Music and Familiarity

This insightful work explores how familiarity shapes our musical experiences through listening, musicology, and performance, as discussed in Music and Familiarity.

Familiarity plays a crucial role in our interaction with music, and Music and Familiarity delves into this concept through various lenses. The book is structured into three main parts, each addressing different aspects of familiarity. In Part I, titled 'Listening,' the focus is on how familiarity influences listeners' behavior and their emotional responses to music. It discusses how our daily music choices and exposure are shaped by what we know and enjoy, along with the comfort we derive from familiar sounds in concert settings. Additionally, it highlights the therapeutic benefits of music, particularly its role as a pain-reliever, showcasing the deep connections we form with familiar melodies.

Part II, 'Musicology,' broadens the exploration of familiarity by examining it through cultural and analytical perspectives. This section reflects on how we appreciate music across different cultures, the impact of ethnomusicology, and the philosophical considerations regarding communication in music. It also evaluates how a researcher's musical background can influence their findings and emphasizes the importance of familiarity in music education, illustrating how it shapes our understanding and appreciation of music.

Finally, Part III, 'Performance,' investigates the effects of familiarity on various aspects of performance in both Western art and popular music. It covers how musicians learn and memorize pieces, the concept of 'groove' in performances, and how familiarity fosters emotional connections within ensembles. The unique familiarity that arises from performing music is also considered, highlighting the intricate relationship between musicians and the pieces they play in Music and Familiarity.