How can I combine my interest in neurology and music?

There is a field of study called Music Cognition. I believe that McGill has a PhD program related to this area.

In music cognition people do scientific studies on how different melody patterns are perceived by infants, adults with no musical training and adults with musical training. It can also be used to study what parts of music are cultural and what parts are actually hard wired into human brains.

Related fields could include Music Therapy and Ethnomusicology.

Hi Libby,

This is an interesting question!

Nowadays, we have the interseccion between Neuroscience and Music, termed as "Neurological Music Therapy".

Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) uses research-based techniques that use music and rhythm to directly affect brain functioning. It focuses on specific, non-musical goals that are relevant to the child’s everyday life, and produces changes in the brain that extend far beyond the music therapy session.

While standard Music Therapy still uses music to reach non-musical goals, it is usually focused within the social/emotional domain. Neurologic Music Therapy focuses directly on music and rhythm’s physical effect on the connections in the brain. Specific, consistent NMT techniques are used that are research and evidence-based.

Neurologic Music Therapy interventions are used to focus on areas including:

Sensory Integration
Example: providing proprioceptive and other sensory input paired with specific rhythm based on the child’s arousal level

Cognition and Attention Control
Example: combining instrument play or movement with musical elements such as melody and rhythm to train attention in the brain

Speech Initiation and Sequencing
Example: using a steady beat to anticipate (supporting initiation) and organize (supporting sequencing) speech through speaking, chanting, or singing; using specific melodies and rhythms to simulate normal speech patterns

Movement and Coordination
Example: therapeutically playing instruments with rhythmic support; using rhythm to prepare the motor system for movement
Rhythm activates many areas of the brain (on both hemispheres) simultaneously, and for this reason can be used to build new connections (neuropathways) in the brain. These new pathways can lead to parts of the brain that are not accessible by other means of therapy. NMT uses music and rhythm to build connections and stimulate the brain to reach functional goals, therefore changing the brain in the process. The brain and the child are changed by music.

In: http://www.changedbymusic.com/whatisnmt.html

You can also see a practical explanation in the link video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leGzTgfZ4ZM

Good luck!