This Is Your Brain on Music

Synopsis

From the author of The Changing Mind and The Organized Mind comes The New York Times bestseller which unravels the mystery of our perennial love affair with music

*****

'What do the music of Bach, Depeche Mode and John Cage fundamentally have in common?'

Music is an obsession at the heart of human nature, even more fundamental to our species than language.

From Mozart to the Beatles, neuroscientist, psychologist and internationally-bestselling author Daniel Levitin reveals the role of music in human evolution, shows how our musical preferences begin to form even before we are born and explains why music can offer such an emotional experience.

In This Is Your Brain On Music Levitin offers nothing less than a new way to understand music, and what it can teach us about ourselves.

*****

'Music seems to have an almost wilful, evasive quality, defying simple explanation, so that the more we find out, the more there is to know . . . Daniel Levitin's book is an eloquent and poetic exploration of this paradox' Sting

'You'll never hear music in the same way again' Classic FM magazine

'Music, Levitin argues, is not a decadent modern diversion but something of fundamental importance to the history of human development' Literary Review

Summary

Chapter 1: The Soundtrack of Your Life

* Summary: Music is an integral part of human culture and experience, shaping our emotions, memories, and sense of time. It can trigger memories, evoke nostalgia, and alter our moods.
* Real Example: The song "Imagine" by John Lennon has the power to evoke feelings of hope, peace, and a desire for a better world.

Chapter 2: The Brain's Musical Orchestra

* Summary: Music is processed in specific brain regions, including the auditory cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. These areas work together to decode melodies, rhythms, and lyrics, and to link them to emotions and memories.
* Real Example: Studies show that listening to Mozart's music can enhance spatial reasoning skills.

Chapter 3: Music and Emotion

* Summary: Music can evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and fear. These emotions are elicited by the combination of melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics.
* Real Example: The soaring melody and lyrics of "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen can create a bittersweet feeling of longing and loss.

Chapter 4: Music and Memory

* Summary: Music can serve as a powerful trigger for memories, both positive and negative. The hippocampus and amygdala play a role in connecting music with past experiences.
* Real Example: Listening to "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin can transport a listener back to their teenage years.

Chapter 5: Music and the Healing Arts

* Summary: Music has therapeutic benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood, and facilitating healing. Music therapy is used in hospitals, clinics, and other settings to enhance patient well-being.
* Real Example: Studies have shown that listening to calming music can lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Chapter 6: Music and the Brain's Reward System

* Summary: Music can release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. The brain's reward system is involved in music preferences and addiction.
* Real Example: Listening to favorite music can trigger a rush of euphoria and a sense of well-being.

Chapter 7: The Evolution of Music

* Summary: Music is a universal human experience, believed to have evolved from non-musical vocalizations. Music may have served social and communicative functions throughout human history.
* Real Example: The use of rhythm and melody in traditional African music is thought to have played a role in coordinating group activities.

Chapter 8: Music and Culture

* Summary: Music is shaped by the cultural context in which it is created and performed. Different cultures have their own unique musical styles and traditions.
* Real Example: The intricate melodies and syncopated rhythms of flamenco music reflect the history and culture of Andalusia, Spain.

Chapter 9: Music and the Future

* Summary: Technological advances are transforming the way we create, distribute, and consume music. New technologies are also providing new opportunities for music research and innovation.
* Real Example: Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to create personalized music recommendations and generate new musical compositions.