Why Does Music Engage the Reward System?

Abstract

Abstract Musical pleasure arises when auditory cortical processing systems exchange information with the reward system. When an unexpected musical event occurs, it generates a prediction error in the cortical auditory pathways, which is then propagated to the reward system where hedonic value is computed. Positively valenced prediction errors, leading to pleasure, are generated when an anticipated input is better than expected in terms of its informational value. Sound patterns that are neither too predictable nor too random provide optimal information that reduces uncertainty and is intrinsically rewarding. Activation of reward circuitry also enables learning, so that knowledge of musical relationships grows with increased exposure, leading to more precise internal models of musical structure. Personality variables can modulate the response of the reward system.