The Neuroscience of Music with Prof Lauren Stewart

Schedule

Tue Dec 02 2025 at 06:45 pm to 09:30 pm

UTC+00:00

Location

Unity Place | Milton Keynes, EN

Advertisement
What happens in your brain & body when you listen to music? Explore how it shapes our identities and future therapeutic uses. With Q&A.
About this Event

The ability to make sense of musical sound has been observed in every culture since the beginning of recorded history. In early infancy, it allows us to respond to the sing-song interactions from a primary caregiver and to engage in musical play. In later life, it shapes our social and cultural identities and modulates our affective and emotional states. In this illuminating talk, Professor Lauren Stewart will show that the ability to perceive and make sense of musical sound is remarkably sophisticated, and can be acquired simply by being exposed to the music of one’s own culture. From those who have too little music in their lives (those with ‘congenital amusia’) to those with too much (musical earworms or even hallucinations), we will consider what we can learn from studying these phenomena scientifically. Finally, we will explore the therapeutic potential of music, with examples from stroke rehabilitation and perinatal mental health in sub-Saharan Africa. This talk will give you a unique insight into music, its place in our lives, communities and culture and why it has been referred to as ‘the most underutilised health asset on the planet’.

Doors open at 6:45pm, talk starts at 7.30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!

Follow us on IG @seedtalks

Lauren is Professor of Psychology at the University of Roehampton.. She has published widely on topics including learning and plasticity, congenital amusia, earworms and therapeutic aspects of music. She has been engaged in several citizen science and public engagement projects, including a Silent Disco earworm experiment at Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry, a live experiment on musical plagiarism at the Science Museum’s Dana Centre and an in depth discussion on the ‘Tingle Factor’ in music as part of Radio 3’s Wellcome Collection residency. She is currently leading a large global health initiative called CHIME Project, which explores how culturally embedded musical practices can support women’s mental health during pregnancy.

Testimonials from our guests

Super Interesting talks! Fun and Informative - Ally S.

Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. - Owen S

Been to a few talks and all have been super interesting. An enjoyable evening to go to either alone or with friends. The talks make for stimulating conversation. Highly recommend! - Daisy J



Agenda

🕑: 06:45 PM
Doors Open
🕑: 07:30 PM
Talk Stars
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

Unity Place, 200 Grafton Gate, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

GBP 6.00 to GBP 33.00

JAW Talks & Events

Host or Publisher JAW Talks & Events

It's more fun with friends. Share with friends

Discover More Events in Milton Keynes

Jesse Cook at The Stables, Milton Keynes
Mon, 01 Dec at 08:00 pm Jesse Cook at The Stables, Milton Keynes

The Stables MK

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Lee Hurst: No Particular Order at The Stables, Milton Keynes
Tue, 02 Dec at 08:00 pm Lee Hurst: No Particular Order at The Stables, Milton Keynes

The Stables MK

COMEDY ENTERTAINMENT
\ud83e\uddf6\ud83c\udf84\ud83c\udf1fBOHO MACRAME CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS\ud83c\udf1f\ud83c\udf84\ud83e\uddf6
Wed, 03 Dec at 06:30 pm 🧶🎄🌟BOHO MACRAME CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS🌟🎄🧶

The Hidden Hive Workshops

WORKSHOPS ART
Christmas Music Bingo @ MK's No.1 Party Venue - Wednesday 3rd December
Wed, 03 Dec at 07:00 pm Christmas Music Bingo @ MK's No.1 Party Venue - Wednesday 3rd December

Bistro Live Milton Keynes

MUSIC WORKSHOPS
CROBOT | The Craufurd Arms, MK
Wed, 03 Dec at 07:30 pm CROBOT | The Craufurd Arms, MK

59 Stratford Road, MK12 5LT Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

MUSIC LIVE-MUSIC
Crobot w\/ Asomvel - Chasing Death UK Tour
Wed, 03 Dec at 07:30 pm Crobot w/ Asomvel - Chasing Death UK Tour

The Craufurd Arms (Live Music Venue)

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Crobot in Milton Keynes
Wed, 03 Dec at 07:30 pm Crobot in Milton Keynes

The Craufurd Arms

CONCERTS MUSIC

What's Happening Next in Milton Keynes?

Discover Milton Keynes Events