Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

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

This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession
This Is Your Brain on Music The Science of a Human Obsession
Author: Daniel J. Levitin
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. Drawing on the latest research and on musical examples ranging from Mozart to Duke Ellington to Van Halen, L...  more »
Info icon
ISBN-13: 9780452288522
ISBN-10: 0452288525
Publication Date: 8/28/2007
Pages: 320
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 22

3.5 stars, based on 22 ratings
Publisher: Plume
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

susieqmillsacoustics avatar reviewed This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession on + 1062 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This is a fascinating read! For me, it encompassed subjects I can't get enough of-music and neuroscience. The first 2 chapters deal with a breakdown of music theory in layman's terms. For those who are educated in music theory, the author states they may want to skip the first chapter. The rest of the book delves into the study of the brain's reactions, developments, results, pertaining to the power of music and why it has evolved in our species. The research being done and advancements being made by neuroscientists looking into mind, thoughts, and even consciousness, not just brain mapping is hopeful and exciting. Levitin is a "rocker-turned-neuroscientist" and he is wonderful with analogies and explanations that are absorbing and entertaining. Anyone interested in music, even if you just love listening to music, this is a journey not to be missed. You will learn some fascinating things and enjoy it thoroughly. I could not put it down!
reviewed This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Being in a family where I am surrounded by musicians, I had no choice but to read this book. The first half is a music theory lesson, but easy for even me to understand. The little bits of fun trivia sprinkled through the book is well worth the read. Face it, the title is catchy.
buzzby avatar reviewed This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession on + 6062 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The first 2 chapters were fascinating, then it got a bit technical (for me, that means getting into neuroscience). It explains why I don't like almost all popular music since 1982.
jordancoulter avatar reviewed This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession on
Helpful Score: 1
Very science oriented but perfect for one who's interested in not only music, but what makes music affect us as human beings.
Read All 5 Book Reviews of "This Is Your Brain on Music The Science of a Human Obsession"


Genres: