Neural Correlates of Music-Induced Meditative States: A Cross-Genre Feasibility Study Integrating Traditional and Contemporary Musical Traditions with Closed-Loop Neuroadaptive Systems

RESEARCH PROPOSAL - NOT A FINAL REPORT Abstract Music serves as a widely accessible pathway to altered states of consciousness, including meditative absorption. While prior neuroscientific research has examined Western classical traditions and ambient soundscapes, few studies have systematically compared meditative responses across diverse musical genres including Indian classical (raga-tala), Western classical, jazz, ambient electronic, devotional, and contemporary popular music. This research proposal investigates the neural correlates of music-induced meditative states across multiple musical genres. We review established neurophysiological markers of meditation, including increased alpha (8–12 Hz) and theta (4–8 Hz) oscillations, reduced beta activity (12–30 Hz), event-related potential modulation, and stabilized phase–amplitude coupling. We propose that structural elements across genres—including harmonic stability, rhythmic predictability, temporal unfolding, and cultural associations—may differentially engage these neural mechanisms. Preliminary pilot data from two participants across 15 listening trials illustrates subjective differences in meditative absorption between devotional music and popular Western tracks. Initial findings suggest higher meditative engagement during devotional tracks compared to contemporary pop songs, though the limited sample size (N=2, 8% statistical power) means these observations are purely hypothesis-generating. We present simulated data demonstrating proposed analytical approaches for future EEG studies powered to detect medium-to-large effects (recommended N≥64 per condition). By linking cross-cultural musicology, contemplative neuroscience, and neuroadaptive technology, this feasibility proposal establishes a foundation for future controlled electroencephalographic studies of music-induced meditation and opens pathways for culturally-grounded, personalized therapeutic applications. This document represents a research proposal with preliminary pilot observations, not a completed empirical study.