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Every Brain Needs Music: The Neuroscience of Making and Listening to Music
Whenever a person engages with music—when a piano student practices a scale, a jazz saxophonist riffs on a melody, a teenager sobs to a sad song, or a wedding guest gets down on the dance floor—countless neurons are firing. Playing an instrument requires all of the resources of the nervous system, including cognitive, sensory, and motor functions. Composition and improvisation are remarkable demonstrations of the brain’s capacity for creativity. Something as seemingly simple as listening to a tune involves mental faculties most of us don’t even realize we have.
Larry S. Sherman, a neuroscientist and lifelong musician, and Dennis Plies, a professional musician and teacher, collaborate to show how our brains and music work in harmony. They consider music in all the ways we encounter it—teaching, learning, practicing, listening, composing, improvising, and performing—in terms of neuroscience as well as music pedagogy, showing how the brain functions and even changes in the process. Every Brain Needs Music draws on leading behavioral, cellular, and molecular neuroscience research as well as surveys of more than a hundred musical people. It provides new perspectives on learning to play, teaching, how to practice and perform, the ways we react to music, and why the brain benefits from musical experiences.
Written for both musical and nonmusical people, including newcomers to brain science, this book is a lively and easy-to-read exploration of the neuroscience of music and its significance in our lives.
Larry S. Sherman, a neuroscientist and lifelong musician, and Dennis Plies, a professional musician and teacher, collaborate to show how our brains and music work in harmony. They consider music in all the ways we encounter it—teaching, learning, practicing, listening, composing, improvising, and performing—in terms of neuroscience as well as music pedagogy, showing how the brain functions and even changes in the process. Every Brain Needs Music draws on leading behavioral, cellular, and molecular neuroscience research as well as surveys of more than a hundred musical people. It provides new perspectives on learning to play, teaching, how to practice and perform, the ways we react to music, and why the brain benefits from musical experiences.
Written for both musical and nonmusical people, including newcomers to brain science, this book is a lively and easy-to-read exploration of the neuroscience of music and its significance in our lives.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 16, 2023
25 people are currently reading
1213 people want to read
About the author
Larry S. Sherman
2 books4 followersLarry S. Sherman is a professor of neuroscience at the Oregon Health and Science University. An enthusiastic piano player since age four, he has published widely on brain development, aging, and disease, and given lectures on music and the brain throughout the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 8, 2023
5 stars.
I enjoy learning how the brain works, and I love music (both listening and playing). So when I saw the title I knew I had to read it, and I wasn’t disappointed at all. It was easy to read and comprehend. The book explains what happens in the brain when we listen and practice music, it discusses why we like music and certain genres. I especially liked reading about what it takes to learn to play an instrument, and it even made me want to practice more.
It’s a great easy read that goes in just the right amount of detail. If you’re curious about the topic, I absolutely recommend you read the book.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoy learning how the brain works, and I love music (both listening and playing). So when I saw the title I knew I had to read it, and I wasn’t disappointed at all. It was easy to read and comprehend. The book explains what happens in the brain when we listen and practice music, it discusses why we like music and certain genres. I especially liked reading about what it takes to learn to play an instrument, and it even made me want to practice more.
It’s a great easy read that goes in just the right amount of detail. If you’re curious about the topic, I absolutely recommend you read the book.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2024
Sadly, I didn't enjoy this book.
This book fails to provide a reason for its title. Not only do the authors not tell why, but the question itself is bold and sensationalistic. ~
I understand that music is incredible to experience by listening, playing, and composing. Still, the book proves that scientifically speaking, it is a complex language that triggers several parts of our brains, none of which are called the "musical cortex.". The book is so centred on the Western belief of what music is that it forgets the main reason why the auditory cortex is called that way - it not only processes music, it also processes and catalogues literally everything that vibrates at 20Hz to 20kHz. Sound itself is also a language. All those experiments on musicians are pointless because of this silly assumption that music performance and composing are superpowers. Music is a social and cultural construct that holds its meaning through interpreting sound/vibrations above anything else.
The West has this obsession that whatever is done culturally is also done everywhere else in the world, and this book illustrates this narrow-visioned discourse. And, I'm sorry, Larry, but mentioning once that some cultures have different interpretations of music is not enough to absolve yourself from this matter. It's not by mentioning; it's by deconstructing that you get there.
Sadly, not every brain needs music. In fact, many brains live without it.
(I wish I had more patience to write more about this)
The other god-awful thing about this book is its writing, which was sometimes painful.
