Music plays an important role in many people's lives and features in every human society. I am interested in understanding our universal appeal for music from two directions: First, which musical elements make a piece pleasing to listen to? As an example, I have previously shown that musical pleasure depends on the dynamic interplay between the uncertainty of our expectations and the surprise when these expectations are violated. Second, what are the neural and cognitive mechanisms supporting our appreciation for music? Using neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), I seek to uncover the neurocognitive architecture and time-course of music appreciation. Answers to these questions will further enable us to design AI systems that support songwriters and performers in the creative process.

[keywords]
Music ／ Reward processing ／ Creativity ／ Emotions ／ Cognitive Neuroscience ／ Computational Musicology