Episode Details

Dr. Large’s research areas include nonlinear dynamical systems, auditory neuroscience, and music psychology. He uses theoretical modeling in conjunction with behavioral, comparative, neurophysiological and neuroimaging techniques to understand how people respond to complex, temporally structured sequences of sound such as music and speech. He and his colleagues have pioneered the idea that attention is a dynamic, and inherently rhythmic process. He has applied these ideas to explain the rhythmic structure of music, and its interaction with brain dynamics. His current research projects include studies of driven nonlinear oscillator networks, nonlinear cochlear models, auditory brainstem neurodynamics, cortical dynamics of attention, perception of rhythm in music and speech, perception of tonality in music, auditory pattern recognition and learning, emotional communication in music, and rhythmic interactions in nonhuman primates.

More Information

Dr. Large directs the Music Dynamics Laboratory at University of Connecticut, where he is a Professor of Psychological Sciences and Professor of Physics. He is Associate Editor at Frontiers in Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience and Music Perception and he recently completed a three year term as President of the Society for Music Perception and Cognition. Dr. Large received his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in 1994, and he did his postdoctoral work at University of Pennsylvania. He has published nearly 100 articles in journals such as Psychological Review, Physica D, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America,Music Perception, and Journal of Computational Neuroscience and he has been awarded numerous patents. He is the recipient of numerous awards including a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and a Fulbright Visiting Chair in the Science and Technology of Music at McGill University.

Dr. Large is also a Founder and Chief Science Officer at Oscillo Biosciences.

Summary

Dr. Edward Large delves into the intersection of music and neuroscience, exploring the concept of neural resonance theory. He shares his journey from a math major to a neuroscientist focused on music, highlighting the importance of understanding music through a scientific lens. He emphasizes that music is not just an auditory experience but a holistic one that involves the entire body, challenging the traditional mind-body dichotomy. He describes how the mind and body are interconnected, and this relationship is crucial for understanding consciousness and human experience.

Dr. Large introduces the idea of oscillations in both music and the brain, explaining how these oscillations can synchronize and influence our perception and interaction with music. He shares the implications of this theory for understanding cognitive processes, particularly in relation to music's therapeutic potential for conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The dialogue also touches on the impact of environmental factors, such as noise pollution, on our cognitive functions and the importance of live music experiences in enhancing our connection to the music and each other. Dr. Large delves into the fascinating intersection of music, neuroscience, and healing. He describes how the brain processes music, emphasizing concepts like neural resonance, stability, and strong anticipation. The discussion highlights the potential of music therapy in treating conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, showcasing how music can evoke memories and improve cognitive function. He shares personal anecdotes and scientific findings, illustrating the profound impact of music on emotional well-being and physical health. The conversation also touches on innovative research involving light therapy and music,