An EEG-based Exploration of the Variables Affecting Cortical Responses to Arabic Music Scales for a Personalised and Effective Music Therapy in the Middle East: a Clinical Study

This is the first clinical study involving Music in Qatar and the Gulf region, and the first study to explore Arab Music Scales using a combination of EEG and self-reported assessements.

Using EEG, investigators will analyze the full brain activity of brainwaves produced by up to 100 subjects in response to the audio musical stimuli. 24 different audio recordings have been designed to investigate on different acoustic cues:

• with versus without quartertones
• known music versus improvisation
• Maqam Saba (sad) versus maqam Kurd (happy)
• 3 different Middle Eastern instruments: Ney, Oud and Qanun
• Two pitches: from Re or from Sol

The presentation of the audio stimuli clips will be randomized by the SuperLab5 software and EEG brainwaves will be recorded using the Power Lab (AD instrument). Between every audio clip, recording will be paused to ask the subjects to self-report on their emotional and anxiety states using a self-evaluation questionnaire. Subjects will be randomly assigned to morning of afternoon sessions of recording.

Using bioinformatic tools, investigators will perform a correlation study between EEG results, emotional self-report from the PANAS-X questionnaire, as well as answers to another questionnaire asking for their age, gender, ethnicity, right or left handedness, musical preferences, and if the subject plays an instrument.