This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession

Daniel J. Levitin

BookHigh SchoolMusician

About

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 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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Why it’s great

Cognitive-scientist-turned-producer Levitin demystifies why a chorus gets “stuck” in your head or a minor chord feels sad. Clear analogies (neurons as jam-session players) turn neuroscience into backstage passes for curious teens. Each chapter ends with listening prompts that double as music-theory lessons. Great crossover read for STEM students who also love band.

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Resource Details

Resource Type: Book
Age Ranges: High School
Careers: Musician
Subjects:

Book Details

Author: Daniel J. Levitin