Where Have We Come From...And Where Are We Go...

In the final episode of the series, Sue Perkins and Tom Service field more of the questions you've sent in about music. They also wrap up some of the issues that have provoked the most discussion amongst listeners, including more debate on the future of contemporary music. Join t ...  Show more

Sue and Tom welcome music psychologist Adam Ockelford to the studio to tackle your questions about music and the brain - and discuss whether all humans are innately hardwired to appreciate music. 

A well-crafted piece of music can bring us to incredible highs and crushing lows, sometimes within the same song. Why does music affect humans this way? Join Chuck, Josh and special guest cellist Ben Sollee as they get to the bottom of music and emotion.

What sounds heavenly to one person might sound like boring noise to another - but why are our musical preferences so different? Is it all down to what we hear growing up, or are other factors at play? CrowdScience listener and music lover Jocelyne from Canada wants to know why sh ...  Show more

There is absolutely no need for music—speaking in terms of evolution, anyway… As far as scientists can tell, there’s no compelling reason for humans to make and enjoy music…neurologically, we could get along quite well without it…sure, our world would be very dull, but we’d be ...  Show more

This week Joanna and Stephen dive into the inbox to tackle your questions, like: What music makes them cry? Is modern classical too ‘clever’? And what does the maestro hear when he listens to music? Got a question for Joanna and Stephen? Drop them a line hello@joannaandthemaestro ...  Show more