Music & The Brain:
The Passion and Psychology of Flamenco
This presentation will cover the importance of Music to human culture and intrinsic connection to the brain. The subject of Flamenco will be used as an example of a particular region’s cultural development and psychology. Other musical forms will be used to illustrate the basic concepts of this topic as well.
In this exciting time for an increased understanding of the human brain we can literally see the impact of music on our mental state. Research studies demonstrate the beneficial effects of music to enhance learning, improve mood and serve to benefit not only the individual listeners or musicians but the larger social community. Music can foster a sense of belonging, it can motivate and activate people to have courage in the face of extreme adversity and help soothe us when distressed.
Flamenco music grew out of a cultural blending of gypsy, Moorish, Sephardic Jewish and Andalusian peasant roots. It is interesting as an example of how music puts a form and structure to historical social forces, expressing the emotional needs and conditions of people and serves as an outlet for their grief, passions, aspirations and strength.
After this course participants will be able to identify both intrapsychic aspects of the effects of music on the individual in terms of brain processes and behavior, and also the larger contextual aspects of music on the human social network.
Music and the Brain
I Music as universal and common to all human existence, cultures, history and development
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Findings in Neanderthal caves
Findings in Neanderthal caves•Early infant development responding to sound and voice
Early infant development responding to sound and voice•Brain regions activated by music
Brain regions activated by music•Effects of music on brain function
Effects of music on brain function•Effects of music on human behavior
Effects of music on human behaviorII Flamenco music
•Social history of Flamenco in terms of cultural migrations
Social history of Flamenco in terms of cultural migrations•Psychological history of Flamenco in terms of emotional suffering and abuse
Psychological history of Flamenco in terms of emotional suffering and abuse•Musical structure of Flamenco that makes it unique
Musical structure of Flamenco that makes it unique•Appeal of Flamenco as universal experience of basic emotions
Appeal of Flamenco as universal experience of basic emotions •Music as therapy to human condition and spirit
Music as therapy to human condition and spirit