This book fails to provide a reason for its title. Not only do the authors not tell why, but the question itself is bold and sensationalistic. ~
I understand that music is incredible to experience by listening, playing, and composing. Still, the book proves that scientifically speaking, it is a complex language that triggers several parts of our brains, none of which are called the "musical cortex.". The book is so centred on the Western belief of what music is that it forgets the main reason why the auditory cortex is called that way - it not only processes music, it also processes and catalogues literally everything that vibrates at 20Hz to 20kHz. Sound itself is also a language. All those experiments on musicians are pointless because of this silly assumption that music performance and composing are superpowers. Music is a social and cultural construct that holds its meaning through interpreting sound/vibrations above anything else.
The West has this obsession that whatever is done culturally is also done everywhere else in the world, and this book illustrates this narrow-visioned discourse. And, I'm sorry, Larry, but mentioning once that some cultures have different interpretations of music is not enough to absolve yourself from this matter. It's not by mentioning; it's by deconstructing that you get there.
Sadly, not every brain needs music. In fact, many brains live without it.
(I wish I had more patience to write more about this)
The other god-awful thing about this book is its writing, which was sometimes painful.
November 8, 2022
As an 86-year-old woman who just began music lessons online with Scott Houston, the Piano Guy, I am amazed at how this book gave me renewed incentive to practice-practice-practice! This isn't the first time that I've tried, but now I understand what music does to my brain, and I am encouraged to keep this up! (At this age, we need all the help we can get.)
Part technical and part motivational, "Every Brain Needs Music" becomes maybe a bit too technical for the average reader with no medical background, but the motivational sections are interesting enough to keep reading. Because I read this in galley form, the illustrations were not well-configured, so I took off one star, but nevertheless, I highly recommend this book for all musicians, instrumental and vocal, accomplished or not, and even for musician wannabees such as me. All of it is written in a friendly, readable style, so you won't be disappointed.
Part technical and part motivational, "Every Brain Needs Music" becomes maybe a bit too technical for the average reader with no medical background, but the motivational sections are interesting enough to keep reading. Because I read this in galley form, the illustrations were not well-configured, so I took off one star, but nevertheless, I highly recommend this book for all musicians, instrumental and vocal, accomplished or not, and even for musician wannabees such as me. All of it is written in a friendly, readable style, so you won't be disappointed.
November 25, 2025
I've given it 5 stars because it has inspired me to return to playing music. The book is an easy read and not overly long, although goes into quite some detail re the pathways in the brain. However, a good portion of the book is devoted to the importance of music on brain activity, and also how music improves the plasticity of the brain, and for this it gets 5 stars.
April 21, 2024
If you're engaged in music, either deep listening or playing an instrument, read this book. Thoroughly entertaining, provides fantastic information and doesn't take itself too seriously.
June 21, 2023
This compact book had a lot of good information in it. I say compact because the information presented is not often repeated in order to meet a page count. There is some repeating of important points but not too much. The only real problem with it is that some of the technical aspects of it were over my head.
The following list is my notes on my favorite chapters, the 3 that relate to learning and practicing music. Some of them are intuitive but they are all worth considering:
1. When learning, humans need to see progress to stay motivated.
2. Learning new skills, like playing musical instruments, has a huge impact on the brain and plasticity of the brain.
3. Plasticity declines with age, but the brain is still capable of remarkable structural change given the right challenge, it just might take longer.
4. People who have a combination of passion and perseverance (what the authors call grit) tend to succeed at long-term goals better than those who don't have grit, when it is combined with traits like conscientiousness, cognitive ability and concentration.
5. Curiosity also boosts learning by causing students to ask questions.
6. As a teacher, you want the students to see the bigger picture and then help them connect puzzle pieces together to reach that bigger picture.
7. The neurons involved in music reading and comprehension appear to be distinct from the neurons involved in reading words.
8. To make preventing an error in the first place the main goal is a negative approach to learning. Mistakes facilitate learning.
9. "To combine the various components of music for a meaningful performance, each needs to be individually explored and practiced." (Like the puzzle pieces mentioned above).
10. Sleep is required for memory and is involved in memory consolidation.
11. Hypothesis presented by the authors: Music practice promotes neurogenesis in the hippocampus (and else ware in the brain) which leads to more gray matter in the hippocampi which leads to increased hippocampi volume which is correlated with improved problem-solving skills and learning capabilities.
