Good Vibrations
Unlocking the Healing Power of Music

Neuroscientist Stefan Koelsch explores music's profound effects on brain, emotions, and health, blending science with practical wisdom.

Stefan Koelsch (Author)

9781009366779, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 May 2025

346 pages
23.5 x 16.1 x 2.5 cm, 0.65 kg

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Though used as a healing practice for centuries, only recently have we begun to unravel the science behind music's profound impact on the mind and body. In this book, neuroscientist Stefan Koelsch explores the groundbreaking research behind music's influence on human wellbeing: emotional, physical, and psychological. Beginning with an account of the human brain's innate capacity for music, Koelsch explains music's potential to evoke emotions and change our moods, soothe anxiety and alleviate pain. Featuring case studies, he documents the potential of music therapy for a wide range of conditions like depression, stroke recovery, and Alzheimer's. Filled with fascinating science and concrete tips and strategies, this book encourages anyone to harness the power of music for personal growth, healing, and joy.

Preface
Introduction: effects of music on health
Part I. A World Without Music Would Be a World Without Humans: 1. Why humans would not have survived evolution without music
2. Our innate sense of music – even non-musicians are musical
3. Music and language in the brain
4. Our engagement shapes our brain
Part II. Music and Emotions: A Life with Music is a Longer Life: 5. How Does Music Evoke Emotions?
6. Dance of the hormones to the beat of the music
7. Music versus obstructing our natural healing powers
Part III. What Happens in the Brain when Music Evokes Emotions?: 8. Emotions in the brain-how music truly affects us
9. What is an emotion?
10. Morning dance
Part IV. How Music Helps with Illness: 11. Stroke
12. Alzheimer's dementia-pioneering neural therapy
13. Parkinson's disease-shall we dance?
14. Autism
15. Chronic pain
16. Addiction-music over chocolate
17. Non-organic sleep disorders
18. Depression
19. How This Book Led Me to a Music Recipe for Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder
In Conclusion: at a glance
Music meditation
Engaging in physical activity with music
Negative side effects of music
Emergency help for negative emotions and moods
Concluding remarks.

Subject Areas: Cognition & cognitive psychology [JMR]