Your Brain on Music

Daniel J. Levitin

Singing and dancing have been shown to modulate brain chemistry, specifically levels of dopamine, the “feel good” neurotransmitter. Our species uses music and dance to express various feelings: love, joy, comfort, ceremony, knowledge and friendship. And each one is distinct and widely recognized within cultures. Love songs cause us to move slowly and fluidly, for example, while songs of joy inspire us to dance in a full-body aerobic way.

–Daniel J. Levitin
Professor of psychology and music
McGill University

 

This Is Your Brain on Music:

The Science of a Human Obsession.