Before writing this story, I had never heard the song “Pills” by Bo Diddly, but once I listened to it, I couldn’t help but snap my fingers. I needed a refresher course on beat and meter to figure out the rhythmic organization of the song, but as it turns out, my brain automatically knew the […]
Music and Memories Bound in the Brain: People’s Choice Award Winning Posters
CNS 2014 Blog Every time I hear “Let My Love Open the Door to Your Heart” by Pete Townshend, I am instantly transported to my sister’s wedding – and it’s not just the memory of the song: I remember little details that I would otherwise never think about again, such as the colors of the […]
Getting the Beat: How Our Brains Process Rhythm
From babies to adults with no musical training, everyone can tap and move to a beat – whether nodding in time to a symphony, bopping to jazz, or dancing it Gangnam Style. That skill relies on a combination of basic motor processes and higher order cognitive processes, according to a new study. The research could […]
Listening in a Crowd: How Musical Training Aids Older Adults
Holding a conversation in a mall this holiday-time may prove difficult with the increasingly loud crowds, particularly for the elderly. But the musicians in the group may have an advantage, according to a new study. Having musical training appears to help older adults separate distinct sounds, the researchers found. The new study built on past […]
