The Mozart Effect: Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind, and Unlock the Creative Spirit
Anyone who has ever seen a two-year-old start bouncing to a beat knows that music speaks to us on a very deep level. But it took celebrated teacher and music visionary Don Campbell to show us just how deep, with his landmark book The Mozart Effect.Stimulating, authoritative, and often lyrical, The Mozart Effect has a simple but life-changing message: music is medicine for...more
Paperback, 283 pages
Published
September 18th 2001
by William Morrow Paperbacks
(first published July 1st 1998)
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A fascinating study on the effects of sound on human development
Campbell's book is a fascinating study on the effects of sound in general and music in particular on human development, intellect, psyche, creativity, and mood. His findings are based on the research of Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis (1991) of France who contends that listening to Mozart promotes the development of the brain, learning, and health. According to Tomatis, the fetus is capable of hearing at the four and a half month stage and th...more
Campbell's book is a fascinating study on the effects of sound in general and music in particular on human development, intellect, psyche, creativity, and mood. His findings are based on the research of Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis (1991) of France who contends that listening to Mozart promotes the development of the brain, learning, and health. According to Tomatis, the fetus is capable of hearing at the four and a half month stage and th...more
Jan 14, 2010
David
added it
this is an excellent book concerning the interpretation of music in all its genera's which spans the notes of each individual style from prayer drums, , & tribal dances
then on to the pomp & circumstance of classical music yes the explanations can go on and on as is said in the book,, music can drum out evil spirits, sing the praises of the virgin Mary, invoke the Buddha of universal salvation, enchant leaders & nations
captivate, soothe, resurrect & transform.
the speech of angles...more
then on to the pomp & circumstance of classical music yes the explanations can go on and on as is said in the book,, music can drum out evil spirits, sing the praises of the virgin Mary, invoke the Buddha of universal salvation, enchant leaders & nations
captivate, soothe, resurrect & transform.
the speech of angles...more
The phrase 'Mozart Effect' is now well known thanks to this book by Don Campbell. It refers to the idea that particular sounds, tones, and rhythms (including but not exclusively classical music) strengthen the mind, unlock creative chambers in the brain and can even help the human body heal itself. Going into this book having spent more than half my life being a piano teacher probably makes me a little biased, but I believe in the power music can have over us and I have seen first hand the 'aha'...more
This was written in 1997 which is not that old, but I'd be interested in finding out what the medical profession has learned about music and healing since then. There is also a distinct absence of web sites mentioned and too many cassette tapes ARE mentioned which dates this a bit. Nevertheless, this is an enthusiastic though probably biased endorsement of the effect of music on the human brain. While it is clear (to me) that music certainly does influence behaviors and conditions, am not sure t...more
Campbell is very subjective in his descriptions about the powers of music to aid in healing, but as a musician (and occasional hospital patient)I've been wondering how it is that those who pursue a degree in Music Therapy wish to base their livelihood on it.
At any rate, I enjoy the reminders that listening to music is very important to the psyche, and it can have quite an effect on our day to day living. I used to listen to baroque organ music in my dorm room to fall asleep despite noisy roomma...more
At any rate, I enjoy the reminders that listening to music is very important to the psyche, and it can have quite an effect on our day to day living. I used to listen to baroque organ music in my dorm room to fall asleep despite noisy roomma...more
This is a hilarious piece of 1990s culture that is a relic of the hysteria over classical music as an IQ-boosting, tumor-shrinking, purifying cure-all (more recent studies suggest that there's nothing special about classical music - any music that puts you in a good mood will boost your IQ, because being in a good mood increases your IQ). The book relies almost solely on anecdotal data, and the scientific studies that are cited are vague. I read this book for my research on the relationship betw...more
I put this to the test when I had surgery recently. I selected music I wanted to have played in the OR during the procedure. When I woke up, the music they'd played was still going through my mind. I felt happy and peaceful - which I thought was extraordinary since it was cancer surgery! I have felt that peace since. While they recommend instrumental music only in that situation, I chose the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's "Consider the Lilies" CD. I wanted the joy of the music and the reminder of the...more
I need to get this back to the library, so it's on hold.
So far, there have been a lot of inspirational, but not necessarily scientifically verified, stories about how music has helped people. It has been slow reading. I am hoping for more practical uses in my life & home. There has been very little of that so far, but future chapter titles and headings look promising. So, I'll probably check it out again in the future and continue.
******* Later (finally checked out again and finished)
No such...more
So far, there have been a lot of inspirational, but not necessarily scientifically verified, stories about how music has helped people. It has been slow reading. I am hoping for more practical uses in my life & home. There has been very little of that so far, but future chapter titles and headings look promising. So, I'll probably check it out again in the future and continue.
******* Later (finally checked out again and finished)
No such...more
I gave this a bonus star for sheer entertainment value.
In the eighth grade, I did a science fair project on the effects of music, and read this book. Although many good points are brought up about the benefits of music, the fluffiness and lack of scientific evidence for many of his arguments rendered this book wholly unconvincing. Although the concept of the benefits of music does hold merit, I would not recommend this book if you wish to gain definite, factual information.
In the eighth grade, I did a science fair project on the effects of music, and read this book. Although many good points are brought up about the benefits of music, the fluffiness and lack of scientific evidence for many of his arguments rendered this book wholly unconvincing. Although the concept of the benefits of music does hold merit, I would not recommend this book if you wish to gain definite, factual information.
This book is an ear-opener! Campbell really proves the value of listening to music, even better, of playing it. I like the way he integrates wide ranging research with clues to enhance quality of life: e.g. 'When we listen to a good singer we breathe deeper, our muscles relax, endorphins flow.'
While some medico types may look askance, I find this book wholly convincing of the power of music. It should be obligatory reading for health practitioners.
While some medico types may look askance, I find this book wholly convincing of the power of music. It should be obligatory reading for health practitioners.
This book confirmed what I have experienced in my own life i.e. the power of music to heal and strengthen the mind. Well presented though somewhat repetitive at times. The kernel of truth here is something that the world has generally come to realize (I hope) but for those who have doubts they need to not only read this book but also practice some of the life changing recommendations found therein.
I liked it. However, I thought the book was going to focus more on the music on Mozart and its specific healing effects. Instead, it focused on how music in general has a healing effect on the body and its varying conditions and diseases. It had examples of how people were treated with music therapies for various physical, mental and emotional situations.
Feb 03, 2009
Gina
is currently reading it
I'm learning how I can use sound to help me on a daily basis.
I found this book very interesting. My father adored Mozart and as a result, we listened to the works of Mozart since we were very young. It was interesting to learn that his music, as well as the music of Bach, Vivaldi, etc. have such a great impact on our conscious and subconscious minds. I highly recommend reading this book.
I enjoyed reading about the many therapies for many different disorders that are very "fringe" right now. If you are looking for scientific proof, this is not the book. It is mainly full of anecdotes about how some sound therapy or another helped to heal. If you are at your wits end and looking for some relief of a condition after exhausting other avenues, this might serve as a good resource. Really, only a limited portion of the book was about music.
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“Music is a holy place, a cathedral so majestic that we can sense the magnificence of the universe, and also a hovel so simple and private that none of us can plumb its deepest secrets.”
—
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Apr 06, 2009 11:45pm