Photo by bobby hendry on Unsplash
Why do live concerts feel so much more powerful than listening to a recording? When streaming services deliver instant access to recorded music with crystal-clear sound, why do live concerts continue to sell out and rank among the most popular leisure activities globally? Arun Asthagiri shares groundbreaking neuroscience revealing how live music synchronizes our brain waves differently than recorded music – and what that means for our attention, connection, and musical experiences.
Guest
Today, we’ll explore what happens inside our brains when we experience live music, why those differences matter, and what this research can teach us about the unique power of making and sharing music together. I’m joined today by this study’s first author, Arun Asthagiri. (His research partner, Dr. Psyche Loui, has been a previous guest on this podcast.) Arun is a PhD student working in the MIND Lab (Music, Imaging, and Neural Dynamics) at Northeastern University. He holds a Bachelor’s of Music from the New England Conservatory (NEC) and has training in neuroscience, computer science, and music technology.
Notes
We discuss:
- Why live music vs. recorded music affects the brain differently, according to groundbreaking neuroscience research by Arun Asthagiri and Dr. Psyche Loui.
- What it means for brain waves to synchronize with rhythm, and why stronger neural synchronization occurs during live music performances.
- The design of the study and how researchers compared live and recorded music while controlling for other variables.
- The neuroscience behind why live concerts feel more engaging and emotionally powerful than listening to recordings.
- How visual cues, performer-audience interaction, and the shared social experience may contribute to the brain’s response to live music.
- Whether stronger brain synchronization could influence attention, memory, encoding, emotional connection, learning, and overall enjoyment of music.
- Practical implications for music education, music therapy, performers, concert presenters, and anyone who wants to maximize the benefits of music.
- Why humans have gathered for live musical performances for thousands of years – and what this research suggests about music’s role in social connection and community.
- Simple takeaways for listeners on how attending more live music events can enhance well-being and deepen their appreciation of music through the lens of music neuroscience.
Connect/Other Resources
- Arun’s website
- Read the research: From lab to concert hall: effects of live performance on neural-acoustic phase-locking and engagement published by Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience and co-authored by Psyche Loui
- The research featured the performances of renowned violinist Joshua Brown
- Learn more about Arun’s research and work in the MIND Lab (Music, Imaging, and Neural Dynamics Laboratory) at Northeastern University.
- MIND Lab on Instagram: @mindlabneu
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 235: The Hidden Power of Musical Daydreams – and the Neuroscience Behind Them; with Elizabeth Margulis, PhD
- Ep. 231: Why the Music of Your Youth Never Leaves You – The Latest Research on The Musical Reminiscence Bump; with Nicholas Kathios
- Ep. 214: Neural Resonance Theory – What the latest groundbreaking research shows about your brain on music; with Edward Large, PhD
- Ep. 203: Functional Music – Music powered by science for improved sleep, focus, or relaxation on demand; with Kevin JP Woods, PhD
- Ep. 170: Unraveling the Enigma of Musical Anhedonia: The Brain, Predictions, and the Missing Joy of Music; with Psyche Loui, PhD
- View all episodes related to Science & Health
In-Episode Promo
BRAIN.FM If you’ve ever struggled with sleep, focus, or even just winding down at the end of the day, you’ll want to check out Brain.fm. Their tagline is “Music Powered by Science” – and that’s not just marketing. Brain.fm uses scientifically designed functional music that’s engineered to influence brain activity for focus, relaxation, and sleep – helping you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and boost productivity when you’re awake.
Unlike Spotify or YouTube focus playlists or white noise, Brain.fm’s music is backed by patented audio technology that increases blood flow to brain regions associated with focus and flow state. There’s even a specialized feature to support focus for people with ADHD in a nonpharmacological way.
Personally, I’ve been using Brain.fm for over a year and absolutely love it! I listen to it it every night while I unwind before bed, and it makes a huge difference in getting into a relaxed mode where I’m perfectly prepped to ease into sleep. Focus is less of a challenge for me, but whenever I find myself in the middle of noise I can’t control, I just pop in earbuds, turn on Brain.fm’s focus music, and let the magic happen.
Learn more at Brain.fm or in Episode 203. And try Brain.fm for yourself with a FREE 30-day trial by going to brain.fm/enhance (no credit card required). Links are in the show notes.
Coda
Arun shares the development of a tool to leverage music for brain health (a collaboration with Oscillo Biosciences and the MIND Lab). He also mentions Daniel Anastasio’s YouTube channel that he’s “recently become enamored with. He is a classical pianist who makes short videos about excerpts of music he loves and why he loves them – I think it is such a humble and genuine example of someone sharing their love of music with the world.”
Closing Words
Thank you for those two tips and tools, Arun! There are links to both of those resources in the show notes, as well as links to the study we discussed today, the renowned violinist Joshua Brown whose performances were used in the research, and all the ways to connect with Arun and the MIND Lab.
If you know of someone who would enjoy this episode, please share it with them! It’s one of the best ways to help us reach new listeners and spread the transforming power of music in everyday life.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn; and by signing up for my occasional e-Newsletter.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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