We are what we listen to

A transdisciplinary book that explores the relationship between music and medicine and the impact of music on mental and physical health at an individual and social levels. In light of recent neuroscientific research, this book explains the cognitive processes of music, to understand how the brain of musicians works and the many benefits of musical practice at a cognitive level.

You will discover the relationship between rhythm, movement, and health, the mysterious brain mechanisms that link music, pleasure and emotion, and the many ways in which music improves our quality of life, leads to wellness, happiness and provides us a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

INDEX

Foreword by Tess Knighton ....................................... I

Prelude ............................................................. 1

Chapters

• Music and Medicine: The history of a relationship ............. 7
• Music and cognition ........................................ 23
• The marvelous brain of musicians ......................... 35
• Pleasure, emotion and music ................................... 47
• Music, happiness and the meaning of life .................. 59
• Rhythm, movement and health .................................. 67
• Music in pain and death .......................................... 79
• Voice, song, and the sounds of the body .................... 91
• Music and creativity ............................................. 105
• Global health, pandemic and the example of orchestras .. 115

Postlude - Exercise book . .................................. 121

1. The soundtrack of your life ............................... 122

Autobiographical exercise

• A. The music of your childhood.
• B. The music of your adolescence.
• C. Ten songs that have accompanied the most important moments of your life.
• D. Music that has accompanied you in sadness.
• E. Music that gives your pleasure.
• F. Music that relaxes you.
• G. The songs that you are passing on to your children.
• H. The music you would like at your funeral

2.Song creation ................................................. 129

• A.Write the songs that express your essence.
• B. Write a song that expresses your values and your vision of life.
• C. Write a song in which you describe the person you want to become.

• 3. Soundscapes .......................................................... 132
• A. The sounds that surround you every day
• B. The sounds of your city
• C. Walking in nature

• Bibliography ................................................................. 135
• About the author ........................................................ 157