Whole-brain computation of cognitive versus acoustic errors in music: A mismatch negativity study

Previous studies have evidenced how the local prediction of physical stimulus features may affect neural processing incoming stimuli. Less known are effects cognitive priors on predictive processes, and brain computes versus predictions their errors. Here, we determined differential mechanisms underlying errors related to high-level, for melody (rhythm, contour) low-level, acoustic (tuning, timbre). We measured with magnetoencephalography mismatch negativity (MMN) error signal in 104 adults having varying levels musical expertise. discovered that regions involved early processes were primary secondary auditory cortex insula, whereas such as cingulate orbitofrontal cortices recruited melodic priors. The involvement higher-level computing was enhanced musicians, especially cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area. Overall, findings expand knowledge whole-brain MMN generators, previously mainly confined a network strictly depends type be computed by brain.