“In a new study, scientists unveiled new insights into how our brains process and enjoy music by distinguishing between the sensory and cognitive elements of musical experience. They found that both sensory perceptions, like the actual sound of music, and cognitive factors, such as our understanding and familiarity with musical styles, independently contribute to our expectations and enjoyment of music. The research has been published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B.
Music has been a part of human culture since prehistoric times, and most people find music deeply rewarding. Studies have shown that our pleasure in music often stems from the way it meets, violates, or delays our expectations.”