Leonard Meyer

Leonard Meyer was a prominent American musicologist and composer known for his work on how music evokes emotions. He studied how musical elements—like harmony, rhythm, and melody—are structured to create feelings in listeners. Meyer proposed that music interacts with our expectations, meaning that our emotional response depends on how the music either meets or surprises those expectations. His ideas help us understand why certain music feels moving or exciting. Overall, Meyer contributed to both music theory and psychology, offering insights into how music influences human emotions and perception.