Music and the Brain

From the Top in partnership with USC Brain and Creativity Institute & USC Center for Music, Brain and Society

Explore the fascinating science behind music’s impact on brain development, creativity, critical thinking and wellness

From the Top believes that connecting music to ideas and societal issues is a powerful tool to help us better understand our world. We are thrilled to partner with our friends at USC Brain and Creativity Institute & USC Center for Music, Brain and Society to explore the science behind music’s impact on the brain and its connection to wellness, with a series of transformative activities in March 2025!

Live Concert | March 15, 2025 | Cammilleri Hall at the Brain and Creativity Institute, USC University Park Campus

A live concert event featuring From the Top’s magnificent young musicians and host Peter Dugan. Through performance, storytelling, and multimedia we will dive into the fascinating world of music, the brain, and wellness.

Youth Symposium | March 16, 2025 | Cammilleri Hall at the Brain and Creativity Institute, USC University Park Campus

Musicians ages 13-21 are invited to join us for a day of discovery and exploration of the crossroads between music and neuroscience.

Register and Learn More!

Media

From the Top will produce two broadcasts and four podcast episodes that highlight the intersection of music, brain science, and wellness, airing May 2025.

Research Mentorships

From the Top musicians have been paired with leading researchers and faculty from USC’s Brain and Creativity Institute and USC’s Center for Music, Brain and Society to investigate the science behind music’s effects on the brain.

Neuroimaging Project

Using cutting-edge MRI and EEG techniques, From the Top and USC Brain and Creativity Institute will explore how intensive, high-quality music training shapes adolescent brain development.

From the Top thanks the Volgenau Foundation for its visionary support of this project.

USC’s Brain and Creativity Institute Music Program thanks the GroW @ Annenberg Foundation in recognition of their support.

 

Presented by From the Top in partnership with USC Brain and Creativity Institute & USC Center for Music, Brain and Society.