Psychology for Musicians: Understanding and Acquiring the Skills

by Andreas C. Lehmann, John A. Sloboda, Robert H. Woody

What is it that accounts for the differences between musical beginners, advanced music makers, and world class performers? Virtually everyone likes music and has the capacity to be musical in some way (despite what some may say about themselves). Yet far fewer people come to be so involved with it that they identify themselves as musicians, and fewer still become musicians of international class.

Psychology for Musicians provides the basis for answering this question. Examining the processes that underlie the acquisition of musical skills, Lehmann, Sloboda, and Woody provide a concise, accessible, and up-to-date introduction to psychological research for musicians.

Genres: Music, Psychology, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very nice review for people interested in music from a psychological perspective. It is extremely thorough and covers a broad range of topics. It is quite academic, so be prepared for some tough reading. All in all, I think it is a good read for musicians, those interested in psychology, or anyone who wants to learn more about these topics.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly useful introduction to psychology as it pertains to musicians (hence the title). Only skims the surface of many of the subjects, but covers what the everyday practicing musician would need to know.

[Aleksandar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly impressed by the book, and I'm surprised it hasn't caught on more among musicians.

It's fairly academic with a lot of research that can be skimmed in order to get to the parts that would be relevant for those who are making music. It touches on a lot of areas, but without going too deep on any of them.

A worthwile read for anyone that enjoys composing and making sounds.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually didn't want this book, once I looked at it. It was okay, but not what I thought it would be.