The Music Instinct: Science & Song (PBS Special)

[Frank W. Baker]

National Broadcast day/time: Wednesday June 24, 9-11pm (check your local PBS listings)
Title: The Music Instinct: Science & Song
Description: This documentary provides a groundbreaking exploration into how and why the human organism is moved by music. New work in neuroscience is giving us clues to the mysteries of how and why music penetrates the brain and the emotions. The program follows visionary researchers and accomplished musicians to the crossroads of science and culture in search of answers to music’s deep mysteries. The program includes compelling performances by world-famous performers, in genres from rock to classical, such as Bobby McFerrin, Yo-Yo Ma, Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley, and Evelyn Glennie.

Further resources/lesson plans available here

[Jason Gray]

I for one am a fan of tattoos, and oddly enough, I got and eighth note tattooed between an infinity symbol to combine my outstanding love for both math and music. As far as music goes, I am constantly tapping a beat thats in my head while I am in a social context, but when I study I am one that cannot listen to music at the same time. All I think about is the beat of the music and the sounds it is making. I have heard that it is beneficial to listen to classical music at the same time though. How beneficial is it to study while listening to music? Anyone know?

[Ryan Goble]

And check these two books...
This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession by Da...
Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain, Revised and Expanded Ed...