Music and Technology for Health and Well-being
AS6 Level 5
MR6, AS6-05-10
Abstract:
With the advent of new sophisticated neuroimaging technology, human responses to music and music therapy are being viewed through a new lens. As a consequence, new knowledge is being obtained about how music can produce significant improvements in cognitive, social and agitated behaviours,. In this talk we will provide an overview of neurocognitive music therapy projects in Barcelona, Spain. We will describe several evidence-based music interventions in different hospitals and centres in Barcelona.
Bio:
Dr. Rafael Ramirez-Melendez is a Professor and the leader of the Music and Machine Learning Lab at Universitat Pompeu Fabra's Engineering Department in Barcelona. He earned his BSc in Mathematics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and went on to obtain both his MSc in Artificial Intelligence and PhD in Computer Science from the University of Bristol, UK. In addition, Dr. Ramirez-Melendez has a strong musical background, having trained in Classical Violin and Guitar, and has performed across Europe, America, and Asia. His research interests encompass a broad spectrum, from artificial intelligence, music technology, and music therapy, to their implications in music learning, health, and overall well-being. Specifically, he has explored the therapeutic potential of music in treating a range of conditions, from emotional disorders to palliative care, and he has delved into the modelling of music listening, playing, and learning using machine learning techniques. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to over 130 peer-reviewed international journals and conference publications.