Though used as a healing practice for centuries, only recently have we begun to unravel the science behind music's profound impact on the mind and body. In this book, neuroscientist Stefan Koelsch explores the groundbreaking research behind music's influence on human wellbeing: emotional, physical, and psychological. Beginning with an account of the human brain's innate capacity for music, Koelsch explains music's potential to evoke emotions and change our moods, soothe anxiety and alleviate pain. Featuring case studies, he documents the potential of music therapy for a wide range of conditions like depression, stroke recovery, and Alzheimer's. Filled with fascinating science and concrete tips and strategies, this book encourages anyone to harness the power of music for personal growth, healing, and joy.
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'Good Vibrations is an intellectually far-reaching book that blends state-of-the-art scientific knowledge with practical guidelines for harnessing music's potential to boost human health and flourishing. Its pages buzz with tales of discovery from the lab and clinic, as told by a leading pioneer in the field of music neuroscience.' Peter Keller, Professor at the Center for Music in the Brain, Aarhus University 'This book offers an in-depth overview of music's therapeutic potential by one of the absolutely most accomplished researchers in the neuromusic field. With insightful research, captivating examples, and tangible advice for how to use music, it reveals how music can enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being.' Peter Vuust, Director of the Center for Music in the Brain, Aarhus University 'Good Vibrations?is an important book, exquisite, erudite, and eminently accessible. Stefan Koelsch is a world pioneer in our field, writing with joy, clarity and an intimate knowledge how music ignites our deepest emotional experiences. This is a book I wish I had written myself.' Dr. Daniel J. Levitin, New York Times?bestselling author of?This Is Your Brain on Music, The Organized Mind,?and?Music As Medicine 'Good Vibrations is an enthusiastic and accessible take on music's impact on health and humanity. Blending his deep expertise with a flair for storytelling, Dr. Koelsch presents a lively combination of neuroscience, real-world examples, and actionable recommendations. A compelling introduction to the topic, sure to please everyone from Bach to the Beach Boys.' Psyche Loui, Associate Professor of Creativity and Creative Practice, Northeastern University 'Stefan Koelsch, a neuroscientist, psychologist, sociologist, and active musician, explains the power of music in a comprehensive, easy-to-understand, and deeply knowledgeable way. He shows us why a world without music would be a mistake and inspires us with enthusiasm for its therapeutic potential. Good Vibrations delivers a passionate plea for more music in society.' Eckart Altenmueller, Professor Emeritus and former Director of the Institute for Music Physiology and Musician Medicine, HMTM Hannover 'A?tour de force. Koelsch masterfully explains the role of music not only in addressing specific medical conditions, but also in promoting healthy living and well-being for everyone. Readers of all stripes will appreciate the clarity of writing that balances deep science with common sense applications.' Donald Hodges, Professor Emeritus of Music Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro 'Good Vibrations by Dr. Stefan Koelsch is an exploration of the profound impact music has on the human brain and body, and how this can be used to support our physical and mental health. Backed by scientific research - including from Koelsch's own studies - this book offers a comprehensive yet accessible look at how music can support health and well-being. A must-read for music lovers, wellness seekers, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of neuroscience, music, and health.' Kimberly Sena Moore, Associate Professor & Coordinator of Music Therapy, Florida Gulf Coast University 'Dr. Nimrod provides an effective and detailed description of the complexity of aging in place, the importance of addressing effects of aging in a retirement metropolis, the problem of ageism, and limitations with leisure-oriented retirement communities given equity challenges created by catering to people with substantial wealth.' John Dattilo, Professor Emeritus, Penn State University, USA, and author of Leisure Education Program Planning 'This uniquely personal and academic exploration of the world's largest retirement community challenges preconceptions and asks important questions about finding new meaning, fulfilment and fun as we age.' Celia Dodd, author of Not Fade Away: How to Thrive in Retirement 'Galit Nimrod eloquently triangulates theoretical, applied, and empirical evidence from 40 in-depth interviews with a wide variety of residents of the villages in central Florida to articulate both the advantages and difficulties faced by mature individuals and couples relocating to a truly unique 'Seniorland' retirement metropolis of 150,000+ residents.' Kenneth S. Shultz, author of Happy Retirement: The Psychology of Reinvention 'Seniorland offers a rare window into what daily life looks and feels like inside an age-segregated retirement metropolis. Drawing on in-depth interviews and her own observations, Galit Nimrod brings nuance to an often idealised or dismissed model of later-life living. A valuable resource for professionals working in ageing, housing, wellbeing, or life design beyond midlife.' Denise Taylor, author of Rethinking Retirement for Positive Ageing
Stefan Koelsch is an internationally leading neuroscientist and music psychologist. He earned degrees in violin, psychology, and sociology before receiving his doctorate from the Max Planck Institute. He has held positions at Harvard University and is currently a professor at the University of Bergen, Norway.
Autor*in
University of Bergen
Preface; Introduction: effects of music on health; Part I. A World Without Music Would Be a World Without Humans: 1. Why humans would not have survived evolution without music; 2. Our innate sense of music - even non-musicians are musical; 3. Music and language in the brain; 4. Our engagement shapes our brain; Part II. Music and Emotions: A Life with Music is a Longer Life: 5. How Does Music Evoke Emotions?; 6. Dance of the hormones to the beat of the music; 7. Music versus obstructing our natural healing powers; Part III. What Happens in the Brain when Music Evokes Emotions?: 8. Emotions in the brain-how music truly affects us; 9. What is an emotion?; 10. Morning dance; Part IV. How Music Helps with Illness: 11. Stroke; 12. Alzheimer's dementia-pioneering neural therapy; 13. Parkinson's disease-shall we dance?; 14. Autism; 15. Chronic pain; 16. Addiction-music over chocolate; 17. Non-organic sleep disorders; 18. Depression; 19. How This Book Led Me to a Music Recipe for Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder; In Conclusion: at a glance; Music meditation; Engaging in physical activity with music; Negative side effects of music; Emergency help for negative emotions and moods; Concluding remarks.
