"The most important Book on Music to Appear in Years"

“No idea is so difficult and complex but that it could be expressed in a way that would make it understood by anyone to whom it might conceivably be of interest.” --Elliot Cohen

Music distinguishes Homo sapiens from all other species. It is a part of human nature. The branch of neuroscience called "neuromusic" studies how music can help shape the brain by activating and expanding its parts that also participate in a wide range of other actions. We have learned how these parts connect and strengthen with music playing and listening, and are beginning to understand the reasons for music in human life.

Dr. Ellenberger addresses why we like certain kinds of music. and how playing and listening can exercise the brain at all ages and build "cognitive reserve." This reserve can help delay age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Music can alleviate a variety of human ailments and support recovery from strokes. Ellenberger also addresses the potential downsides of music practice, such as a rare form of dystonia and increasingly common hearing loss.

In Part II, he shares how these principles have enriched his own life. The book and accompanying blog argue that, particularly when learned at an early age, music can help us reach our fullest human potential.'

Many places to buy the book

It’s clear he knows his stuff, and he makes the science of music understandable. –Kirkus Reviews

Introduction to the Book

Part One: Music in the Brain

1. Why There is Music?

2. Why We Like Certain Music, Or None at All

3. Can Learning Music Make Us Smarter?

4. Can Music Heal?

5. Music vs. Alzheimer’s Can Music Delay Dementia?

6. Music and Dance vs. Parkinson’s

7. The Flute and The Stethoscope

8. Usher Me Out With Music

9. Treasure Your Hearing You Will Never Regain What You Lose

10. What's Your Temperament?

11. Musicians With Dystonia When Practice Makes Imperfect

12. What's the Matter With Classical Music?

13. Disdain for Classical Music

14. Love: A Neuromusical Rhapsody

15. Sex and Classical Music Better Marketing Through Chemistry

16. "Purple Brain" (2016)

Part Two: Reflections on a Musical Life

17. A Model for Arts Education

18. There’s No Place Like Mt. Gretna

19. Is There a Doctor in The House?

20. Old Goats Playing the Flute

21. Russian Festival (Gretna Music, 2014) A Weird Slice of Music History

22. The Village Bach Festival

23. The Audubon String Quartet

24. A (Funny) Polymath

25. Thomas Jefferson & Music

26. He Commandeered A Villa But Not Just Any Villa

27. The Rubato Queen of Shaker Heights

28. My Illustrious Career as a Non-Pianist

Paperback or Electronic editions on Amazon

How the brain hears and makes music: Book, Blog, Videos

"The most important Book on Music to Appear in Years"

“No idea is so difficult and complex but that it could be expressed in a way that would make it understood by anyone to whom it might conceivably be of interest.” --Elliot Cohen

Table of Contents

It’s clear he knows his stuff, and he makes the science of music understandable. –Kirkus Reviews

How the brain hears and makes music: Book, Blog, Videos

"The most important Book on Music to Appear in Years"

“No idea is so difficult and complex but that it could be expressed in a way that would make it understood by anyone to whom it might conceivably be of interest.” --Elliot Cohen

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Table of Contents

It’s clear he knows his stuff, and he makes the science of music understandable. –Kirkus Reviews

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