Event overview
Cracking the Pitch Code in Music and Language: A Summary of Findings from the ER
Abstract:
Music and language share similar properties and are processed in overlapping brain regions. As a common information-bearing element in music and language, pitch plays an essential role in encoding musical melodies and signifying linguistic functions. However, two distinct neurodevelopmental conditions, congenital amusia (CA) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting millions of people worldwide, may selectively impact individuals’ ability to process musical versus linguistic pitch. In this talk, I will summarise our recent findings on music, language, and emotion processing in CA and ASD from our ERC-funded CAASD project, with the aim of uncovering the underlying mechanisms of pitch processing in music and language.
Bio:
Dr Fang Liu is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading. She holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics and an M.S. in Statistics from the University of Chicago. Before joining the University of Reading, she served as a lecturer in the Department of Language and Linguistics at the University of Essex and completed postdoctoral research at University College London, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Stanford University, and Goldsmiths, University of London.
Dr Liu’s research focuses on how the human brain processes pitch information for both linguistic and musical purposes during production and perception. Using behavioural and EEG methods, she has published over 65 journal articles. Her comparative studies include neurodevelopmental conditions such as amusia, autism, and dyslexia, as well as research on tone language speakers and musicians. Her work has been supported by the European Research Council (grants: 678733, CAASD, 2016-2023; 838787, MAP, 2019-2022) and the Economic and Social Research Council in the UK (grant: PTA-026-27-2480, 2009-2010).
This talk is part of the MMB & PANC Speaker Series 2025–26 a collaborative initiative between the MSc programmes in Music, Mind and Brain (MMB) and Psychology of Aesthetics, Neuroscience and Creativity (PANC). The series brings together world-leading researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of psychology, aesthetics, music, creativity, and the arts. Full details of the 2025-26 speaker series: https://www.musicmindbrain.com/news-and-events/mmb-panc-speaker-series
Please join us in person if you can. Or click here to join the lecture on Teams.
Dates & times
| Date | Time | Add to calendar |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Oct 2025 | 4:00pm - 5:00pm |
Accessibility
If you are attending an event and need the College to help with any mobility requirements you may have, please contact the event organiser in advance to ensure we can accommodate your needs.
