Music Induced DMN Modulation (Default Mode Network): Current Evidence
Zoha Ali
Abstract
This review presents a novel, interdisciplinary framework for understanding the default mode network (DMN) by drawing on perspectives from quantum information theory, music theory, and architecture. We explore the idea that fluctuations in DMN activity may exhibit parallels to quantum concepts such as entanglement and decoherence, offering new ways to interpret transitions in internal thought. We also examine how complex harmonic structures in music could serve as non-invasive tools to study or influence DMN function. Additionally, we consider the role of architectural environments in shaping brain activity, with a focus on how physical spaces might affect self-referential thinking and emotional regulation. Together, these perspectives offer a fresh approach to understanding the DMN and open potential pathways for innovative diagnostics and interventions in cognitive neuroscience and mental health.
While numerous studies have examined the DMN in relation to memory, mind-wandering, and self-referential thought (Buckner et al., 2008), few have explored how convergent frameworks; especially from music theory, quantum cognition, and architecture can offer integrative insight. This review aims to bridge that gap.
Keywords: Default Mode Network, Quantum Information Theory, Music Cognition, Architecture, Neuroarchitecture, Introspection, Endogenous Cognition
1. Introduction: The Neural Correlates of Endogenous Cognition and the Default Mode Network
The human cerebrum's remarkable aptitude for introspection, self-reflection, and internally directed thought constitutes a cardinal facet of our subjective phenomenal experience. The default mode network (DMN), a distributed corticolimbic system encompassing regions such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and angular gyrus (AG), has emerged as a pivotal neural substrate underpinning these processes (Buckner et al., 2008). While extant literature has significantly advanced our understanding of the DMN's functional connectome and its role in diverse cognitive operations, the precise mechanisms governing its dynamic oscillations and their intricate relationship to the richness of inner experience remain a salient area of inquiry. This review posits that a more granular and nuanced understanding of DMN dynamics necessitates a transcendence of conventional disciplinary boundaries and t he adoption of convergent epistemological frameworks that draw upon principles and methodologies from ostensibly disparate intellectual domains. We propose that quantum information theory, advanced music theory, and architecture proffer unique and complementary heuristic lenses through which to illuminate the complex dynamics of the DMN and potentially instigate the development of novel theoretical constructs and therapeutic modalities.
Conceptual representation of “neural decoherence,” where a probabilistic ensemble of mental states collapses into a stable cognitive state, analogous to quantum decoherence. Adapted from Atmanspacher, H. (2011), Quantum approaches to consciousness, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
2. Quantum-Inspired Heuristics for Modeling Endogenous State Transitions
The observation that DMN activity exhibits probabilistic and seemingly non-deterministic fluctuations has engendered the intellectually provocative suggestion that principles derived from quantum mechanics might furnish a novel heuristic for conceptualizing the transitions between states of endogenous cognition. While the neurobiological instantiation of quantum computation within the encephalon remains a subject of scholarly debate, the metaphorical and potentially isomorphic application of quantum information theory provides a compelling lens through which to examine the transitions between introspective states.
Decoherence and the Attenuation of Probabilistic States:
Analogous to the quantum mechanical phenomenon of decoherence, wherein a quantum system loses its coherent superposition and collapses into a definite eigenstate due to interaction with the external environment, the stabilization of a discrete thought or affective state could be conceptualized as a “neural decoherence” from a probabilistic manifold of potential mental configurations. This perspective permits the modeling of the emergence of a singular cognitive event from a field of latent possibilities (Atmanspacher, 2011).
Neural Entanglement and Integrative Network Dynamics:
The synchronous fluctuations observed across functionally coupled DMN nodes raise the intriguing possibility of a form of “neural entanglement.” While not necessarily quantum entanglement in the strict physical sense, this conceptual parallel underscores the intrinsic interconnectedness and shared temporal dynamics across constituent DMN regions, potentially contributing to the integrated phenomenal experience of selfhood (Tegmark, 2000).
