Feedback-based error monitoring processes during musical performance: an ERP study

Auditory feedback is important in detecting and correcting errors during sound production when a current performance is compared to an intended performance. In the context of vocal production, a forward model, in which a prediction of action consequence (corollary discharge) is created, has been proposed to explain the dampened activity of the auditory cortex while producing self-generated vocal sounds. However, it is unclear how auditory feedback is processed and what neural mechanism underlies the process during other sound production behavior, such as musical performances. We investigated the neural correlates of human auditory feedback-based error detection using event-related potentials (ERPs) recorded during musical performances. Keyboard players of two different skill levels played simple melodies using a musical score. During the performance, the auditory feedback was occasionally altered. Subjects with early and extensive piano training produced a negative ERP component N210, which was absent in non-trained players. When subjects listened to music that deviated from a corresponding score without playing the piece, N210 did not emerge but the imaginary mismatch negativity (iMMN) did. Therefore, N210 may reflect a process of mismatch between the intended auditory image evoked by motor activity, and actual auditory feedback.