12. Synaptogenesis: when learning music, memories are encoded through synapse formation. Signals strengthen with practice. Some signals may need to be turned down. Glutamate (excitatory) is a neuro-transmitter that turns up signals. Gaba (inhibitory) turns down signals. Learning music leads to the generation of new circuits that enhance motor, sensory and cognitive function.
13. Myelination: Allows for faster nerve impulse speeds which allow brains to perform high-speed processes to quickly coordinate movements. Most myelin forms when we are very young but it can still form at an older age and studies show that practicing music can facilitate that.
As you can see, many of the ideas above about learning and practicing can be applied to more than just music.
There was a chapter on performing music that was also valuable to me. As the owner of a dance studio, I put on a lot of shows. The authors talked about sharing meaning or intent so that the audience can appreciate a piece. Sharing intent also facilities connection between performer and audience. I have experienced this disconnect when audience members complain about a certain piece. Over the course of the conversation, I often hear the words, " I expected... ". Sharing intent can help bridge any gap between what the audience expects and what you want to share.
There was information about a study that found that performing in large groups facilitated a greater degree of inclusion, connectivity and positivity. They did tests to measure levels of social bonding and pain thresh holds and found indications of endorphin release. Apparently, the larger the group the greater the impact on connectivity.
When it comes to hearing music, there were a few interesting points. To western ears at least, major chords elicit positive, or happy feelings while minor chords are perceived as serious or sad. Emotions enhance long-term memory formation. So while music itself might not make you smarter, it does have an affect on memory and depending on the type of music, it might help you focus by increasing arousal. Joyful music without lyrics might increase attention without distracting.
One other note on hearing music I found interesting: there are direct connections from the auditory complex to motor areas suggesting that we are able to move to the beat even as children. It's good to know that teaching those 2 year old kids to move is time well spent!
Now you're probably thinking my notes are so good, you don't need to read the book. But even though the book is compact, there is a lot more information there to glean. I recommend it to anyone interested in music, or in the brain, or in learning about learning generally speaking.
The following list is my notes on my favorite chapters, the 3 that relate to learning and practicing music. Some of them are intuitive but they are all worth considering:
1. When learning, humans need to see progress to stay motivated.
2. Learning new skills, like playing musical instruments, has a huge impact on the brain and plasticity of the brain.
3. Plasticity declines with age, but the brain is still capable of remarkable structural change given the right challenge, it just might take longer.
4. People who have a combination of passion and perseverance (what the authors call grit) tend to succeed at long-term goals better than those who don't have grit, when it is combined with traits like conscientiousness, cognitive ability and concentration.
5. Curiosity also boosts learning by causing students to ask questions.
6. As a teacher, you want the students to see the bigger picture and then help them connect puzzle pieces together to reach that bigger picture.
7. The neurons involved in music reading and comprehension appear to be distinct from the neurons involved in reading words.
8. To make preventing an error in the first place the main goal is a negative approach to learning. Mistakes facilitate learning.
9. "To combine the various components of music for a meaningful performance, each needs to be individually explored and practiced." (Like the puzzle pieces mentioned above).
10. Sleep is required for memory and is involved in memory consolidation.
11. Hypothesis presented by the authors: Music practice promotes neurogenesis in the hippocampus (and else ware in the brain) which leads to more gray matter in the hippocampi which leads to increased hippocampi volume which is correlated with improved problem-solving skills and learning capabilities.
12. Synaptogenesis: when learning music, memories are encoded through synapse formation. Signals strengthen with practice. Some signals may need to be turned down. Glutamate (excitatory) is a neuro-transmitter that turns up signals. Gaba (inhibitory) turns down signals. Learning music leads to the generation of new circuits that enhance motor, sensory and cognitive function.
13. Myelination: Allows for faster nerve impulse speeds which allow brains to perform high-speed processes to quickly coordinate movements. Most myelin forms when we are very young but it can still form at an older age and studies show that practicing music can facilitate that.
As you can see, many of the ideas above about learning and practicing can be applied to more than just music.
There was a chapter on performing music that was also valuable to me. As the owner of a dance studio, I put on a lot of shows. The authors talked about sharing meaning or intent so that the audience can appreciate a piece. Sharing intent also facilities connection between performer and audience. I have experienced this disconnect when audience members complain about a certain piece. Over the course of the conversation, I often hear the words, " I expected... ". Sharing intent can help bridge any gap between what the audience expects and what you want to share.
There was information about a study that found that performing in large groups facilitated a greater degree of inclusion, connectivity and positivity. They did tests to measure levels of social bonding and pain thresh holds and found indications of endorphin release. Apparently, the larger the group the greater the impact on connectivity.
