Neuroscience of melody

Over the past decade, research has amply demonstrated that musical involvement (or even musical instinct) is a fundamental trait of the human species. However, little is known about the biological basis of music. The latest research shows that a minority of individuals may be deprived of this "musical instinct", and therefore lack to some extent the neurobiological basis necessary for the harmonious development of musical ability. These individuals have severe problems appreciating music because, for the most part, they are unable to hear the sequential organization of musical pitches (the melody). Their problems have a neurogenetic origin. The study of this disorder, known as congenital amusia, represents a unique opportunity to examine the biological foundations of music, and to establish the links between genes, environment (musical and linguistic), brain and behavior.