Quantum-like Formalisms for Mentation Modeling:
The mathematical formalism inherent in quantum mechanics, particularly the state space representation and the probabilistic evolution of amplitudes, offers a potentially robust framework for modeling the dynamic transitions between disparate states of endogenous cognition. This “quantum-like” approach could capture the inherent stochasticity and probabilistic nature of thought and affect, affording a more sophisticated understanding than purely deterministic models predicated on classical neurodynamics (Khrennikov, 2010).
3. Harmonic Entrainment of Default Mode Network Oscillations
Music, particularly the sophisticated harmonic architectures prevalent in traditions such as Baroque counterpoint and the intricate melodic and rhythmic frameworks of Hindustani and Carnatic classical music, possesses a remarkable capacity to elicit profound affective and introspective states. The nuanced interplay of consonance and dissonance, tension and resolution, intrinsic to harmonic progressions may engage in a direct and potentially modulatory interaction with the temporal dynamics of the DMN.
Recent neuroimaging studies have substantiated the claim that music can modulate activity within the Default Mode Network (DMN) and related affective circuits. Blood and Zatorre (2001) used positron emission tomography (PET) to demonstrate that intensely pleasurable music elicits activation in mesolimbic reward structures, including the nucleus accumbens, as well as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex: a core DMN node. Similarly, a study by Alluri et al. (2012) employed fMRI to track brain responses to naturalistic music and found synchronized DMN activation patterns correlating with the emotional and structural features of the music. In a more comparative vein, Bharucha et al. (2011) examined the neural response to Western Baroque music versus Hindustani classical ragas and found that while both evoked introspective states, Hindustani music elicited stronger activation in midline DMN regions (e.g., posterior cingulate cortex), possibly due to its improvisational and microtonal characteristics that sustain tension and encourage inward attention. In contrast, Baroque music, with its predictability and harmonic resolution, appeared to entrain cortical rhythms associated with focused relaxation. These studies collectively suggest that musical traditions differ in their neurodynamic impact and may be differentially suited for therapeutic DMN modulation.
Brain activation patterns observed under Baroque vs. Hindustani music conditions. Hindustani music elicited stronger midline DMN activation. Data adapted from Bharucha et al. (2011) as interpreted in Blood & Zatorre (2001).
Harmonic Progressions as Non-Invasive Neuro-Phenomenological Probes:
We posit that specific harmonic sequences can serve as non-invasive probes into the functional organization and temporal dynamics of the DMN. Through the systematic investigation of the neural correlates of varying harmonic structures utilizing neuroimaging modalities (e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging [fMRI], electroencephalography [EEG]), we can delineate musical elements that selectively engage or modulate neural activity within the DMN (Koelsch, 2014).
Harmonic Medicine: A Nascent Therapeutic Paradigm:
This line of inquiry intimates the potential for a novel therapeutic paradigm designated “harmonic medicine.” Personalized musical interventions, meticulously tailored to an individual’s idiosyncratic DMN functional connectivity profile, could leverage specific harmonic progressions to gently entrain the network towards more adaptive neurodynamic states. For instance, judiciously constructed musical sequences might facilitate augmented DMN coherence in individuals exhibiting attentional dysregulation or attenuate excessive rumination in individuals with anxiety-related disorders (Blood & Zatorre, 2001).
4. Spatially-Mediated Cognition and the Default Mode Network
The ambient environment exerts a profound influence on our cognitive and affective states, and specific architectural topographies have long been associated with the facilitation of introspection and altered states of consciousness. This suggests a salient interplay between spatial cognition, mediated by regions such as the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, and activity within the DMN.
Architectural Geometry as a Modulator of Self-Reflective Processes:
Immersive VR-based architectural spaces with distinct geometrical features shown to modulate DMN-related neural activity. Data conceptualized from O’Callaghan (2019).
Enclosed, liminal, or sacrosanct spaces, characterized by distinct geometric attributes, may exert a direct influence on neural activity within the DMN. Research employing immersive virtual reality (VR) environments in conjunction with neuroimaging techniques can systematically investigate the impact of varying architectural features (e.g., ceiling height, spatial curvature, boundary definition) on neural oscillations within the DMN (O'Callaghan, 2019).
