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Title: This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession
Abstract: Listen to an OnPoint radio interview featuring Daniel Levitin who has made a life of music, first playing it, then producing it for Columbia Records, and most recently as a neuroscientist specializing in how the brain interprets music.
In his book, “This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession” his research examines the roadmap of how music engages with virtually every part of the brain. Baby humans can hear music in the womb as early as 24 weeks, and so begins the process of acquiring musical schemas – patterns of rhythms, melodies, tones.
When we listen to music, our brain, in essence, plays a guessing game. First, the cerebellum synchronizes with the schema of the song or music style. Once it has the template down, it sets up certain expectations. When those expectations are delivered through the music, the brain feels elated at the reward and produces dopamine, often associated with other pleasurable activities like eating chocolate or engaging in sex. But even more curious, is the way the brain delights in deviation from the expected outcome, when the musical piece provides a departure from what was anticipated. “The cerebellum finds pleasure in adjusting itself to stay synchronized.”
Levitin’s own delight is not just in scientific explanation, but rooting music in broader and multiple contexts. Music has great social significance in its ubiquitous nature: “No known culture present or past lacks music.” It has influence on how we socialize in groups. “Around the age of twelve, music begins to serve a social bonding function and we use music to distinguish our social group from others.” Music is present in virtually every major life even that we experience, from mothers singing to babies, to weddings, parades and festivals, wars and funerals.
In a roundabout way Levitan’s work lends explanation to IPODs, long lines at music clubs and even the popularity of hip hop. In essence, our brains are conditioned to be addicted to music by exposure to it. The more music and music styles we are exposed to by age 10 defines the schemas or templates our brains understand, crave and know to bring us joy. With music programs being removed from schools, children rely more and more on the pop music accessible on the radio. As understanding and appreciation is narrowed, our brains latch on to the one style that rocks our world. Looks like rock n roll (and hip hop) are here to stay.
Author First Name: Daniel
Author: Daniel Levitin
Author Last Name: Levitin
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Publisher Website: : http://us.penguingroup.com/static/html/aboutus/adult/dutton.html
Date of Publication: 2006
Publication Type: Book
Focus: Hospitality
Issue: Future of Music
Date Submitted: 10/2/2006
Submitted by: Jim Peters
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