Music and the Mind

Musical behavior is a fascinating aspect of human intelligence and experience. How do simple auditory signals create such powerful emotional responses and memories? How does the brain respond and change in response to music? Can music be used to support language and motor skills? This talk will introduce the audience to the expanding fields of music neuroscience and music psychology, which are beginning to offer new insights into the human, musical mind.

The world of choirs and singing groups set up for people who are homeless is somewhat hidden. Yet participating in these groups brings positive social and well being outcomes and can lead to a shift in the identity of the singers. This talk will explore the experience of engaging in these groups in the UK and in Rio de Janeiro and look at how performing challenges the misconceptions of the audience and enables singers to become reintroduced into society.