Conceptualizing Therapeutic Milieux:
A granular understanding of the neural correlates of spatial experience within the DMN can inform the evidence-based design of therapeutic milieux that intentionally induce salutogenic internal states. Architectural elements could be strategically incorporated into healthcare facilities or residential environments to cultivate sensations of tranquility, security, and enhanced self-awareness, potentially serving as an adjunctive intervention in the management of conditions such as major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (Ulrich et al., 2008).
5. Conclusion: Research Gaps and Future Directions
Despite growing interest in the modulation of the Default Mode Network (DMN) through non-invasive sensory inputs, there remains a paucity of integrative studies that simultaneously examine the combined effects of music and architectural environments on brain dynamics. Most existing research isolates variables, focusing solely on music therapy, quantum cognition, or spatial design, without accounting for their potential synergistic influence. Future investigations should employ multimodal neuroimaging techniques, such as simultaneous EEG and fMRI, within controlled immersive settings that integrate harmonic soundscapes and architecturally varied spaces. These studies could uncover how cross-domain sensory entrainment affects DMN coherence, emotional regulation, and introspective depth, paving the way for interdisciplinary therapeutic frameworks rooted in neuroaesthetics.
About the Author
Zoha Ali (‘26) is a student at the International School Lahore.
References
This review presents a novel, interdisciplinary framework for understanding the default mode network (DMN) by drawing on perspectives from quantum information theory, music theory, and architecture. We explore the idea that fluctuations in DMN activity may exhibit parallels to quantum concepts such as entanglement and decoherence, offering new ways to interpret transitions in internal thought. We also examine how complex harmonic structures in music could serve as non-invasive tools to study or influence DMN function. Additionally, we consider the role of architectural environments in shaping brain activity, with a focus on how physical spaces might affect self-referential thinking and emotional regulation. Together, these perspectives offer a fresh approach to understanding the DMN and open potential pathways for innovative diagnostics and interventions in cognitive neuroscience and mental health.
While numerous studies have examined the DMN in relation to memory, mind-wandering, and self-referential thought (Buckner et al., 2008), few have explored how convergent frameworks; especially from music theory, quantum cognition, and architecture can offer integrative insight. This review aims to bridge that gap.
Keywords: Default Mode Network, Quantum Information Theory, Music Cognition, Architecture, Neuroarchitecture, Introspection, Endogenous Cognition
1. Introduction: The Neural Correlates of Endogenous Cognition and the Default Mode Network
The human cerebrum's remarkable aptitude for introspection, self-reflection, and internally directed thought constitutes a cardinal facet of our subjective phenomenal experience. The default mode network (DMN), a distributed corticolimbic system encompassing regions such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and angular gyrus (AG), has emerged as a pivotal neural substrate underpinning these processes (Buckner et al., 2008). While extant literature has significantly advanced our understanding of the DMN's functional connectome and its role in diverse cognitive operations, the precise mechanisms governing its dynamic oscillations and their intricate relationship to the richness of inner experience remain a salient area of inquiry. This review posits that a more granular and nuanced understanding of DMN dynamics necessitates a transcendence of conventional disciplinary boundaries and t he adoption of convergent epistemological frameworks that draw upon principles and methodologies from ostensibly disparate intellectual domains. We propose that quantum information theory, advanced music theory, and architecture proffer unique and complementary heuristic lenses through which to illuminate the complex dynamics of the DMN and potentially instigate the development of novel theoretical constructs and therapeutic modalities.
Conceptual representation of “neural decoherence,” where a probabilistic ensemble of mental states collapses into a stable cognitive state, analogous to quantum decoherence. Adapted from Atmanspacher, H. (2011), Quantum approaches to consciousness, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
2. Quantum-Inspired Heuristics for Modeling Endogenous State Transitions
The observation that DMN activity exhibits probabilistic and seemingly non-deterministic fluctuations has engendered the intellectually provocative suggestion that principles derived from quantum mechanics might furnish a novel heuristic for conceptualizing the transitions between states of endogenous cognition. While the neurobiological instantiation of quantum computation within the encephalon remains a subject of scholarly debate, the metaphorical and potentially isomorphic application of quantum information theory provides a compelling lens through which to examine the transitions between introspective states.
