Psychology for Musicians

Abstract

Throughout time, human beings have been fascinated with music. Research in music psychology has revealed how musicians acquire the ability to convey emotional intentions as sounded music, how listeners perceive it as feelings and moods, and how this powerful process relates to social and cultural dynamics. Of course, people who identify as musicians have special interest in these matters. In recent years, a psychological perspective has gained increasing acceptance in the education provided to musicians: teachers, performers, and “creatives” alike. The first edition of Psychology for Musicians: Understanding and Acquiring the Skills (2007, Oxford University Press) was a well-cited volume over the years. This new edition draws on the greater insights provided by recent research in music psychology. It combines academic rigor with accessibility to offer readers research-supported ideas that they can readily apply in their musical activities.