Music as Medicine
How We Can Harness Its Therapeutic Power
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Cornerstone
Publishing:23rd Jan '25
£22.00
This title is due to be published on 23rd January, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
From the bestselling author of This Is Your Brain on Music and The Organized Mind, a surprising and inspiring exploration of the healing power of music.
‘As knowledgeable a guide to neuroscience as one might hope for.’ New York Times Book Review
We are only just beginning to appreciate the healing power of music. In recent years, a wave of scientific research has upended everything we once knew about its effects on our brains: not only in reducing stress, but also in enhancing cognitive function, slowing the spread of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, even strengthening our immune systems.
Here, a neuroscientist and celebrated musician introduces a bold new paradigm for medical treatment, rooted in the unexpected influence of music on our minds and bodies. From explaining how ‘rhythmic auditory stimulation’ can fight multiple sclerosis, to examining why Tracy Chapman’s songs might just help cure PTSD, Professor Daniel Levitin offers surprising insights into the new science of music as medicine.
Along the way, he explores how each of us can use music to calm our thoughts, repair our memories and heal our deepest psychological wounds. The result is both a surprising tour through the science of music, and a joyful celebration of humanity’s oldest obsession.
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‘Music as Medicine showcases Daniel J. Levitin’s expertise in all genres of music as well as experimental neuroscience. No one else in the universe could have written this book.’ Neil deGrasse Tyson
‘For many years I have wondered why a bunch of frequencies organised into a piece of music has the ability, even without words, to make the listener cry and become emotional. Although I know this happens to me and many people, I have often wondered how this can be. Dr Levitin, in this latest book, Music as Medicine, has some fascinating insights into this great phenomenon.’ Paul McCartney
‘Daniel J. Levitin is a visionary neuroscientist, an extraordinary musician, a brilliant writer - and this is his best book yet. Music as Medicine is inspiring and illuminating, as deep as it is delightful.’ Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness
For many years I have wondered why a bunch of frequencies organised into a piece of music has the ability, even without words, to make the listener cry and become emotional. Although I know this happens to me and many people, I have often wondered how this can be. Dr Levitin, in this latest book, Music as Medicine, has some fascinating insights into this great phenomenon. -- PAUL MCCARTNEY
Daniel Levitin is a triple threat—a visionary neuroscientist, an extraordinary musician, a brilliant writer—and this is his best book yet. Music as Medicine is inspiring and illuminating, as deep as it is delightful. I couldn’t put it down. * DANIEL GILBERT, author of Stumbling on Happiness *
Lookin’ back at my life, it’s pretty easy to see how music has profoundly benefited my well-being, all while drawing me further and further into its mysteries – and there appears to be no end to this path. Dan Levitin’s take on this mirrors mine – and he can both explain it and tease out the possibilities presented. * BOB WEIR, The Grateful Dead *
Working as a cross-culture detective, Daniel J. Levitin unravels the mysteries of how music heals us and fires our emotions, inspirations, and desires. Levitin cracks the case wide open while synthesising his research and experience in a book that is an important addition to our understanding of the human experience. * MICHAEL CONNELLY, author of Bosch *
In the same way that we musicians study music theory, we also need to study everything in this book. How and why music affects us, and what it does to our minds and bodies, is just as critical to know. And Daniel Levitin pulls this all together beautifully * VICTOR L. WOOTEN, five-time Grammy Award-winner *
Music as Medicine showcases Daniel J. Levitin’s expertise in all genres of music as well as experimental neuroscience. No one else in the universe could have written this book. * NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON *
ISBN: 9781529900101
Dimensions: 242mm x 161mm x 35mm
Weight: 634g
416 pages