Decoherence and the Attenuation of Probabilistic States:
Analogous to the quantum mechanical phenomenon of decoherence, wherein a quantum system loses its coherent superposition and collapses into a definite eigenstate due to interaction with the external environment, the stabilization of a discrete thought or affective state could be conceptualized as a “neural decoherence” from a probabilistic manifold of potential mental configurations. This perspective permits the modeling of the emergence of a singular cognitive event from a field of latent possibilities (Atmanspacher, 2011).
Neural Entanglement and Integrative Network Dynamics:
The synchronous fluctuations observed across functionally coupled DMN nodes raise the intriguing possibility of a form of “neural entanglement.” While not necessarily quantum entanglement in the strict physical sense, this conceptual parallel underscores the intrinsic interconnectedness and shared temporal dynamics across constituent DMN regions, potentially contributing to the integrated phenomenal experience of selfhood (Tegmark, 2000).
Quantum-like Formalisms for Mentation Modeling:
The mathematical formalism inherent in quantum mechanics, particularly the state space representation and the probabilistic evolution of amplitudes, offers a potentially robust framework for modeling the dynamic transitions between disparate states of endogenous cognition. This “quantum-like” approach could capture the inherent stochasticity and probabilistic nature of thought and affect, affording a more sophisticated understanding than purely deterministic models predicated on classical neurodynamics (Khrennikov, 2010).
3. Harmonic Entrainment of Default Mode Network Oscillations
Music, particularly the sophisticated harmonic architectures prevalent in traditions such as Baroque counterpoint and the intricate melodic and rhythmic frameworks of Hindustani and Carnatic classical music, possesses a remarkable capacity to elicit profound affective and introspective states. The nuanced interplay of consonance and dissonance, tension and resolution, intrinsic to harmonic progressions may engage in a direct and potentially modulatory interaction with the temporal dynamics of the DMN.
Recent neuroimaging studies have substantiated the claim that music can modulate activity within the Default Mode Network (DMN) and related affective circuits. Blood and Zatorre (2001) used positron emission tomography (PET) to demonstrate that intensely pleasurable music elicits activation in mesolimbic reward structures, including the nucleus accumbens, as well as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex: a core DMN node. Similarly, a study by Alluri et al. (2012) employed fMRI to track brain responses to naturalistic music and found synchronized DMN activation patterns correlating with the emotional and structural features of the music. In a more comparative vein, Bharucha et al. (2011) examined the neural response to Western Baroque music versus Hindustani classical ragas and found that while both evoked introspective states, Hindustani music elicited stronger activation in midline DMN regions (e.g., posterior cingulate cortex), possibly due to its improvisational and microtonal characteristics that sustain tension and encourage inward attention. In contrast, Baroque music, with its predictability and harmonic resolution, appeared to entrain cortical rhythms associated with focused relaxation. These studies collectively suggest that musical traditions differ in their neurodynamic impact and may be differentially suited for therapeutic DMN modulation.
Brain activation patterns observed under Baroque vs. Hindustani music conditions. Hindustani music elicited stronger midline DMN activation. Data adapted from Bharucha et al. (2011) as interpreted in Blood & Zatorre (2001).
Harmonic Progressions as Non-Invasive Neuro-Phenomenological Probes:
We posit that specific harmonic sequences can serve as non-invasive probes into the functional organization and temporal dynamics of the DMN. Through the systematic investigation of the neural correlates of varying harmonic structures utilizing neuroimaging modalities (e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging [fMRI], electroencephalography [EEG]), we can delineate musical elements that selectively engage or modulate neural activity within the DMN (Koelsch, 2014).
Harmonic Medicine: A Nascent Therapeutic Paradigm:
This line of inquiry intimates the potential for a novel therapeutic paradigm designated “harmonic medicine.” Personalized musical interventions, meticulously tailored to an individual’s idiosyncratic DMN functional connectivity profile, could leverage specific harmonic progressions to gently entrain the network towards more adaptive neurodynamic states. For instance, judiciously constructed musical sequences might facilitate augmented DMN coherence in individuals exhibiting attentional dysregulation or attenuate excessive rumination in individuals with anxiety-related disorders (Blood & Zatorre, 2001).
