For the Sufis, music is a path to enlightenment, it is “food for the soul” 1. Such is the influencing power of music, the brain states that it can induce that it is almost impossible not to get caught up. Vibration sense, sound sense, is ancient, visceral, and inextricably linked to old and deep emotional centers in the brain, a fact that allows composers to access and dialogue with their audience at a deep level. Unlike eyes, ears can detect phenomena in any direction without having to be focused on it, giving distinct survival advantages throughout evolution (MPF, 2004). From casual listening at home, in a film or on TV, from an iPod as we move around or the sound of an ambulance racing by, a call to prayer, or just somebody at the door, music is there. It is part of our humanity.Īlmost every moment in a person's life is continually underscored by music-from our birth, to our wedding to our death, our celebrations, our wars and our victories. There are universals in music that just do not exist in language. Why should these things be in any way obvious? Because at heart there seems to be a core musical insight and expertise that pervades the human experience. Some of these thoughts will no doubt state the obvious, but I hope will also stimulate some discussion. I attempt to work backwards from what we as practitioners of the art and craft of music do instinctively or unconsciously, and try to shine a light on it as a conscious process. Rather it is a more anecdotal look at the experiences of composing music, and in particular about driving human emotions through music to enhance moving images and dialogue. This article is not intended to be in any way scientific.
It is a privilege to be invited to contribute to Frontiers in Neuroscience on this most fascinating and nefarious of topics.