Music and Mental Imagery

Music and Mental Imagery provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge research on the various types of mental imagery associated with music, drawing on perspectives from music psychology, cognitive neuroscience, philosophy, musicology, clinical psychology, and music education. It critically reviews established and novel ways to measure mental imagery in musical contexts, covers different states of consciousness relevant for mental imagery in music, and explores applications in health, educational, and performance settings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Drawing on perspectives from music psychology, cognitive neuroscience, philosophy, musicology, clinical psychology, and music education, Music and Mental Imagery provides a comprehensive and critical overview of the latest research on the diverse range of mental imagery associated with music. The book is organized into four main parts, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of mental imagery in music.

Part 1: Introduction to Mental Imagery in Music
In this section, the authors provide an introduction to the various types of mental imagery that are commonly associated with music. They discuss auditory/musical imagery, which involves the perception and interpretation of sound patterns and melodies; visual imagery, which involves the creation and visualization of images related to music; kinaesthetic imagery, which involves the sensation and movement of the body in response to music; and multimodal imagery, which combines multiple sensory modalities to create a holistic mental image of music.

Part 2: Critical Assessment of Measurement Methods
The authors critically assess established and novel methods for measuring mental imagery in various musical contexts. They explore different techniques such as self-report measures, behavioral observations, physiological measures, and brain imaging techniques. The authors discuss the strengths and limitations of each method and provide recommendations for future research in this area.

Part 3: States of Consciousness and Mental Imagery in Music
The authors explore the relationship between mental imagery and different states of consciousness, such as attention, arousal, and relaxation. They discuss how mental imagery can be used to enhance these states and how it can be influenced by factors such as musical genre, tempo, and mood. The authors also provide insights into the cognitive and physiological mechanisms that underpin mental imagery in music.

Part 4: Applications of Mental Imagery in Health, Education, and Performance Settings
The authors discuss the applications of mental imagery in health, educational, and performance settings. They explore how mental imagery can be used to improve cognitive function, reduce stress and anxiety, enhance creativity, and improve performance in music and other artistic disciplines. The authors provide examples of successful mental imagery interventions in these settings and offer recommendations for future research and practice.

In conclusion, Music and Mental Imagery provides a comprehensive and critical overview of the latest research on mental imagery in music. By drawing on perspectives from diverse fields, the book offers a rich and interdisciplinary understanding of the complex relationship between music and the mind. It will be of particular interest to scholars and researchers of music psychology, music education, cognitive neuroscience, and philosophy, as well as practitioners working with music in applied health and educational contexts.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367352165