Music from Your Brain

The journalBrain has a new review on the history of converting theelectroencephalogram (EEG) into sound (Lutters& Koehler, 2016). The translation of data into sound, known assonification, has been applied to brain waves since the 1930s. In addition to early scientific and medical applications, sonification of the EEG has been used in the field of experimental music.In 1965, physicist Edmond Dewan and composer Alvin Lucier collaborated onMusic for the Solo Performer:Sitting on a chair, eyes closed, Lucier ’s brainwaves were recorded from his scalp, amplified andchannelled to numerous loudspeakers scattered around the room. As the amplified alpha rhythm was below the human audible range, the loudspeakers were put ‘right up against’ various percussion instruments, which were then activated by means of vibration. While Lucier attempted to refrain from mental activity, percussion sounds slowly started to fill the room, which were suddenly disrupted when he opened his eyes, engaged in mental exercise, or whe n his attention was drawn towards sounds from the audience (Kahn, 2013).The article alsoreviews more contemporary translations of EEG activity into music:By the end of the century, advances in EEG and sound technology ultimately gave rise to brain –computer music interfaces (BCMIs), a multidisciplinary achievement that has enhanced expressive abilities of both patients and artists (Miranda, 2014).Image credits:Edmond Dewan and his brainwave control system (1964...
Source: The Neurocritic - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Source Type: blogs