Research
Music | Aesthetics | Autobiographical Memory
Music, aesthetics and long term memory
My current research investigates how context influences the aesthetic experience of opera. The methodology integrates questionnaires, physiological signal acquisition, and Music Information Retrieval (MIR).
Venue: Oper Bonn
University: Helmut-Schmidt-Universität / Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg
Opera is a highly sophisticated art-form, this determines that the audience will usually enter a deep processing stage when they try to enjoy an opera. During which, many factors, such as context, mental script, expectations, social desire, aesthetic attitudes, prior knowledge etc. can influence the aesthetic experience. But which parameters have bigger contributions? Which others are irrelevant or even obstructive to experience and immersion? We wish to explore the potentials of opera experience in the context of its usual occurrence, and ultimately find out what constitutes the aesthetic experience in an opera.
Music-Evoked Autobiographical Memory | MEAM
Young adults represent a primary high-risk population for depression. However, due to barriers such as limited healthcare resources and the stigma associated with the condition, the majority of affected individuals do not receive effective treatment.
In music therapy, music serves as a potent cue for activating autobiographical memories. Yet, inappropriate musical selection risks triggering negative memories, potentially exacerbating the patient's condition. Therefore, selecting musical materials based on activation characteristics linked to positive emotional valence is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes.
Consequently, this project aims to construct a music stimulus library specifically targeted at young adults. By employing machine learning algorithms, we will analyze the features of autobiographical memory activation and cognitive characteristics associated with positive emotional valence in young adults with depression. This research seeks to establish standardized materials and protocols for digital music therapy, laying the groundwork for future investigations into the underlying neural mechanisms.
