Re: Re brain and music (Al Bregman )

Subject: Re: Re brain and music
From:    Al Bregman  <al.bregman(at)MCGILL.CA>
Date:    Mon, 16 Jul 2001 22:18:08 -0400

Dear list,

I recently received this message from Ranjan Chakraborty,  asking
about the effects of music on the chemistry of the brain.  I told
him that I didn't know anything about this topic but that there
might be some members of the auditory list who might.  He agreed
that I should forward his message to the list.

If you have any thoughts on this, please reply directly to him
(rather than to me) at the following address:
<corticosterone(at)hotmail.com>

Al-

What's up?  I am not sure what is compelling me to write this or
why I am
not writing with a more formal tone.  I have been curious about
the
relationship between perception, the physical environment,
mathematics and
music from birth.  Anyways, music completes my soul, the
endorphine rush is
incredible for some songs.  Its obvious that sounds (vibration of
air
molecules) cause neurochemical reactions.  The experiences of
perception with
sound are the result of thresholds reaching the limits of
neurochemical
potentiation.  Therefore, the brain cannot analyze the stimuli as
separate
sets of stimuli (it would require more energy than it had
to accomplish such).  One reason is because the brain arranges
stimuli in
different ways (see Gestalt), therefore, it can separate/ arrange
the
stimuli in practically an infinite variations (as I am sure you
know). Back
to my point, sounds can effect neurochemicals, therefore, music
can be or is
actually a drug.  I love music and I would love any
guidance/information
that could help with my passion.  If you have any time to help me
find such
information I would be in debt to you.  I have many many more
questions but
forgive me for taking this much time.

Yours truly,
Ranjan Chakraborty

E-mail    corticosterone(at)hotmail.com
phone # 408-821-4048