components.
Gestures and Memory Recall: Gestures during music recall might indicate a deeper connection between movement and memory. This finding raises questions about how motor engagement could strengthen memory formation and retrieval.
Music as Emotional Regulation: Music often moves individuals, literally activating motor areas of the brain. This embodied response might explain its universal role in emotional regulation and cooperation.
Cross-Cultural and Historical Perspectives: 19th-century music critics described certain pieces as "uncanny" or "dark," correlating with specific musical features like volume and structure. This research bridges historical and contemporary perceptions of music's emotional impact.
Cooperation and Coordination: Music facilitates group coordination and shared meaning, making it a potential evolutionary tool for social bonding. Joint music production and listening create powerful shared experiences, as seen in both modern concerts and historical practices.
Evolutionary Origins: Theories about music's evolutionary roots range from its role in emotional regulation to its function as a cooperative tool. While the precise origins remain debated, music's social and affective rewards are evident.
Listening Practices: While modern technology allows private listening, live music retains a unique communal value. The distinction between active music listening and passive consumption reflects how music engages our cognitive and emotional systems.
Personalized Playlists: Curating playlists is akin to creating a personal emotional journey, reflecting music's deeply individual yet inherently social nature.
Sheet Music vs. Auditory Experience: Historical listeners often experienced music through sheet music rather than live performances, suggesting a more imaginative and participatory engagement with the material.
Future of Research: Exploring music’s role in the human condition, from emotion to cooperation, continues to shape cognitive science. Integrating diverse perspectives will help uncover music’s profound impact on our brains and societies.