You Are the Music: How Music Reveals What it Means to be Human

Description

Do babies remember music from the womb? Can classical music increase your child's IQ? Is music good for productivity? In this brilliant new exploration of the place of music in all our lives, music psychologist Victoria Williamson examines the many ways in which music affects us, from our first in utero experiences of sound through to adult life, and the part it plays in shaping who we are, as a species and as individuals. Join Williamson for a journey through the music of our lives, from the uniquely powerful musical experiences of adolescence to the amazing ways in which music training changes the brain. This upbeat, eye-opening book reveals as never before the extent of the universal language of music that lives deep inside us all.

Victoria Williamson is a lecturer and researcher in music psychology who holds academic posts in the UK and Switzerland. She has spoken at TED, the Latitude Festival, the British Science Festival and her writing has appeared in NME. Her academic research has been presented across national and international media including BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky (UK), CNN and MSNBC (USA), CBC (Canada), Radio New Zealand National, and 2SER and the Big Issue (Australia). Victoria also hosts the popular blog musicpsychology.co.uk

An excellent starting point for anyone wanting to know more about the role of music in human experience. * The Psychologist * An insightful book on a fascinating subject. * The Lady * A fascinating insight into our relationship with music. -- Claudia Sunderhauf * Waterstones.com * 'Dr Vicky Williamson's love of and fascination with the book's subject rolls off every page. She conveys the mystery and magic of music in a very clear and understandable way that makes not just for a compelling read but also one that will make you hear and listen to music in new ways'. -- Jonathan Morrish * PPL * With a clear and conversational style, Williamson shares anecdotes as a springboard to discussing a range of experimental evidence for such intriguing uses. The reader gains considerable insight into how music can modulate emotional experiences. You Are the Music demonstrates how much the music within us matters. Remaining practical and thoughtful throughout, Williamson incisively places music in a biological context. * Science * Her survey provides an uncomplicated look at music's power to impact human behaviour - **** * BBC Music Magazine *