The brain receives sensory messages from the body and the outside environment that can affect its response. Stimuli such as sound waves from music affect several parts of the brain that work in harmony to form experiences and memories from listening, comprehending, enjoying, feeling and remembering music, as described by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Cerebrum
The cerebral hemispheres, located at the top of the head, make up the largest portion of the brain. Although the two parts of the cerebrum appear identical, they differ in some of the functions they perform. The left hemisphere has the ability to think of words, while the right hemisphere functions to comprehend and understand words, as described by the Center for Neuroskills. These functions allow the cerebrum to participate in listening and performing music such as when singing or writing lyrics.
Temporal Lobes
The temporal lobes are parts of the cerebrum located at the left and right sides of the brain. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that the temporal lobes are the main centers for hearing and responding to music. When sound waves enter the ears, the temporal lobes process the information to hear and understand what the sound is. The brain cells at the bottom of each temporal lobe are responsible for forming and recalling visual and verbal memories, including those associated with hearing music.
Limbic System
The limbic system is a group of interconnected organs structures deep within the brain that control emotions. These structures include the amygdala, corpus callosum, fornix and hippocampus. The Alzheimer’s Disease Research website notes that the limbic system is the primary area for mediating feelings, learning and memory. This system generates the emotional response to music, such as joy, exhilaration, happiness, anxiety, sadness or depression.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is the second largest area of the brain, and is located below the cerebrum in the area of the brain stem. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes this organ as the control center for balance, rhythm, reflex actions and coordinating muscle movements. It governs involuntary movements as well as synchronized movements of skeletal muscles. When listening to music, the cerebellum works in harmony with other areas of the brain, and helps to affect rhythm and movement on the body when dancing or moving to music.
