How do our ears and brains take in and process sound? This episode covers the basics of how we hear starting with sound wave all the way to the primary auditory cortex. Learn how music therapists work with individuals who are hard of hearing and how to protect your own hearing. For more information about the research, resources, and music in this episode, go to www.InstrumentalPodcast.com. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for news and updates ..read more

How does music help us deal with death? This episode covers research that gives us insights into how music can lessen death anxiety and then discusses three ways that music is used in hospice care to support individuals at the end of life. Takeaways include resources like the Five Wishes document and ideas for how to start important conversations with your loved ones about death. For more information on the research articles and music in this episode, go to www.InstrumentalPodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter (@instrumentalpod) for news and updates ..read more

Does music release dopamine? And how can music be interpreted as a reward? This episode uncovers how reward circuitry in our brain can be activated when we listen to music. Learn how the interactions between music and dopamine contribute to neuroplasticity and how music therapists take advantage of musical rewards for increased motivation. For more information on the research articles and music in this episode, go to www.InstrumentalPodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter (@instrumentalpod) for news and updates ..read more

The Mozart effect has gotten a lot of hype (and criticism) the past few decades...what's the real story? This episode breaks down the research that led to the Mozart effect being debunked. Even though those Mozart baby CDs won't make your baby smarter, we also share the one music activity that has shown to have long-term benefits to cognitive processing. For more information on the research articles and music in this episode, go to www.InstrumentalPodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter (@instrumentalpod) for news and updates ..read more

Do our musical tastes reflect our personalities? This episode dives into research about how the Big Five personality factors might influence what music we like. Along the way, learn what you may able to know about a person after hearing their favorite music and how to use that knowledge to build more genuine connections with strangers and people you've known your whole life. For more information on the research articles and music in this episode, go to www.InstrumentalPodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter (@instrumentalpod) for news and updates ..read more

Why are some people tone deaf? This episode explores a musical disorder called congenital amusia, in which people have trouble processing the pitch and melodic structures of music. Learn the neurologic disconnect in amusic brains, what amusia can tell us about humans' musical foundations, whether people with amusia can still enjoy music, and how to find out if you may have amusia yourself. For more information on the research articles and music in this episode, go to www.InstrumentalPodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter (@instrumentalpod) for news and updates ..read more

How does music impact how we move? Can music help us exercise more efficiently? This episode dives into research that explains what's happening in your spinal cord and brain when you're listening to music during a run or at the gym. This episode features lots of takeaways for when and when not to use music for your workout. For more information on the research articles and music in this episode, go to www.InstrumentalPodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter (@instrumentalpod) for news and updates ..read more

Can music impact how we shop? This mini-episode explores how music can unconsciously influence our decisions of what to buy and how much money we spend in retail settings. Get the highlights of how music can impact our associations with products, change how we perceive time, and how to use music for a comfortable shared environment. For more information on the research articles and music in this episode, go to www.InstrumentalPodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter (@instrumentalpod) for news and updates ..read more

The trailer for Instru(mental), a podcast about music and the mind. Listen to dive into music cognition research from a music therapist's perspective and come away with practical takeways to apply what you learned in your daily life ..read more

Music often brings people together whether through dancing, choirs, or bands. How exactly does music help build stronger relationships, even among strangers? This episode dives into research behind musical entrainment and how synchronizing with another person can lead you to act in a more cooperative, helpful way. Check out our website (www.InstrumentalPodcast.com) for more information on the research articles and clips featured in this episode. Follow @instrumentalpod on Twitter for the latest news and updates ..read more