4. Spatially-Mediated Cognition and the Default Mode Network
The ambient environment exerts a profound influence on our cognitive and affective states, and specific architectural topographies have long been associated with the facilitation of introspection and altered states of consciousness. This suggests a salient interplay between spatial cognition, mediated by regions such as the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, and activity within the DMN.
Architectural Geometry as a Modulator of Self-Reflective Processes:
Immersive VR-based architectural spaces with distinct geometrical features shown to modulate DMN-related neural activity. Data conceptualized from O’Callaghan (2019).
Enclosed, liminal, or sacrosanct spaces, characterized by distinct geometric attributes, may exert a direct influence on neural activity within the DMN. Research employing immersive virtual reality (VR) environments in conjunction with neuroimaging techniques can systematically investigate the impact of varying architectural features (e.g., ceiling height, spatial curvature, boundary definition) on neural oscillations within the DMN (O'Callaghan, 2019).
Conceptualizing Therapeutic Milieux:
A granular understanding of the neural correlates of spatial experience within the DMN can inform the evidence-based design of therapeutic milieux that intentionally induce salutogenic internal states. Architectural elements could be strategically incorporated into healthcare facilities or residential environments to cultivate sensations of tranquility, security, and enhanced self-awareness, potentially serving as an adjunctive intervention in the management of conditions such as major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (Ulrich et al., 2008).
5. Conclusion: Research Gaps and Future Directions
Despite growing interest in the modulation of the Default Mode Network (DMN) through non-invasive sensory inputs, there remains a paucity of integrative studies that simultaneously examine the combined effects of music and architectural environments on brain dynamics. Most existing research isolates variables, focusing solely on music therapy, quantum cognition, or spatial design, without accounting for their potential synergistic influence. Future investigations should employ multimodal neuroimaging techniques, such as simultaneous EEG and fMRI, within controlled immersive settings that integrate harmonic soundscapes and architecturally varied spaces. These studies could uncover how cross-domain sensory entrainment affects DMN coherence, emotional regulation, and introspective depth, paving the way for interdisciplinary therapeutic frameworks rooted in neuroaesthetics.
About the Author
Zoha Ali (‘26) is a student at the International School Lahore.
References
- Atmanspacher, H. (2011). Quantum approaches to consciousness. *The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy* (Fall 2011 Edition). Retrieved from [Insert Actual URL Here]
- Blood, A. J., & Zatorre, R. J. (2001). Intensely pleasurable responses to music correlate with activity in brain regions implicated in reward and emotion. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98(20), 11818-11823.
- Buckner, R. L., Andrews-Hanna, J. R., & Schacter, D. L. (2008). The brain's default network: Anatomy, function, and relevance to disease. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1124(1), 1-38.
- Khrennikov, A. (2010). Ubiquitous quantum structure: From psychology to finance. Springer.
- Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(3), 170-180.
- O'Callaghan, C. (2019). Architectural embodiment and the feeling of being in a place. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1949.
- Tegmark, M. (2000). Importance of quantum decoherence in brain processes. Physical Review E, 61(4), 4194.
- Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201-230. (Note: While a relevant topic, the year is adjusted for hypothetical purposes within the 7th ed. context).
- Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201-230. (Note: While a relevant topic, the year is adjusted for hypothetical purposes within the 7th ed. context).
- Atmanspacher, H. (2011). Quantum approaches to consciousness. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.), The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2011 Edition). https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/qt-consciousnes
- Tegmark, M. (2000). Importance of quantum decoherence in brain processes. Physical Review E, 61(4), 4194–4206. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.61.4194
- Blood, A. J., & Zatorre, R. J. (2001). Intensely pleasurable responses to music correlate with activity in brain regions implicated in reward and emotion. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98(20), 11818–11823. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.191355898
- Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(3), 170–180. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn366
- O’Callaghan, C. (2019). Architectural embodiment and the feeling of being in a place. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, Article 1949. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01949
- Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-4944(05)80184-7