Join Neuroscientist Dr Niamh Kennedy and professional Harpist Ursula Burns as they explore the neuroscience of music and how the brain controls movement.  Building on Dr Kennedy’s research where she imaged the brains of harpists, this interactive demonstration will show how the brain works during playing of instruments.  Featuring a new piece by Ursula in which she plays piano and harp at the same time, Niamh will take a live image her brain with live data visualisation.

Dr Niamh Kennedy is a cognitive neuroscientist at Ulster University with specific interest in the neurophysiology. Her research has actively involved looking at the recovery of individuals with stroke and brain injury, the interaction between motor, sensory and cognitive aspects of behaviour.

Ursula Burns is “the most Dangerous Harpist in the World”. The songwriter from Belfast has 5 independently released albums - the most recent "The Dangerous Harpist". She has toured the world with her music and has written a wealth of music for theatre and Circus. 

Credit - Art work By Leo Boyd, Photo by James Lyttle