Toader et al. 2023; Neuroscience of Musical Appreciation

Chloe Chen; 17

The paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of current research on how music affects the brain’s structure and function, with particular attention to its neurological, cognitive, emotional, and therapeutic implications. The authors set out to synthesize findings on how different aspects of music (such as pitch, rhythm, tonality) are processed by the nervous system, how music engages emotional and memory systems, and how music-based therapies can support rehabilitation in various psychological and neurological conditions. 

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This is a systematic literature review, not a new experimental study. The authors conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed database using targeted keywords related to music perception and brain function (including “pitch perception,” “rhythm perception,” “memory encoding,” “limbic system,” and “music-based therapies”). From an initial set of 341 articles, they applied inclusion criteria to focus on relevant studies, resulting in 132 studies that were analyzed and integrated into thematic sections. 

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Music activates a widespread network of brain regions involving auditory cortices, motor systems, and limbic (emotion-related) structures. Listening to music reliably engages emotional and reward pathways, including the nucleus accumbens, anterior cingulate cortex, and hippocampus, explaining its power to evoke emotion and memory. Music processing recruits not only auditory regions but also motor control circuits (e.g., cerebellum, basal ganglia), reflecting the coupling of rhythm perception with movement and timing functions. Evidence discussed suggests music can enhance cognitive functions (memory, attention), stimulate emotional regulation, and support rehabilitation—for example, improving mood in depression or aiding recovery of motor function after stroke. The authors highlight music’s clinical relevance and urge further research into its mechanisms and therapeutic applications.

Author's Note

This research is closely related to my personal research on the neuroscience of music propulsion and may even serve a therapeutic role. I found it interesting how this research was a literature review that was expanded to conclude different brain regions. I wonder if the targeted keywords were sufficient to isolate the 341 articles from the entire PubMed database. Could they have missed more criteria-fitting articles that didn't use those specific keywords?

I founded that because the literature review compiled data from 132 studies, it definitely had more data to back its claims up (ex., the comparison of regions activated when one's name is called vs. listening to music). Personally, I already knew much of this paper's content from my ongoing research but I liked how expansive the paper was. It tried to cover many different spheres of music benefits: motor dexterity from finger training, the relationship between the hippocampus and auditory regions, brain improvements from musician posture, cultural disparities within music, and more. 

Of course, I also love how the paper pushes for a need for more research into music's clinical applications. I highly suggest this paper for a foundational understanding of music's benefits. It was easy to understand, covers many different topics, and continues to inspire many into musical research.