Neurocognitive Aspects of Musical Improvisation and Performance

Shama Rahman*, Joydeep Bhattacharya

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Improvisation is a bedrock of human creativity; it is ubiquitous in musical performance and is considered one of the most abstract and complex aspects of (musical) behaviour. Many scientists still believe that creativity and musical improvisation are too difficult to subject to empirical enquiry. However, musical creativity is an excellent means to study cognitive processes such as pattern formation and recognition, top–down attentional control, expectation, imagery, aesthetics and embodied cognition. Furthermore, musical improvisation is usually an intensely pleasurable experience, whereby the creator finds him- or herself in an optimal relationship between his/her capabilities and actions, similar to a flow-like creative state. In this chapter we present our current neurocognitive understanding of several facets of musical creativity.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMultidisciplinary Contributions to the Science of Creative Thinking
EditorsGiovanni Emanuele Corazza, Sergio Agnoli
PublisherSpringer Singapore
Pages261–279
Number of pages19
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9789812876188
ISBN (Print)9789812876171, 9789811012488
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jul 2015

Publication series

NameCreativity in the Twenty First Century
PublisherSpringer
ISSN (Print)2364-6675
ISSN (Electronic)2364-6683

User-Defined Keywords

  • Flow Experience
  • Divergent Thinking
  • Gamma Power
  • Dorsal Premotor Cortex
  • Musical Style

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