Neurophysiological effects of various music genres on electroencephalographic cerebral cortex activity

Abstract

Music has been associated with therapeutic properties for thousands of years across a vast number of diverse regions and cultures. This study expands upon our current understanding of music’s influence on human neurophysiology by investigating the effects of various music genres on cerebral cortex activity using electroencephalography (EEG). A randomized, controlled study design was used. EEG data were recorded from 23 healthy adults, aging 18–29 years, while listening to a music sequence consisting of five randomized songs and two controls. The five studied music genres include: Classical, Tribal Downtempo, Psychedelic Trance (Psytrance), Goa Trance, and Subject Choice. Controls were most strongly associated with relative decreases in beta frequencies and increases in alpha frequencies. Psytrance was most strongly associated with relative increases in theta and delta frequencies. The lowest relative percentages of beta frequencies and highest relative percentages of alpha frequencies occurred in the occipital and parietal regions. The highest relative percentages of theta and delta frequencies occurred in the frontal and temporal regions. Subjects with prior music training exhibited relative increases in delta frequencies in the frontal region. Subject gender and music preferences did not have a significant influence on EEG activity. Findings from this study support those of previous music therapy studies and provide novel insights regarding music’s influence on human neurophysiology. Our findings also support the hypothesis that music may promote changes in cerebral cortex activity that has similarities to non-rapid eye movement sleep, while the listener remains awake.