The math behind the music
Using a statistical mechanics framework, researchers gain insight into why basic ordered patterns emerge in music and uncover emergent structures of musical harmony. ... Read More...
music
Working to the beat: How music can make us more productive
Listening to music while working helps improve productivity and increases perceptions of happiness.... Read More...
Mathematical framework explores how the brain keeps a beat
A new mathematical model can predict how the brain reacts when learning a rhythmic beat. The model shows how a neural network can act as a 'neural metronome' by estimating time intervals between beats within tens of milliseconds. The metronome relies on gamma oscillations to keep track of time.... Read More...
How music and movement can help kids understand math
Music, movement and arts can help improve mathematical skills for children who find working with numbers difficult.... Read More...
Heartbeat predicts errors in expert pianists
Changes in heart rate help the brain predict when a musician is about to make an error, researchers discover.... Read More...
Music and Mindful Music Listening May Improve Stroke Recovery
Listening to music was associated with improvements in memory and cognition while participating in mindfulness improved mood in patients who recently suffered an ischemic stroke. Researchers believe combining the two approaches may enhance both cognition and mood in patients early post-stroke.... Read More...
Pairing music with medication offers potential therapeutic strategy to manage pain
Classical music exposure paired with ibuprofen reduced response to inflammation pain by 93%, compared to exposure to the medication alone in mouse models of pain. For those exposed to just music, researchers report a 77% reduction in surgical pain.... Read More...
Trained musicians perform better at paying attention
Musical training improves the ability to tune out distractions, and the more training, the better the control.... Read More...
Music Captivates Listeners and Synchronizes Their Brainwaves
A listener's engagement decreases with repetition of music, but only for familiar music pieces. However, unfamiliar musical styles can sustain an audience's interest, in particular for individuals with some musical training.... Read More...
How Listening to Music ‘Significantly Impairs’ Creativity
A new study contradicts the popular belief that listening to music can help boost creativity. Researchers found people who listened to background music showed a significant impairment in the ability to complete tasks that tested verbal creativity.... Read More...
The Unexpected Creates Reward When Listening to Music
A new study reports unexpected changes in music activates the nucleus accumbens, providing reward and helping us to learn about the music as we listen. ... Read More...
Dopamine Modulates Reward Experiences Elicited by Music
Researchers report a causal link between dopamine, musical pleasure and motivation. Phamacologically manipulating dopamine levels, researchers found increasing dopamine increased the hedonic experience and motivational response to listening to a piece of music.... Read More...