Music as Medicine

Author Daniel Levitin
Narrator Daniel Levitin
Publisher Cornerstone
Publish Date 23 January 2025
Run Time 12 hours and 13 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Music, Neurosciences, Popular music, Popular psychology, Self-help, personal development and practical advice, The Arts.

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

From the bestselling author of This Is Your Brain on Music and The Organized Mind, a surprising and inspiring exploration of the healing power of music.

We are only just beginning to appreciate the healing power of music. In recent years, a wave of scientific research has upended everything we once knew about its effects on our brains: not only in reducing stress, but also in enhancing cognitive function, slowing the spread of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, even strengthening our immune systems.

Here, a neuroscientist and celebrated musician introduces a bold new paradigm for medical treatment, rooted in the unexpected influence of music on our minds and bodies. From explaining how ‘rhythmic auditory stimulation’ can fight multiple sclerosis, to examining why Tracy Chapman’s songs might just help cure PTSD, Professor Daniel Levitin offers surprising insights into the new science of music as medicine.

Along the way, he explores how each of us can use music to calm our thoughts, repair our memories and heal our deepest psychological wounds. The result is both a surprising tour through the science of music, and a joyful celebration of humanity’s oldest obsession.

‘As knowledgeable a guide to neuroscience as one might hope for.’ New York Times Book Review

‘Music as Medicine showcases Daniel J. Levitin’s expertise in all genres of music as well as experimental neuroscience. No one else in the universe could have written this book.’ Neil deGrasse Tyson

‘For many years I have wondered why a bunch of frequencies organised into a piece of music has the ability, even without words, to make the listener cry and become emotional. Although I know this happens to me and many people, I have often wondered how this can be. Dr Levitin, in this latest book, Music as Medicine, has some fascinating insights into this great phenomenon.’ Paul McCartney

‘Daniel J. Levitin is a visionary neuroscientist, an extraordinary musician, a brilliant writer - and this is his best book yet. Music as Medicine is inspiring and illuminating, as deep as it is delightful.’ Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness

© Daniel Levitin 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Critics Review

For many years I have wondered why a bunch of frequencies organised into a piece of music has the ability, even without words, to make the listener cry and become emotional. Although I know this happens to me and many people, I have often wondered how this can be. Dr Levitin, in this latest book, Music as Medicine, has some fascinating insights into this great phenomenon.

PAUL MCCARTNEY

In this fascinating book, the neuroscientist makes a strong case for the therapeutic force of music . . . Merges research, theory and intriguing anecdotes about [Levitin’s] interactions with musicians as well as patients to provide evidence of his contention that music not only functions as a temporary uplift or soothing balm in times of trouble, but possesses a much deeper restorative quality.

OBSERVER

It’s impossible to read this book without thinking of the music that has meant a lot to you in your own life.

DAILY MAIL

Daniel Levitin is a triple threat—a visionary neuroscientist, an extraordinary musician, a brilliant writer—and this is his best book yet. Music as Medicine is inspiring and illuminating, as deep as it is delightful. I couldn’t put it down.

DANIEL GILBERT, author of Stumbling on Happiness

A fun and thoughtful read . . . A crash course in the aspects of neuroscience that relate to aspects of our daily lives: joy, pain, learning, memory. Levitin draws on a career’s worth of experiments and scientific discovery to demonstrate the many ways music can and is being used to treat a number of ailments, whether Tourette syndrome or Alzheimer’s.

FINANCIAL TIMES

Lookin’ back at my life, it’s pretty easy to see how music has profoundly benefited my well-being, all while drawing me further and further into its mysteries – and there appears to be no end to this path. Dan Levitin’s take on this mirrors mine – and he can both explain it and tease out the possibilities presented.

BOB WEIR, The Grateful Dead

Music as Medicine showcases Daniel J. Levitin’s expertise in all genres of music as well as experimental neuroscience. No one else in the universe could have written this book.

NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON

We have long suspected that music has restorative qualities, but Daniel Levitin is now providing rigorous evidence that it can help treat many conditions, including depression, speech loss and Alzheimer’s.

NEW SCIENTIST

A natural communicator – warm, friendly, and geekily enthused about his subject.

GUARDIAN

[As] intriguing as a long jazz riff.

NEW YORK TIMES

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