Comparing Notes: How We Make Sense of Music

We all respond intuitively to music, and Comparing Notes explores why we are all musical and how abstract patterns of sound can be so meaningful. It draws lessons from neurodiversity to show how we all develop musically and explores the experience of music from composer and performer to listener.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 07 June 2018
\n Publisher: Profile Books Ltd
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Music, an ethereal art form, possesses the remarkable ability to evoke a myriad of emotions and sensations within us. From the gentle tap of a foot to the surge of exhilaration, and the irresistible urge to hum a tune, our innate response to music transcends instruction and training. In his captivating book, Comparing Notes, Professor Adam Ockelford delves into the depths of music, exploring its essence, its universal appeal, and the profound impact it has on our lives.

Beginning with a comprehensive exploration of what music truly is, Professor Ockelford unravels the mysteries behind our inherent musicality. He reveals that music, far from being merely a collection of abstract patterns of sound, possesses a profound meaning and significance. Through a meticulous journey through major twentieth-century musical theories, Professor Ockelford unveils his own psychologically grounded theory of how music works. From the fundamentals of pitch and rhythm to the complexities of dynamics and timbre, he demonstrates how all the elements of music cohere through the principle of imitation to create an abstract narrative in sound that we instinctively grasp, whether we are listening to the timeless compositions of Bach or the iconic songs of the Beatles.

Drawing upon three decades of innovative work with blind children and individuals on the autism spectrum, Professor Ockelford incorporates lessons from neurodiversity to shed light on our musical development. He demonstrates how we all possess a unique musical potential, and how music can be a powerful tool for fostering social connections, promoting emotional well-being, and enhancing cognitive abilities. Comparing Notes offers a captivating and enlightening perspective, revealing the profound impact that music has on our lives as composers, performers, and listeners.

Authoritative, engaging, and filled with delightful examples spanning the entire musical spectrum, this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever fallen in love with a song, sonata, or symphony, and pondered the enigmatic nature of its power. Through his profound insights and captivating storytelling, Professor Ockelford invites us to appreciate music on a deeper level, fostering a deeper connection between our souls and the melodies that resonate within us.

\n Weight: 282g\n
Dimension: 189 x 140 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781781256046\n
Edition number: Main\n