/r/musiccognition
Discussion, news, events, and recent findings regarding the scientific and empirical probings of musical experience.
A subreddit dedicated to scientific and empirical approaches to music cognition and perception. As a highly interdisciplinary field, we promote music research in the domains of psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science, linguistics, speech and hearing science, music theory, musicology, and more.
SMPC Music Cognition Resources
Books and Reading on Music Cognition 1 2
Related Subreddits
Music Theory | Musicology | Ethnomusicology | Music Education
/r/musiccognition
I have a few questions on Sensory motor synchronization (tapping), comparing musicians to non musicians and classical music listeners to Pop listeners. If you happen to understand mechanisms underlying it please message me.
Hi there!
Im currently conducting an experiment related to music-evoked nostalgia which will be used within a university dissertation. The idea it to find out which specific components within music (for example vocals, drums, synths) evoke the most nostalgia. If this sounds interesting to you then it would be greatly appreciated if you could help take part! The results will be collected via a survey which I have linked at the bottom.
I am hoping to collect as many participants as possible within the time frame I have so please consider having a look as it would be extremely helpful.
Thank you:)
Link to survey:
Do you remember the epic strings of the Game of Thrones or the punchy synthesizer from Seinfeld? Do you have an outstanding musical memory? If so, the #TeleTunes game might be a real challenge to you (and your parents ;-) ! Link: https://app.amsterdammusiclab.nl/teletunes
On paper it makes perfect sense to me that the soprano D on the third beat of measure two connects the first and the penultimate bar melodic motion E-(D)-C as a passing tone. However, when the music on paper is realised with an instrument, I really doubt that an experienced listener comprehend the melodic motion or the all measures at large, that way, by, almost disregarding anything between these two spotted measures.
I guess it's more of music cognition then music theory after that moment. What's the approach of music cognition to my question, please?
Thank you
Hello,
I'm a graduate composer (mostly contemporary classical). I've been reading Huron's essay 'What is a Musical Feature?' with great joy, to be honest, as a part of my current research for the final project and as it was suggested by one of the non-composition professors.
Then, however, I started thinking about that sentence and the related reference:
'The concept of “melodic interval” relies on the assumption of anunderlying “voice” or “part” and deciphering voicing sometimes entails remarkably sophisticated interpretations. On whatbasis, then, can one defend the assumption ofvoice?Those theorists who have contemplated such matters typically rely onone of two appeals. One might appeal to notational conventions such as the use of separate staves or differentiation via stemdirection. A more common appeal is to the perceptual experiences that affirm the subjective phenomenon of “musical line”and hence of “melodic interval.'3*
3*: 'The assumption that lines-of-sound are psychological “real”rather than “reified” is supported by a wealth of perceptualresearch. As theorists are well aware, not all pitch successions evoke intervals. For an extensive review of the pertinentperceptual evidence see Albert Bregman,Auditory Scene Analysis'
I got the book Auditory Scene Analysis it is really large, and I don't have enough knowledge to comprehend it I believe. I'm not sure if it is appropriate asking such question here but I'd really be glad if someone from the field of music cognition could explain me what is 'psychological real' in that context, and what does it mean that not all pitch successions evoke intervals?
Thank you,
Sincerely
Orhan T.
I want to apply for university to study Music Cognition (or anything close to it). For universities that don't offer it as a direct course in undergraduate, should I do a Major in Cognitive Science and a Minor in Music or a Major in Music and a Minor in Cognitive Science?
Any other advice is appreciated
I am pursuing a Master's degree in counselling and educational neuroscience in Australia with a strong interest in exploring the links between music and mental health/trauma recovery. My background is in classical voice performance and piano, and I am fascinated by the interplay between music, emotions, learning/memory, and well-being. In my counselling and neuroscience studies, I have been drawn to concepts like music therapy and the impact of music on the brain. I love immersing myself in music daily, both as a listener and performer. Music can be a powerful tool for self-expression, coping with stress, and working through trauma. As I look ahead in my career, I am keen to find roles, further study, or research opportunities that tap into this passion for music cognition - how it impacts our brains, bodies and overall state. I envision myself potentially counselling clients, studying music's role in trauma and healing, teaching at the university level, or conducting academic research. I would greatly appreciate any advice this community can offer on possible career paths, companies, university programs, or other directions worth exploring in Australia. My priority is finding meaningful work, interweaving my love of music and my desire to help others heal and thrive. Please share any insights you may have!
I'm doing research about new media and have made a survey that's targeted towards people who have experienced ASMR or similar relaxing audio/video experiences. This is my gratitude for you to do this survey. It takes about 7 minutes to answer the survey!
Link to the survey: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/4894C6A8AA2A214B
Hello @ all, I am not sure how active this subreddit really is, but I will shoot my shot.
I am brainstorming ideas for a Bachelor thesis that I will start writing in 1-2 months time, remotely, I already found my professors. At this stage I am just exploring. My major is Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science.
The TLDR of my degree is surface-scratching everything (CompSci, Linguistics, Neuroscience, etc.) but I have no real strengths. I have a strong background in music though (through years of classical training).
This is the potential topics I can think of right now:
- ASMR just because it's interesting to me, but idk how I can write a thesis on this
- Misophonia, but there is so much research about this topic that I don't know what I could possibly contribute
I cannot think of much that I can do remotely and probably without any subjects or study with participants. I think it's dumb or not significant to write a thesis based on a 'dumb' online survey. Idk. I want to do something more significant.
Can someone give me some tips or show me prior bachelor thesis on music cognition? I just want to see what other students have done. It's a huge huge huge huge field that requires so much expertise in so many different disciplines. I don't even know if I should learn / revise statistics or maths or my music theory skills or neuroscience. I don't konw. thank you!
Hello! I would really appreciate if you could answer this short survey about finding sheet notes!(:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScq24h6y16Kp8LPA5ylkXAmaGfMWAgZcvc_CJ-pGpfNRHuShw/viewform?usp=sf_link
thank you!
Are there any ways to expand perception of pitch by setting up some kind of apparatus that vibrates the sternum, chest, or anus at the same frequency as the note that is being perceived by the inner ear, in order to create additional sensory associations and expand the body's ability to learn proper pitch via a sort of vibrational synesthesia?
At Aarhus University in Denmark, we are investigating how different types of music make us feel and want to move. It would be great if you could help us by participating in an online survey. Your task in this 12-15 minute anonymous survey will be to listen to several short music clips and to rate them. The ratings are based on your subjective experience and will be explained in detail later. There are no right or wrong answers.
Link to the survey: https://www.soscisurvey.de/rhg_M/
We will also ask for information about your gender, age, nationality, personality traits, and musical training. At no point will we ask you for identifying information such as your name or email address.
Thank you!