The Musical Mind

What are the mental processes involved in listening to, performing, and composing music? The cognitive psychology of music is a subject only now receiving proper attention. The author surveys the growing experimental literature in this area, and takes a critical look at what has been achieved, introducing such topics as composition and musical skill in non-literate cultures. He draws freely on his own knowledge and experience as a practising musician, as well as a psychologist, to provide a book for psychologists, musicians and general readers alike.