Why do beings gather to make sound across cultures and species? What connections are created through shared rhythm or frequency? Why do we move and make music together, and what happens to us when we do?
Across cultures and throughout history music has found its way into us, moving us physically and emotionally.
Human behavioural scientist, evolutionary anthropologist, and dancer Dr Bronwyn Tarr will lead us through a conversation which will explore the surprising, moving, and occasionally mysterious ways that sound and music connects people to people, species to species, past to present. We'll learn about what is actually happening in our bodies and brains when we come together to share sonic experiences with others and unravel what makes musical congregation so powerful.
Bronwyn will share her research and discuss what it means to listen and express ourselves sonically across difference, across cultures, across centuries and across species. She'll delve into what we share with creatures that move to a beat, or communities whose rituals have carried the same song for generations, and ask what if anything is unique to humans.
There will be plenty of time for discussion so bring all your questions and come ready to listen, share and join the conversation.
About Bronwyn
Dr Bronwyn Tarr is an Associate Professor at the London Interdisciplinary School, and a research affiliate at the University of Oxford.
Bronwyn’s research combines her passion for dance and music with her curiosity about human nature and the evolution of social behaviours. She is interested in why humans have such a longstanding love-affair with music, the nuts and bolts behind the social benefits of taking part in musical activities, and how dancing in synchrony can be a powerful social glue. She has previously collaborated with dancers, composers, film-makers, dance-movement therapists, and experts on loneliness to undertake interdisciplinary research exploring how MOVING TOGETHER can improve well-being. Her research has involved working with communities in the Amazon, Oxford, Barcelona, and Namibia, her home country.
Access Info: This event will be hosted on Zoom. Closed captions will be available. If you have any other access needs please drop us an email on info@eastsideprojects.org so we can chat them through.
