Adult Skills and Knowledge

Free Rein

 

Team Advisor/PI 

Anthony Brandt, Ph.D.

 

Project Description/ Research Team Goals

"Free Rein" is a real-world neuro-imaging study of creativity.  Two dancers will be wearing wireless mobile brain-body imaging equipment while performing a 35 minute dance work that alternates between fixed and improvised music and dance. The goal is to investigate neural signatures of creativity, as well as compare within-subject and between-subject differences.   "Free Rein" will be performed six times for public school 5th graders as part of the Hobby Center's Discovery Series and twice for the public at Houston's Midtown Arts Center in January 2026.  The musical score was composed by Anthony Brandt, Professor of Composition at the Shepherd School, who also conceived of the study.  Choreography is by Andy and Dionne Noble, Artistic Directors of NobleMotion Dance.  The research team is headed by neuroscientist Anna Abraham, Director of the Torrance Center for Creativity at the University of Georgia and bioengineer Andrew Nordin from the University of Houston..

Issues Addressed 

Brain dynamics during real-world dance improvisation

Research Methods and Technology

Wireless mobile brain-body imaging, psychological questionnaires

Preferred Undergraduate Interests

Music, creativity, neuroscience

Academic Majors of Interest

Limited to the following specific majors:

  • Music
  • Neuroscience

Prior Preparation/Requisite Experience

Background in music and/or neuroscience preferred

Compensation 

Work study-eligible students may receive compensation from OURI

Course Credit

None for fall 2025; establishing a course for spring 2026

Team Meeting

Varies

Actively Onboarding New Members

Yes

Ready to Apply?

Use the linked Google Form to submit your application!

Contact

For more information, please email Dr. Anthony Brandt (abrandt@rice.edu).