We bring together experts in the field of neurology, psychology, cognitive science, music performance, and machine learning to explore a question that is fundamental to humanity: what makes music pleasurable? We will discuss recent research that shows how the most complex systems of the brain that are unique to humans integrate with the brain's emotional and reward systems to create intense emotions and feelings of pleasure to music, and demonstrate these findings through musical performances.

[Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.]