The NeuroMusic Conference is a dynamic, hybrid gathering where science and sound meet. We bring together an extraordinary mix of neuroscientists, academics, musicians, clinicians, educators, and students from around the globe to explore how music shapes the brain—and how the brain shapes music. This year’s theme—Music and Human Development—highlights the powerful role music plays across the lifespan.

November 21-23, 2025

Nov 21: Evening reception, welcome, and jam session (7:00PM – 10:00PM EST)

Nov 22-23: Keynotes, themed talk sessions, and posters (9:45AM – 5:30PM EST)

Nov 22: Keynote Concert in LIVELab (8:00PM)

McMaster University, Hamilton, ON

To submit poster abstracts (open now) or view more information, visit www.neuromusic.ca.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

The Brain’s Crescendo: How Music Training Enriches Child Neurocognitive Development, Evidence from Longitudinal and Cross-sectional Studies

Dr. Assal Habibi
Associate Professor of Psychology
Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

 Developmental Origins of Musical Engagement: Pleasure, Abilities, and Beliefs

Dr. Haley Kragness
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA

First Steps Toward Rhythm Perception: Neurophysiological Insights from
the Developing Brain

Dr. Sahar Moghimi
Professor of Neuroscience, Université de Picardi, Amiens, France

Sensory and Motor Components of Communicative Musicality in Early Social Interactions 

Dr. Trinh Nguyen
Postdoctoral Fellow, Italian Institute of Technology, Rome, Italy
Research Associate, University of Heidelberg, Germany

KEYNOTE CONCERT in the LIVELab 

Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, 8:00 pm
McMaster University, Hamilton, ON

Musical Meaning in Childhood

presented by Dr. Haley Kragness

Musical Performances by versaCello
Featuring: Maximilian Aoki and Theodor Aoki