In this groundbreaking union of art and science, rocker-turned-neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin explores the connection between music—its performance, its composition, how we listen to it, why we enjoy it—and the human brain. Taking on prominent thinkers who argue that music is nothing more than an evolutionary accident, Levitin poses that music is fundamental to our species, perhaps even more so … perhaps even more so than language. Drawing on the latest research and on musical examples ranging from Mozart to Duke Ellington to Van Halen, he reveals:
• How composers produce some of the most pleasurable effects of listening to music by exploiting the way our brains make sense of the world
• Why we are so emotionally attached to the music we listened to as teenagers, whether it was Fleetwood Mac, U2, or Dr. Dre
• That practice, rather than talent, is the driving force behind musical expertise
• How those insidious little jingles (called earworms) get stuck in our head
A Los Angeles Times Book Award finalist, This Is Your Brain on Music will attract readers of Oliver Sacks and David Byrne, as it is an unprecedented, eye-opening investigation into an obsession at the heart of human nature.
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This non-fiction account of the effect of music on our brains and in our psyches is a riveting story. As a teacher, it gave me information which I was able to inform my work with young children. As an amateur musician, it gave me insight into my own musical journey and the enjoyment I receive from music. Even if you don’t consider yourself “musical,” you will learn a great deal about how this medium is used by others to affect you.
well researched and described
Extremely informative, but not an easy read. If you have interests in music and anatomy/physiology, it will help.
Very interesting and informative. I have done research in human – computer interface design with some attention paid to how we respond to audio cues and icons. This book certainly contributed to a deeper understanding of some of the results that we saw and were able to take advantage of when deciding between interface design options. Well written
Gives a new insight into the brain, and how, with help, it can re-channel itself .
Very informative, although highly technical. Provides a great explanation of how the brain can separate all of the mechanics of music eg. pitch, meter, volume,tempo, ect.and how we remember these aspects.
Fascinating, if you love music and are curious about the neurological details. Requires a scientific temperament and tolerance for some heavy vocabulary, but the writing itself is quite lucid and even casual. He knows more music and musicians of all genres, from Gregoria Chant to Rap, than one might think is possible. But definitely a geek.
I rated this book a 3 because, although it was informative, it was a too technical for me even though I was familiar with much of the content. For someone with a more complete background in music, I think it would be a good read.
If one is looking for an easy read that simply and quickly explains how music effects the brain, Daniel J. Levitin’s, “This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession”, is not that book. If one is looking for a comprehensive text on all things musical and neural, then this may very well be your read. I was most impressed by Leviten’s story of finding his life’s calling and obsession somewhat late in life. I was also impressed by his vast body of knowledge and his ability to communicate that knowledge using language that was palatable for the layman without being too pedantic for the professional. Personally, I would have enjoyed this more as three books, or would have been delighted to find it as the text in a graduate class. It was just a bit too much information to absorb in one read. Nevertheless, Levitin’s love for music and his passion for understanding how it affects us is contagious and inspiring.
Really into the neurology details. I would prefer something that spoke more of the implications of musical neuroscience, such as how it affects us, our brains, our culture.
Stylistically ehhhh. Low on science, high on author’s opinion of himself.