Photo by Ron Whitaker on Unsplash
What if music doesn’t just move your emotions — but physically moves your brain? A new frontier in neuroscience reveals how music physically affects our brain through the laws of physics, with powerful implications for memory, mood, and health. Dr. Edward Large, the lead scientist behind this research, explains Neural Resonance Theory – and why it matters. From sound to synapse, discover the brain’s physical response to music and its therapeutic power.
Guest
Dr. Edward Large is joining me today from Connecticut where he is a psychology and physics professor at University of Connecticut, and also directs the school’s Music Dynamics Lab and the Theoretical Neuroscience Lab. He is a global thought leader in the psychology and neuroscience of music, with countless articles published in journals including Journal of Neuroscience, Physica, and Psychological Review.
Notes
We discuss:
- Neural Resonance Theory (NRT), a recently published groundbreaking study that explains new aspects of “our brain on music” – how music physically affects our brain through the laws of physics.
- Ed describes and explains NRT to nonscientists.
- What implications does this research have for music’s use as a therapeutic tool?
- What conditions’ treatment may be impacted as a result of this study and research?
- What is the next step in applying this research therapeutically?
- How Oscillo Biosciences is therapeutically applying this research right now.
Connect/Other Resources
- University of Connecticut’s Music Dynamics Lab website
- Oscillo Biosciences website
- Connect on LinkedIn: Dr. Large and Oscillo Biosciences
- Instagram: @oscillo_biosciences
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 137: What makes a lullaby a lullaby, and what difference does it make? with Laurel Trainor, PhD
- Ep. 170: Unraveling the Enigma of Musical Anhedonia: The Brain, Predictions, and the Missing Joy of Music; with Psyche Loui, PhD
- Ep. 203: Functional Music – Music powered by science for improved sleep, focus, or relaxation on demand; with Kevin JP Woods, PhD
- Ep.39: Parkinson’s Disease Interventions with Music; “Music provides structure for movement.” Marion Haase, M.M.
- Ep. 96: Restoring function and quality of life for those with Multiple Sclerosis; with Betsy Hartman, MT-BC
- View all episodes related to Science & Health
In-Episode Promo
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Coda
Ed shares that “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder is a great example of a “high groove” song and a good example of neural resonance: it is great at inspiring synchronized movements and entraining brain rhythms!
Closing Words
You can listen to Stevie Wonder’s Superstition in the show notes to experience Neural Resonance Theory in action for yourself! Thanks so much Dr. Large for all he does to enhance lives with music through his work and research, and for joining us today to explain NRT and why it matters to those of us non-scientists.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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