Two Challenges in Cognitive Musicology

Abstract

Two themes in music cognition research are highlighted-inspired by the contributions in this volume: (a) statistical learning and (b) evolutionary theorizing. Our ability to test alternatives to statistical learning is threatened by the rapidly diminishing opportunities for cross-cultural studies unconfounded by bimusicalism. Our ability to infer possible evolutionary origins for music is confounded by the "hedonic plenitude" of modern music-making-where multiple pleasure channels are activated simultaneously. Cognitively inspired music research will benefit by studying a wider range of musical cultures. Evolutionary theorizing will benefit by further work involving comparative animal behavior. © 2012 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.