| The MAPLE Lab is a music cognition lab with a percussion focus. We conduct empirical research that examines the psychological roots of the musical experience. We investigate musically-inspired questions such as how a performer’s body movements affect the way audiences “hear” music, why “moving-to-the-beat” improves the auditory experience, and how composers and performers communicate emotional meaning. Through this work we aim to contribute to issues of broad relevance to auditory perception and cognition: | ||
| assessing theoretical frameworks of audio-visual integration, exploring sensorimotor interactions, and investigating parallels in the communication of emotion in language and music. Consequently, we are invested not only in contributing to core issues in music cognition, but also applying our findings to a broad range of topics in cognitive psychology, music pedagogy, cognitive neuroscience, and auditory perception. | ||
People of the Lab
- Learn more about the members of the MAPLE lab–both current and alumni–researching the latest in music cognition, including lab director Dr. Michael Schutz.
News & Events
- Important dates and events, both past and upcoming, including conference appearances, Lab events, and more…
- For media appearances and segments, see our media coverage and press releases.
Our Facility
- Overview of the layout of the Maple lab and the equipment and resources used.
Music Cognition Research at McMaster University
- Information about the McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind (MIMM)–as well as the newly built Live lab–undergraduate specialized programs offered by the University, and facts about McMaster University in general.
- If you’re interested in research opportunities in the MAPLE lab, please see our graduate and undergraduate training pages.
- If you’re interested in our research, take a look at our list of research topics.
Collaborators
- Other researchers working on common projects with the Lab.
Contact Us
- How to get in contact with the MAPLE lab and travel directions (through both car and public transit).
- To contact Dr. Schutz directly, see his contact info.