When it comes to hearing music, there were a few interesting points. To western ears at least, major chords elicit positive, or happy feelings while minor chords are perceived as serious or sad. Emotions enhance long-term memory formation. So while music itself might not make you smarter, it does have an affect on memory and depending on the type of music, it might help you focus by increasing arousal. Joyful music without lyrics might increase attention without distracting.
One other note on hearing music I found interesting: there are direct connections from the auditory complex to motor areas suggesting that we are able to move to the beat even as children. It's good to know that teaching those 2 year old kids to move is time well spent!
Now you're probably thinking my notes are so good, you don't need to read the book. But even though the book is compact, there is a lot more information there to glean. I recommend it to anyone interested in music, or in the brain, or in learning about learning generally speaking.
June 20, 2023
In “Every Brain Needs Music,” authors Larry S. Sherman and Dennis Plies explore the neuroscience of music from creation to performance. Through eight “movements” (chapters), the authors break down how our brain processes each step along the way. Infused with humor, apt metaphors, and rich historical context throughout, this novel is a surprisingly quick read for including such detailed, technical information. The attention to detail is clear, and the book is structured in an easy-to-follow progression that parallels the steps taken to create a work of music. The diagrams are also helpful for illustrating more complex concepts and are well placed within the text. The writing is assessable enough that it would be an engaging read at any level. Highly recommend to anyone who is looking to learn more about the topic.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2023
What happens in the brain when we listen to, practice, improvise, compose, and perform music? Every Brain Needs Music ably reaches to neuroscience to answer these questions.
The volume suffers from an identity crisis. On one hand, it is published by a prestigious university press and supports its factual assertions with an ample notes section. It also appears to target mass appeal with its folksy pawing at humor that usually falls flat and its incessant references to the two authors by their first names.
On that last point, there is then its pathological insistence on diversity in musical exemplars: "from Pharrel to Prokofiev"; "a song by Elis Regina or Scott Joplin"; "an Amália Rodrigues or Alison Krauss song"; "be it for a piano or a Chinese zheng"; "whether it's learning to play that Chopin piece, a Carnatic composition by Purandara Dasa, a ballad by Roy Orbison, a piece of chamber music by Cacilda Borges Barbosa, or a great hip-hop song by Jay-Z." You have to wince at a description of Beethoven's groundbreaking C minor piano sonata as "the second movement of which Billy Joel put words to in This Night on his best-selling album Innocent Man," as if we have Joel to thank for the celebration of a rightly famous piece the second movement of which no serious piano student can avoid.
Underlying all of this is a perverse agenda I have never understood: that all music is equally valid and enjoyable, and if you are so benighted as to disagree, well, you ought to get with the times, as Katherine Marie Higgins scolded her readers in the last chapter of her 2012 The Music Between Us . There is a term for those who profess equally to enjoy a Brahms symphony, a Broadway musical, the relentless smacking away at A keys in Ligeti, and "a great hip-hop song by Jay-Z." The term is liar.
Every Brain would have benefited from more careful editing. "Interestingly, there are numerous different types of neurons" is a sentence that is redundant, but not interesting. A greater offense, though, is the title itself. As the authors (well, probably "Larry" the neuroscientist) explain, every brain decidedly does not need music, as those who experience musical anhedonia and amusia can attest.
The curious decision to pad the short volume with lengthy introspection from self-styled artists and composers was not successful. Biographies of Beethoven, Freddie Mercury, and Muhammad Ali inspire general interest. But the quoted survey responses included in Every Music were submitted by "artists" and "composers" so obscure that three of them that I chose at random had no recordings in Apple Music's massive library, so I was left wondering why a reader should care how these people feel about practicing or performing. The responses were highly personal, about as interesting as listening to an acquaintance describe their dream, and tangentially related to the general thrust of the work – the relationship between music and the brain. Whole forests of trees have been felled to print books on how best to practice a musical instrument. The topic was glanced at half-heartedly here and seemed out of place.
I will probably read every new book on the intersection between music and the brain. I am a pianist myself, and the subject area is fascinating, ego-massaging, and ever-evolving. For what it does well – to offer an up-to-date summary of the state of the field – I unreservedly commend Every Brain to readers. It may have tried to do too much, but the passion that "Larry" and "Dennis" feel toward their work is palpable on every page.
The volume suffers from an identity crisis. On one hand, it is published by a prestigious university press and supports its factual assertions with an ample notes section. It also appears to target mass appeal with its folksy pawing at humor that usually falls flat and its incessant references to the two authors by their first names.
