Notes and Neurons - In Search of the Common Chorus

Explore the fascinating intersection of music, neuroscience, and culture in this 1 hour 45 minute World Science Festival talk. Delve into questions about the universality of musical response and the influence of environment on our perception of rhythm and melody. Join moderator John Schaefer, scientist Daniel Levitin, and musical artist Bobby McFerrin as they engage in live performances and cross-cultural demonstrations to illustrate music's profound impact on the brain and emotions. Discover why neuroscientists study music, how the brain processes musical elements, and whether musical expectations differ across cultures. Experience Bobby McFerrin's demonstration of the pentatonic scale's power and witness experiments on galvanic skin response to music. Gain insights into the relationship between music and speech, and enjoy a special musical performance by Bobby McFerrin to conclude this enlightening exploration of the science behind our universal love for music.

Bobby McFerrin's Musical Introduction.
Participant introductions.
Why does neuroscience want to study music?
How does the brain fit into understanding music?
Is music the same if you already know what to expect?
Pitch, rhythm and timbre.
Is rhythm different across cultures?
Comparing musical predictions across cultures.
Bobby McFerrin demonstrates the power of the pentatonic?
Is music apart of speech?
Can we get two volunteers?
Testing galvanic skin response.
A musical performance from Bobby McFerrin.