Music, thought, and feeling: understanding the psychology of music

Examining the intersection of music, psychology, and neuroscience, Music, Thought, and Feeling surveys the rapidly growing field of music cognition and explores its most interesting questions. Written in clear, engaging language that balances scientific and artistic perspectives, this book provides an excellent introduction to--and critical analysis of--the major issues in music cognition, making it ideal for courses in psychology of music. Assuming minimal background in music or psychology, the book begins with an overview of the major theories on how and when music became a widespread aspect of human behavior. It also covers: * How humans perceive music * Links between music and emotion * Modern neuroimaging techniques and what they tell us about music's effect on the brain * Psychological processes involved in imagining, composing, and performing music * Potential cognitive benefits of musical engagement Music, Thought, and Feeling references numerous "Sound Examples" and is supplemented by a companion website (www.oup.com/us/Thompson) containing an extensive collection of music sample audio files, most created specifically for this book. In addition, the website provides a link to iTunes, where readers can access an iMix created to accompany the book.