We are conducting a study exploring how people perceive ecological change through sound, and we would like to invite you to participate.

This study involves listening to two short musical compositions created from a 7000-year ecological dataset (from Foy Lake, Montana) using a method called data sonification—a technique that transforms numerical data into sound. Our goal is to explore whether music can help communicate complex ecological concepts like regime shifts in ways that are emotionally engaging and cognitively meaningful.

Your participation would consist of <60 minutes, during which you will:

•  Listen to two compositions: The Regime Shift Solo and The Regime Shift Symphony;
• View the corresponding data graphs;
• Share your impressions and reflections through a guided discussion;
• Complete a short questionnaire during the session.

The study is entirely voluntary. All responses will be kept confidential and used solely for academic research purposes. There are no right or wrong answers. We are simply interested in your honest reactions to the music and data.

Sessions will be held online in August/September 2025. If you are interested in participating, please reply to the emails listed below. We will follow up with scheduling options and the informed consent form.

Thank you very much for considering this opportunity. Your insights will help us explore new ways of engaging the public with environmental science.

Best regards,

David G. Angeler, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC): david.angeler@mncn.csic.es

Craig R. Allen, University of Nebraska – Lincoln:  allencr@unl.edu