Neural Entrainment to the Rhythmic Structure of Music

Abstract

Abstract■ The neural resonance theory of musical meter explains musical beat tracking as the result of entrainment of neural oscillations to the beat frequency and its higher harmonics. This theory has gained empirical support from experiments using simple, abstract stimuli. However, to date there has been no empirical evidence for a role of neural entrainment in the perception of the beat of ecologically valid music. Here we presented participants with a single pop song with a superimposed bassoon sound. This stimulus was either lined up with the beat of the music or shifted away from the beat by 25% of the average interbeat interval. Both conditions elicited a neural response at the beat frequency. However, although the on-thebeat condition elicited a clear response at the first harmonic of the beat, this frequency was absent in the neural response to the off-the-beat condition. These results support a role for neural entrainment in tracking the metrical structure of real music and show that neural meter tracking can be disrupted by the presentation of contradictory rhythmic cues. ■

Medicinal Drumming: An Ancient and Modern Day Healing Approach

“…For example, vibroacoustic and vibrotactile manipulations or therapies are used as deep tissue massage to help reduce stress, anxiety, insomnia and pain (Wigram, 1995;Walters, 1996;Hoope, 2001;TajaduraJimenez et al, 2008). Not only is the mass of the human body predisposed to sound vibrations, but also the brain, which hemispheres are easily synchronized through entrainment resulting in hemispheric synchronization (Neher, 1962;Maxfield, 1991;Jovanov and Maxfield, 2011;Tierney and Kraus, 2015).…”

“…Hemispheric synchronization is accomplished by a variety of means, for instance, and to mention a few, exposure to binaural beats, sonic driving, photic driving, or repetitive rhythmic patterns such as those produced by drumming (Neher, 1962;Maxfield, 1991;Farmer, 2009;Tierney and Kraus, 2015). Hemispheric synchronization stimulates the release of hormones and neurotransmitters such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (Bittman et al, 2000) and serotonin, respectively, which enhance well-being.…”

“…Shift in brain wave activity are prompted by the repetitive rhythmical patterns which entrainment the brain resulting in hemispheric synchronization (Neher, 1962;Maxfield, 1991;Jovanov and Maxfield, 2011;Tierney and Kraus, 2015). Hemispheric synchronization results in a higher state of cortical coherence and mental clarity.…”

“…Hemispheric synchronization results in a higher state of cortical coherence and mental clarity. Repetitive patterns also prompt shifts in states of consciousness which over the course of a drumming round will range from Beta to Alpha or Theta state (Neher, 1962;Maxfield, 1991;Tierney and Kraus, 2015). Movement from a Beta to an Alpha state results in a sense of relaxation and in turn more flexibility in cognitive processing.…”

“…This state is occasionally referred to as being in the zone. A Theta state is accompanied by sensorial experiences and hypnogogic effects which not only include lucid thought, but also access to nonordinary dimensions of consciousness and spiritual realms (Neher, 1962;Maxfield, 1991;Jovanov and Maxfield, 2011;Tierney and Kraus, 2015).…”