“From Perception to Pleasure: The Neuroscience of Music & Why We Love It” with Robert Zatorre

In this episode of "Coming from Left Field," we sit down with world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Robert Zatorre to discuss his book “From Perception to Pleasure: The Neuroscience of Music and Why We Love It.”

We discuss the connection between music and the human brain, exploring how abstract sounds are transformed into intense emotional experiences and profound pleasure. Dr. Zatorre shares the fascinating science behind musical "chills," why we have emotional epiphanies with new music, and how our brains are physically rewired by the music we love.

Moving from the laboratory to daily life, the conversation delves into the vital role music plays in our social and emotional well-being. We discover why musical taste is formed during adolescence, how music functions as a powerful tool for mood regulation across all cultures, and the critical importance of music education. Dr. Zatorre also addresses the puzzling question of why some people don't enjoy music at all, a condition known as "musical hedonia." If you've ever wondered why a particular song can evoke such a profound emotional response, our discussion offers an accessible look at the neuroscience behind one of life's greatest joys.

Robert Zatorre, PhD, is a distinguished cognitive neuroscientist renowned for pioneering work in the science of music and auditory cognition. He is a professor at the Montreal Neurological Institute of McGill University in Canada, where he holds a Canada Research Chair in Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience. In his lab, he studies how the brain processes complex auditory abilities, especially speech and music. He has published over 300 scientific papers spanning topics such as pitch perception, auditory imagery, music production, absolute pitch, and the role of brain reward circuitry in musical pleasure.

 

Get the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perception-Pleasure-Neuroscience-Music-Love/dp/0197558283/

 

Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/

Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about

 

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