November 28, 2025. Lecture by Dr. Žiga Stanič @ International scientific symposium entitled Music for Health and Well-being at Academy of Music of the University of Ljubljana.
Summary
Previous research in cognitive neuroscience and the psychology of music confirms that musical stimuli influence neurophysiological processes, including the modulation of brain waves (alpha, beta, theta). Particularly relevant are alpha states, which are associated with reduced stress, improved attention, and a sense of coherence. The orchestra can be understood as a model for exploring collective consciousness in practice, where individual musicians, the conductor, and listeners establish multi-level synchronization at cognitive, emotional, and physiological levels. These processes differ from individual listening to recorded music because they involve direct bodily presence, mutual attunement, and group-focused attention.
The presentation examines parallels between brain-wave states and collective phenomena emerging in orchestral practice. Its aim is to review existing scholarly literature connecting music, neurology, and psychology, including empirical studies showing that listeners and performers during live music experience increased synchronization of alpha and theta waves. It further explores how orchestral performance can facilitate synchronization of brain activity and physiological processes among musicians, and how the conductor and the interaction with the audience influence this coordination.
The analysis includes a conceptual examination of key terms, a comparative discussion of theoretical models from cognitive science, music psychology, and neuroscience, and a synthetic integration of existing findings. The central argument is that orchestral practice is not merely an artistic event but a form of multi-level collective synchronization in which brain waves, physiological processes, and social dynamics converge into a unified experience, with potential implications for understanding consciousness and health. This perspective contributes to viewing music as a non-pharmacological therapeutic medium that extends beyond individual effects to include collective dimensions. Emphasizing orchestral practice therefore opens possibilities for applications in both healthcare and artistic contexts, where the collective synchronization of brain-wave states may support psychological, cognitive, and physiological balance in individuals and improve social dynamics within groups.
Dr. Žiga Stanič