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Partially Overlapping Brain Networks for Singing and Cello Playing.
Melanie Segado1,2,3, Avrum Hollinger1,3, Joseph Thibodeau2,3,4
1Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|June 13, 2018
Summary
Playing the cello co-opts brain networks used for singing, particularly in auditory-vocal areas. This suggests musical training may leverage ancient vocalization networks for instrumental music.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Music Cognition
- Auditory-Motor Integration
Background:
- Singing and musical instrument playing involve complex auditory-motor associations.
- Singing relies on evolutionarily older vocal networks, distinct from arbitrary associations in instrument playing.
- The cello's pitch range resembles the human voice, offering a unique tool to study auditory-vocal versus auditory-motor networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural overlap between singing and cello playing.
- To determine if arbitrary auditory-motor associations in cello playing co-opt brain networks evolved for singing.
- To explore the functional connectivity supporting musical pitch accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Used an MR-compatible cello for functional brain imaging during singing and cello playing.
- 11 expert cellists performed and sang individual tones, aiming for precise pitch accuracy (<50C deviation).
- Analyzed brain activity overlap and functional connectivity within the auditory-vocal network.
Main Results:
- Significant overlap in brain activity between cello playing and singing in motor, auditory, and cerebellar regions (excluding PAG and basal ganglia).
- Activity in overlapping areas correlated positively with in-tune performance for both singing and cello playing.
- Auditory and dorsal motor/pre-motor areas showed functional connectivity, which positively correlated with performance accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Cello playing, especially with early musical training, may co-opt ancient vocal brain networks.
- Auditory-vocal networks are crucial for precise pitch control in both singing and instrumental music.
- Functional connectivity within these networks underpins accurate musical performance.
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