passive encoding. Subcortical sensory processes interact dynamically with cortical processes, such
as memory, attention, and multisensory integration.
Studies of different populations show that musically trained subjects have enhanced subcor-
tical representations of pitch, timbre, and timing (p. 543). Moreover, auditory sensory processing
interacts with visual and motor influences. The authors suggest that music and language experience
fundamentally influence subcortical auditory processing, mediated by the extensive circuitry of effer-
ent fibers that descend from the cortex to the cochlea in the ear (p. 554). These findings contribute to
explaining the effects of music therapy in persons with developmental disabilities.
Figure 3.3. The Basal ganglia^15
The Basal ganglia are located in the Basal forebrain near the Thalamus. The Putamen and the Cau-
date nucleus together form the Dorsal striatum. The Caudate nucleus has a ”head” (caput) and a
”tail” (cauda). Not shown are the Nucleus accumbens, which is part of the Ventral striatum, and the
Globus pallidum. See also Figure 6.4.
(Brodal 2010:325)
A neural loop for timing
Grahn (NM III no. 2, pp. 35-45) has investigated the neural basis of beat perception, using fMRI
during tapping and listening tasks. She finds that the basal ganglia are strongly implicated in pro-
cessing a regular beat, particularly when internal generation of the beat is required. She suggests
that a neural loop mediates the timing system engaged by beat perception. This loop connects a part
15 A ganglion (plural ganglia) is a mass of nerve cell bodies.