The neural basis of musical improvisation: the contribution of electroencephalography studies

This paper is aimed at presenting and discussing the main electroencephalography (EEG) studies analyzing brain activity during musical improvisation. A brief overview of the history of musical improvisation and its link to creativity highlights improvisation as a dynamic, spontaneous musical expression. The review of EEG studies revealed connections between cognitive control, flow states, and emotion in musical improvisation. The dual-process model of creativity is discussed, emphasizing the balance between spontaneous and controlled cognitive processes, depending on the individual’s experience level. The potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to enhance improvisational skills, particularly in less experienced musicians, is explored as well. Findings have implications beyond musical training, extending to mental health and creative development. By stimulating brain areas involved in musical creativity, tDCS could open new possibilities for musicians to generate original ideas and boost creative fluency.