The profound impact of music on personal development, creativity, and emotional well-being; the importance of music therapy; the role of listener profiles in shaping musical preferences; the benefits of music education. Dr. Rogers shares insights from her career in music production and neuroscience, emphasizing the need for creativity and the significance of understanding one's unique relationship with music.

Guest Bio

Director, Berklee Music Perception and Cognition Laboratory; Record Producer; Author, This Is What It Sounds Like: What the Music You Love Says About You

Susan Rogers holds a doctorate in psychology from McGill University, where she studied music cognition and psychoacoustics under researchers Daniel Levitin and Stephen McAdams. Her research focuses on auditory memory, the perception of musical signals, and the influence of musical training on auditory development. For two decades prior to her science career, Rogers was one of the world's few women known for her work as a record producer, engineer, mixer, and audio electronics technician. Career highlights include years (1983–1988) as staff engineer for recording artist Prince and working with such diverse artists as Barenaked Ladies, David Byrne, Tricky, and Tevin Campbell.

Chapters

00:00 Background story about this episode and Happy New Year

02:55 Susan's favourite music genre

05:58 When you love your work, it's so easy. -- a multifaceted career

09:14 As a child, I knew I did not want to be a musician, but I want to help bringing music into the world.

12:30 Which archetype are you? from the early Silicon Valley

15:19 7 dimensions of a song and listener profile

18:04 Which element of a record is "right" for you? How it shapes your brain's auditory cortex?

19:59 How early childhood music listening experiences shapes our brain?

25:08 I don't listen to music. Can music therapy benefit me?

28:15 How prevalent is tone deaf?

29:01 Research shows learning to play an instrument at any age improves your mood, memory, immune system

30:42 How to bring more music into your life and enhance quality of life?

33:02 The music of our culture mimics the way we use our voices to convey emotions.

34:06 Appreciate the music from various culture help us expand our experiences and personal identity

35:34 How to do a "Record Pull" with your friends?

40:37 Don't prepare to 100% ready: The Power of Nervousness in Performance

42:25 Lack of Focus is the Biggest Enemy of Greatness --Jerry Seinfeld

44:05 How to find the perfect level of stage fright? Mindset matters

45:58 The greatest benefit of a proper music education, what research says?

47:37 Musical boys are more cooperative and empathetic, research shows

49:04 The impact of group music lessons for children and adults

51:13 You can be musical without being a musician.

53:16 Brain differences in Trained Singers vs non-singers

56:01 Creativity and the brakes in your Brain

01:05:02 Protect Childlike Wonder and Creativity: Never tell your child to hurry.

01:07:33 Take your brain off its leash, be free and have fun!

01:11:22 Childish VS Childlike: breaking free from the "should"

Takeaways

• Music can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth.


• Understanding listener profiles can enhance our appreciation of music.

• Creativity is essential for personal fulfillment and cannot be forced.


• Music education fosters cooperation and empathy in children.


• Music therapy can benefit individuals regardless of their musical background.


• Childlike curiosity and openness are vital for creativity.

• The brain's response to music shapes our preferences and emotional connections.


• Engaging with music can improve cognitive functions and emotional well-being.


• Sharing music with others deepens connections and understanding.


• The future of music lies in the intersection of creativity and neuroscience.