Jessica Grahn Abstract

Oscillatory entrainment increases with social context

Jessica Grahn

Live musical experiences can change the way brain rhythms synchronize across audience members. Electroencephalography (EEG) was measured simultaneously from 20 audience members observing a live music performance. In a second setting, EEG was measured from 20 audience members, watching together a recording of the concert. EEG was also measured from 20 participants in groups of 2, observing the same recording. Intersubject synchronization (ISS) quantified the synchronization of brain rhythms across individuals. Differences in the delta (2–4.5 Hz) band, corresponding roughly to the rates of musical beats, depended on the presence of the performers; viewers’ brain waves were more synchronized when the performers were present. Network connectivity measures on delta-band brain rhythms predicted individuals’ concert enjoyment. The presence of live performers yields increased synchronization of viewers’ brain rhythms at rates associated with feeling and moving with a musical beat