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Abstract:
In two experiments, we used fMRI to explore the differential
processing of melodies and chord sequences as a function of musical
training and conformity to cultural and acoustic constraints. The
experimental conditions conformed to Western combinatorial
constraints as well as a fundamental acoustic constraint, namely,
the use of harmonic spectra. The fundamental frequencies in the
melodies were selected from the familiar major diatonic scale. The
chord sequences consisted of major and minor chords constructed
from the same scale. The control condition of the first experiment
systematically violated the cultural constraints. The control
condition of the second experiment violated the acoustic constraint
by using inharmonic spectra. All participants showed significant
bilateral activation of the superior temporal plane, including
auditory cortex. However, this activation was asymmetric for many
participants, and the direction of the asymmetry was related to
musical training. Participants with extensive musical training
showed a leftward asymmetry and those with no training showed a
rightward asymmetry or no asymmetry. While substantial differences
were apparent across experimental and control conditions for
individual participants, group differences are unclear.
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