© BRYAN SATALINO
Looking to the literature on neuroplasticity—the ability of neurons to change their connections and networks—could provide some answers.
RewardEnjoyable music activates the reward network of the brain, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NA). By pairing such rewarding music with desired, nonmusic behaviors, music therapists may be tapping into the brain’s reward pathway. |  © BRYAN SATALINO |
The Hebbian theoryNeurons that fire simultaneously make stronger connections. The rhythm of music played during a therapy session may be eliciting such neuronal synchronization at the same time that it helps patients regulate their movement, vocalization, breathing, or heart rate. |  © BRYAN SATALINO |
NoiseExposure to noise can be stressful and can impair cognition and memory. But music is essentially the opposite of noise, with high levels of consonance. Thus, music therapy may provide a clear acoustic signal to help patients learn desired non-music-related behaviors.... |
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