EEG electrodes attached to the composer/performer Alvin Lucier’s scalp detect bursts of alpha waves generated when the performer achieves a meditative, non-visual brain state. These alpha waves are amplified and the resulting electrical signal is used to vibrate percussion instruments distributed around the performance space.1

The first work in history to use brain waves to generate sound. It was composed during the Winter of 1964-65, with the technical assistance of physicist Edmond Dewan and was first performed on May 5, 1965, at the Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University with the encouragement and participation of composer John Cage. The work has been performed many times by Lucier, in solo concerts and on tour in Europe and America with the Sonic Arts Union. 2

1. Text from Wikipedia article on Lucier (cited 6 July, 2011)

2. Text from Lovely Music entry on the LP recording (cited 6 July, 2011)