To be or not to be creative: A neurophysiological investigation of musical creativity through time estimation

forthcoming

Time flies when we are immersed in creative activities, often causing us to lose track of it. Creativity is a complex phenomenon that thrives at the intersection of novelty and usefulness; a golden ratio where innovative ideas meet real-world value. However, most scientific research to date has studied creativity as a single construct. Additionally, previous research neglected to address how the artist’s intention enables creativity. NEUROMUSE will bridge both gaps through an in-depth investigation of the relationship between the feeling of time passage and musical creativity. A novel Instructed Musical Creativity Paradigm (IMCP) is introduced, in which musicians are asked to create their own musical improvisations after being instructed to be or not be creative, followed by an assessment of their improvisations by an audience. IMCP uses time estimation to uncover how creativity alters time perception by affecting neurophysiological dynamics. NEUROMUSE proposes a comprehensive multi-method approach combining neurophysiology (electroencephalography, heart rate, skin conductance) and computational modelling, to reveal the key neurocognitive mechanisms behind the generation and aesthetic appreciation of music. NEUROMUSE involves the Multisensory and Temporal Processing Laboratory at Panteion University and the Psychophysiology Laboratory of the University Mental Health Research Institute in Athens (Greece), led by world-recognized experts and equipped will the relevant physiological instruments. NEUROMUSE will provide me with the key skills to enhance my career prospects, by building a competitive profile in an underfunded area like the arts. Thus, I will be better positioned to pursue funding opportunities and establish my own research group in the future. Ultimately, understanding how we generate and perceive art is crucial in a world where creativity is increasingly imperative, driving productivity and innovation in academia and industry.