The SERNA Conceptual Standard for Neural Correlates of Music Perception and Cognition: Definitions, Relationships, and Theoretical Integration (SCS-NMC)

**Background:** Music perception, the brain's ability to process and interpret organized sound, is one of the most complex human cognitive functions. However, the field is characterized by "terminological chaos," with terms like "rhythm," "meter," "pitch," "melody," and "tonality" often used inconsistently between musicians, psychologists, and neuroscientists. **Problem:** This conceptual fragmentation prevents the development of standardized neural models for music-based therapy and limits the comparison of results across different cultural and expertise-level groups. Specifically, the hierarchical interaction between "bottom-up" sensory processing and "top-down" cognitive expectation remains poorly integrated. **Objective:** To establish the SERNA Conceptual Standard (SCS-NMC), providing canonical definitions and a testable neuro-cognitive model for music perception. **Approach:** A systematic review of 420 peer-reviewed articles was conducted, synthesizing evidence from auditory neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and musicology. **Contributions:** This standard defines 12 canonical terms, establishes the "Hierarchical Auditory Integration (HAI) Model," and proposes 10 falsifiable hypotheses for future research. **Conclusions:** SCS-NMC provides the theoretical infrastructure to transition music neuroscience research from descriptive mapping of "active areas" to predictive modeling of musical meaning and emotional impact.