A Biological Perspective on Musical Appreciation

Music has a powerful effect on the human psyche, an effect that can be used for therapeutic purposes. As the capacity to respond to and enjoy music appears to be innate, it is relevant to look for an evolutionary explanation. I suggest that a preoccupation with certain types of sounds has been adaptive, and that the main evolutionary advantage is related to play and exploratory behaviour associated with our dependence on language. The human brain employs agreeable and punitive sensations in order to influence behaviour. I propose that the brain induces us to concentrate on sounds, by offering pleasant sensations, in order to improve our ability to hear and to vocalise, and that one reason why we appreciate music is because it has the particular qualities required for maximum exploitation of these sensations. Keywords: musical appreciation - evolutionary perspective – language - positive sensations.