Effector-independent brain network for auditory-motor integration: fMRI evidence from singing and cello playing

Melanie Segado, Robert J. Zatorre, Virginia B. Penhune

Abstract: Highlights•The singing network in the brain may be co-opted for musical instrument playing.•Cellists reproduced pitches by either playing on an MRI-compatible cello or by singing.•When pitches were shifted up or down, cellists could accurately ignore or compensate.•When compensating, brain activity for playing and singing overlapped in IPS and SMG.•When ignoring, brain activity for playing and singing overlapped in STG.•Cello playing recruits the singing network, consistent with the neuronal recycling hypothesis.