Mirror neurons fire both when performing and when observing an action, enabling embodied perception of musical effort

Mirror neurons are neural circuits in the motor system that activate similarly both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing the same action. Dahlstedt connects this to music perception: audiences partially simulate the motor actions of performers they observe. This supports embodied listening — perceiving musical effort, gesture, and timing through one’s own motor system. In live coding, where visible gesture is minimal (typing), the question arises whether mirror neuron engagement is diminished, and whether projecting code provides a substitute ‘action’ for the audience to simulate.

Examples

Watching a drummer activates motor areas associated with drumming. A live coder projecting code may activate language/problem-solving motor areas in technically literate audiences.

Assessment

Explain how mirror neuron theory predicts a difference in audience experience between watching a pianist and watching a live coder. What does this suggest about performance setup for live coding events?