Perhaps music resonates so profoundly across so many states because it reminds us of a time when meaning was felt and lived, rather than spoken—before the layers of conceptualization and interpretation became our default way of relating
Fascinating connections here. Seems that there is a whole unexplored universe related to a musical interpretation of attachment systems and how humans experience growth/development/transformation
Fascinating piece Mendel - I want to add one more idea to this. Right now I am reading a book called: What Matter Feels by Robert Pepperell. In it he cites whole brain imaging work that shows that neural signals in distant parts of the brain are correlated. From this work, researchers have developed the "resonance hypothesis" of brain function. They envision the brain acting more like a musical instrument than a computer. That is, the brain resonates or vibrates when information/energy impinges on the body and our senses in much the same way that a musical instrument resonates when played. So in a sense our response to music is fundamental because it is literally the way our brain works. Our resonance brain instrument naturally reacts with pleasure as the waves come in and slosh around in our brain. It is who we are.
Hi Scott, I only see this comment now. I have heard of both that hypothesis and that book, but actually do not know much about the resonanxce hypothesis n detail i'd must admit. Will definatelt check them out, both., as it sounds relevant. Thanks for this comment, and for reading!
It depends really what kind of reading you are after . That book is an impressive resource for academic research on music and its evolution with language , but therefore also quite technical!
Perhaps music resonates so profoundly across so many states because it reminds us of a time when meaning was felt and lived, rather than spoken—before the layers of conceptualization and interpretation became our default way of relating
Fascinating connections here. Seems that there is a whole unexplored universe related to a musical interpretation of attachment systems and how humans experience growth/development/transformation
Exactly. Thanks for reading and for sharing this reflection 🙏
Fascinating piece Mendel - I want to add one more idea to this. Right now I am reading a book called: What Matter Feels by Robert Pepperell. In it he cites whole brain imaging work that shows that neural signals in distant parts of the brain are correlated. From this work, researchers have developed the "resonance hypothesis" of brain function. They envision the brain acting more like a musical instrument than a computer. That is, the brain resonates or vibrates when information/energy impinges on the body and our senses in much the same way that a musical instrument resonates when played. So in a sense our response to music is fundamental because it is literally the way our brain works. Our resonance brain instrument naturally reacts with pleasure as the waves come in and slosh around in our brain. It is who we are.
Hi Scott, I only see this comment now. I have heard of both that hypothesis and that book, but actually do not know much about the resonanxce hypothesis n detail i'd must admit. Will definatelt check them out, both., as it sounds relevant. Thanks for this comment, and for reading!
As an ABA therapist who works with autistic children, many of whom are non-verbal, this is pretty cool.
Also would you say Anirudh Patel's book is a must-read? I'd honestly love to see your recommended reading list if you happen to have one.
It depends really what kind of reading you are after . That book is an impressive resource for academic research on music and its evolution with language , but therefore also quite technical!
Sounds like it is a must. I’m basically after what the interplay of psychedelic therapy and music entails.
Check this out Kendall: https://www.linacre.ox.ac.uk/news/psychedelia-the-interplay-of-music-and-psychedelics