Oxford Handbook of Music Psychology

Abstract

The Oxford Handbook of Music Psychologyprovides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in this fast-growing area of research. With contributions from experts in the field, the coverage offered has both range and depth. The fifty-two articles are divided into eleven sections covering both experimental and theoretical perspectives. Ten sections each present articles that focus on specific areas of music psychology: the origins and functions of music; music perception; responses to music; music and the brain; musical development; learning musical skills; musical performance; composition and improvisation; the role of music in our everyday lives; and music therapy and conceptual frameworks. In each section, authors critically review the literature, highlight current issues, and explore possibilities for the future. The final section examines how in recent years the study of music psychology has broadened to include a range of other scientific disciplines. It considers the way that the research has developed in relation to technological advances, fostering links across the field and providing an overview of the areas where the field needs further development in the future.