[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/mimm_concert.jpg” caption=”The McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind will host its Integrated Concert and Lecture on Music Across the Species: Birds, Crickets, Frogs and Babies on Saturday, Feb. 9. Image courtesy of MIMM.”]Many animal species use sound for communication, and in some cases, these sounds have pitch and rhythmic structure that resemble human music. Bird songs, whale calls and even cricket choruses have inspired many composers.

But how similar are animal sounds and human music? Are they used in the same circumstances, such as caring for infants, love and mating rituals, social bonding and emotional communication?

These and other questions will be explored in a unique format by Cornell biologist Ron Hoy, whose research on animal communication is world-renowned, and McMaster's Laurel Trainor, who is an expert on the perception of music in human infants.

Hoy and Trainor are both passionate about science and music. Hoy has been featured in BBC's National Geographic and PBS's Scientific American Frontiers with Alan Alda, and his scientific work has appeared in many prestigious journals. In addition to her career as a scientist, Trainor has a bachelor's degree in music and plays principal flute in Symphony Hamilton.

Hoy and Trainor will give a lecture on the science behind music in humans and animals as part of an integrated concert and lecture entitled Music Across the Species: Birds, Crickets, Frogs and Babies hosted by the McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 165 Charlton Avenue West.

Their presentation will include sound and video demonstrations and will be integrated with live illustrative performances from distinguished local musicians, including internationally-acclaimed pianist Valerie Tryon, percussionist Stephen Hudecki and flutist David Gerry.

Past integrated lectures and concerts have been popular, fun, informative and moving, covering topics such as whether music makes you smarter and the mystery of musical emotion. This year's event will continue in this tradition.

“Music is such an important part of our lives,” says Suzanne Crosta, dean of Humanities. “I think that most people have wondered at some point as to why music is such a fundamental expression of who we are, when it all began, how it evolved over time and place, and why it continues to inspire us so deeply. The Faculty of Humanities is very pleased to support the McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind, and I am looking forward to this year's event, which will be introduced by our new provost, Dr. Busch-Vishniac.”

The McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind (MIMM) was established in 2006, and consists of a group of interdisciplinary researchers, including music theorists, music educators, musicians, psychologists, neuroscientists, mathematicians, kinesiologists, health scientists and engineers.

“The institute brings together science and the arts in a unique and innovative way, with the goal of enhancing the scientific study of music across Canada and internationally,” said John Capone, dean of Science. “We hope that many people will take advantage of the opportunity to attend this remarkable event.”

Come enjoy an evening of science and music. General admission is $15 ($10 for students). For advance tickets, please call 905-525-9140, ext. 24246. Tickets will also be available at the door.