Feeling the Beat: Rhythm, movement, and the brain, J. Grahn

Event Date: Thursday, September 15, 2016

Department of Physics and Astronomy

PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY COLLOQUIUM

Dr. Jessica Grahn

Brain and Mind Institute, Department of Psychology
Western University

“Feeling the beat: Rhythm, movement, and the brain”

ABSTRACT

Moving to musical rhythm is an instinctive, often involuntary activity, but how does the brain produce this behaviour? In this talk I will describe how perception of musical rhythms activates motor brain areas, even when no overt movement is made. I will discuss brain stimulation studies that attempt to tease apart the role of specific motor areas in rhythm perception. I will also consider how large individual differences in rhythmic ability arise, examining how motor and auditory activity relate to important behavioural components of rhythmic ability.

Coffee will be available in the Atrium, 2nd floor, at 1:15 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you at the Colloquium! As a courtesy to the speaker and audience, please set your cellphones to “silent” mode. Thanks!

Feeling the Beat: Rhythm, movement, and the brain, J. Grahn