The neuroscience of music perception: a narrative review

Journal

Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria

Year

2025

Abstract

The present review article explores the neuroscience of musical perception, examining the roles of specific brain regions in decoding and interpreting music. Musical perception engages multiple cortical and subcortical areas that work in an integrated manner to process musical elements such as melody, harmony, and rhythm. The paper reviews the current knowledge about the brain circuits involved, as well as pathological conditions that result in abnormalities of musical perception. In addition, the relationship between musical perception and neurological conditions such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease is explored. The present review is based on findings from structural and functional neuroimaging studies, neuropsychology, neurophysiology, and clinical research, aiming to show how the brain transforms music sounds into meaningful experiences and addressing pathological conditions in which this complex process may be affected, either in isolation or in association with other forms of neurological impairment.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Music and Cognition; Music Perception; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Alzheimer's and Related Dementias

Indexed Terms

Alzheimer Disease; Auditory Perception; Brain; Neurosciences

Study Type

Editorials; Opinions; Position Papers

PubMed ID

PMID: 40886712 PMCID: PMC12399327

Document Type

Article

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