Neuroplastic Effects of Music Listening as Measured by Electroencephalography: A Systematic Review
Neuroplastic Effects of Music Listening as Measured by Electroencephalography: A Systematic Review

Summary/Abstract: This systematic review evaluates experimental studies published between 2020 and 2025 that were conducted with healthy individuals and investigated neuroplastic effects measured by electroencephalography (EEG) during passive music listening. The aim is to understand the effects of music listening on emotional and cognitive brain networks. The review includes eight studies with within-subject designs in which EEG data were collected. The findings indicate that music listening increases synchronization in theta and alpha bands, strengthens functional connectivity, and induces changes in network modularity specific to information processing in prefrontal, temporal, and motor regions. Studies focusing on emotional processes show that responses such as pleasure and enjoyment increase theta activity in the orbitofrontal cortex, insula, and temporal regions; studies targeting cognitive processes reveal network reorganizations associated with functions such as attention, memory, and familiarity. It is stated that music listening supports experience-dependent long-term neuroplastic changes and may enhance emotional regulation, attention, and learning processes. However, limitations such as small sample sizes, methodological diversity, and the inclusion of only healthy individuals restrict the generalizability of the findings. Limited EEG studies in Türkiye support that music listening creates effects in beta and sensory-motor rhythm bands and reduces anxiety. It is recommended that future EEG research include large samples and structured music protocols.

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