Anticipatory neurogenesis:
An effect created through music played in background
causing Spatial-Temporal neural networks in the brain
Key Words: Neuromusicology, Music and mind, Focus, attention, Neuroplasticity, Anticipatory Neurogenesis, emotion,
memory networks
Written by Prof B.Sai Kiran Kumar Consultant neurofeedback trainer BCIA USA, Navyashree.C
Psychologist and certified Neurofeedback trainer Presidency College, Bangalore
Music has a unique property of
sustaining attention by creating
patterns in the neural circuits of
our brain. When a piece of music
is played, our brain immediately
begins categorizing it into various
categories such as genre, soft,
harsh, rhythmic arrhythmic
and more. The effect of music
on attention centers of the brain
has been studied through many
clinical trials.
The effect of background music
can affect a person’s attention
and work productivity in a
significant manner by stimulating
the executive centers of the brain
predominantly located in the
frontal (front) portion of the brain.
Thee nerve cells are trained in a
manner which enables prediction
prior to the tunes of the music
being heard. This is because of
the important centers of the brain
linked to the anticipatory effect
of a played melody, harmony or
even a specific section of the tune
containing a bridge or an abstract
expression. This principle is called
spatial-temporal neurogenesis,
which causes new nerve networks
to associate with each other
creating an organized nerve
network, which upon repetition
causes memory associated to the
respective tune.
The amplification of frontal brain
activity increases the chances
of better decision making and
planning. The interpretation
and differentiation of sounds
having minute variation becomes
clearer. This also helps to increase
the visualizing capabilities.
Further the neural network in
the cerebellum is also highly
activated and serves in better
physical movements. A classic
example is of an amnesia patient
who remembers the gross motor
activities that was learnt during
childhood though he/she might
forget the people whom they’ve
known. Unlike the Mozart
effect, any music of one’s choice
contributes to a better functioning
of the neural network.
References :
Anticipation
Allen J., Coan J., Nazarian M.
(2004). Issues and assumptions
on the road from raw signals to
metrics of frontal EEG asymmetry
in emotion. Biol. Psychol. 67 183–
218. 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2004.03.007
Altenmüller E., Schürmann
K., Lim V. K., Parlitz D. (2002).
Hits to the left, flops to the
right: different emotions during
listening to music are reflected in
cortical lateralisation patterns.
Neuropsychologia 40 2242–2256.
10.1016/S0028-3932(02)00107-0
Visualizing
Bartlett D. L. (1996). “Physiological
reactions to music and acoustic
stimuli,” in Handbook of Music
Psychology, 2nd Edn, ed. Hodges
D. A., editor. (San Antonio, TX:
IMR Press; ), 343–385.
work and music
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