Brian Johnson, a professor of Piano and Music Theory at the College of Sequoias, hosted a lecture titled “The Pursuit of Happiness: Music, Meaning, Metaphor, and Mind” on Saturday, February 8th, on the COS Visalia campus. During the lecture, he discussed the works of neuropsychologists Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Ian McGilchrist, who explored how the functions of the “divided brain” enhance music performances and contribute to brain happiness. The event also featured a live performance of Chopin’s Ballade in F minor, one of his most renowned piano compositions.

One key takeaway from Professor Johnson’s lecture is his desire for the recital to offer new insights into the nature of the mind. He stated, “My hope is that the recital will offer new insights on the nature of the mind and the ways that anyone can harness those insights to improve their quality of life. Those insights are particularly clear in music performance applications but easily transfer to pursuits in any field of study.” Overall, the recital could serve as a unique and enriching experience that not only enhances their understanding of music, but also provides practical tools for academic and personal growth