From Brains to Music: a Multi-Faceted Discussion of Creativity with Dr. Anthony Brandt

Abstract

This article is part of an ongoing series by the authors and the Deep Play Research Group, which focuses on the intersection of creativity and technology in education. In this article, Dr. Anthony Brandt, professor of composition and theory at Rice University shares his thoughts about the study of creativity. He uses his experiences as a musician and composer to highlight the important role that creativity plays in our lives, providing examples that illustrate multiple understandings of creativity. His work with neuroscientist David Eagleman is highlighted and serves to illustrate how our understanding of the brain has influenced our knowledge about the way that humans have evolved to engage in creative acts. Dr. Brandt shares his excitement about opportunities that the future will bring as researchers collaborate with scientists and use ground-breaking technological advancements to study creativity. He further offers implications for education and technology.