Miriam Lense

Patient Kai Chan works with Jess Knoble, MT-BC, at the Vanderbilt Music Cognition Lab.
July 31, 2025

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Vanderbilt Music Cognition Lab is a space for learning for everyone involved 

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are on their way to finding out what science has to say about why music is important for health.

By Evan Dorian
Silas LaCagnin gazes at his mother, Ansley LaCagnin, while she sings to him.
November 3, 2022

Study finds sensitivity to musical rhythm supports social development in infants

A new study shows engaging infants with a song provides a ready-made means for supporting social development and interaction.

By Craig Boerner
June 23, 2021

Virtual study of stress in parents of children with developmental disabilities seeks participants

Otolaryngology researchers from the Music Cognition Lab are seeking to recruit parents of children with developmental disabilities for a study about the connection between mindfulness, music and stress levels. 

By VUMC News and Communications
April 16, 2020

At home with children? Have fun and get creative with this music toolkit.

“Musical activities can also support one of the most critical social relationships: that between a parent and child.”

By Kelsey Herbers
A study participant at Emory University School of Medicine watches a video while an eye tracker records when and where she looks at the screen.
November 6, 2019

Autism study tracks musical rhythm as possible treatment

Researchers are partnering to study musical rhythm synchronization as a part of social development and how it’s disrupted in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in hopes of developing music interventions for improving social communication.

By Kelsey Herbers
September 25, 2019

Researchers explore music’s effect on ICU patients, staff

A group of Vanderbilt researchers is launching a pilot study on the effect of live music on patients, families and staff in the adult intensive care unit and is inviting musical members of the Vanderbilt community to help.

By Nancy Wise