On that last point, there is then its pathological insistence on diversity in musical exemplars: "from Pharrel to Prokofiev"; "a song by Elis Regina or Scott Joplin"; "an Amália Rodrigues or Alison Krauss song"; "be it for a piano or a Chinese zheng"; "whether it's learning to play that Chopin piece, a Carnatic composition by Purandara Dasa, a ballad by Roy Orbison, a piece of chamber music by Cacilda Borges Barbosa, or a great hip-hop song by Jay-Z." You have to wince at a description of Beethoven's groundbreaking C minor piano sonata as "the second movement of which Billy Joel put words to in This Night on his best-selling album Innocent Man," as if we have Joel to thank for the celebration of a rightly famous piece the second movement of which no serious piano student can avoid.
Underlying all of this is a perverse agenda I have never understood: that all music is equally valid and enjoyable, and if you are so benighted as to disagree, well, you ought to get with the times, as Katherine Marie Higgins scolded her readers in the last chapter of her 2012 The Music Between Us . There is a term for those who profess equally to enjoy a Brahms symphony, a Broadway musical, the relentless smacking away at A keys in Ligeti, and "a great hip-hop song by Jay-Z." The term is liar.
Every Brain would have benefited from more careful editing. "Interestingly, there are numerous different types of neurons" is a sentence that is redundant, but not interesting. A greater offense, though, is the title itself. As the authors (well, probably "Larry" the neuroscientist) explain, every brain decidedly does not need music, as those who experience musical anhedonia and amusia can attest.
The curious decision to pad the short volume with lengthy introspection from self-styled artists and composers was not successful. Biographies of Beethoven, Freddie Mercury, and Muhammad Ali inspire general interest. But the quoted survey responses included in Every Music were submitted by "artists" and "composers" so obscure that three of them that I chose at random had no recordings in Apple Music's massive library, so I was left wondering why a reader should care how these people feel about practicing or performing. The responses were highly personal, about as interesting as listening to an acquaintance describe their dream, and tangentially related to the general thrust of the work – the relationship between music and the brain. Whole forests of trees have been felled to print books on how best to practice a musical instrument. The topic was glanced at half-heartedly here and seemed out of place.
I will probably read every new book on the intersection between music and the brain. I am a pianist myself, and the subject area is fascinating, ego-massaging, and ever-evolving. For what it does well – to offer an up-to-date summary of the state of the field – I unreservedly commend Every Brain to readers. It may have tried to do too much, but the passion that "Larry" and "Dennis" feel toward their work is palpable on every page.
March 20, 2023
Structured in eight movements (chapters), “Every Brain Needs Music” by Larry A. Sherman (a neuroscientist and musician) and Dennis Plies (a professional musician and teacher) takes the reader on a journey to better understand how human beings create, practice, perform, and listen to music.
The first movement discusses what music is and why we have it. This is a great reflection on history and putting words to a phenomenon we take for granted. The second movement looks at how the brain composes, musical and brain knowledge here would be helpful, it is a completely fascinating dig into which part of the brain does what and why. The brain is amazing! The third to fifth movements look at practicing music including the relationship between student and teacher (I have an even deeper appreciation for my piano teacher), the way the brain learns through practice (why this is my favourite part of playing – I’m a natural learner, I love the process) and how practicing changes the brain (music really is good for you!). The next three movements cover the performance of music, the listening to it, and why we like it.
Every chapter became my favourite and this is one of my favourite books! That said, I studied brain structure at varsity and played and studied piano to a grade 6 level, the vocabulary, and concepts built on a construct I already had. I’m not sure of the accessibility of the book to those who come to this world with no previous knowledge. If you have to wrestle with it, I do think you’ll be rewarded but be prepared to read with Google open to listen to the music referred to and look up unfamiliar terms. The illustrations throughout do help.
Whilst about music and neuroscience, it also teaches the reader about creativity and productive teaching methods. It shares wisdom about how to enjoy music more and keep one’s brain healthier.
It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale, highly recommended, and I hope I get to read these authors again.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Columbia University Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in these reviews are completely my own.
The first movement discusses what music is and why we have it. This is a great reflection on history and putting words to a phenomenon we take for granted. The second movement looks at how the brain composes, musical and brain knowledge here would be helpful, it is a completely fascinating dig into which part of the brain does what and why. The brain is amazing! The third to fifth movements look at practicing music including the relationship between student and teacher (I have an even deeper appreciation for my piano teacher), the way the brain learns through practice (why this is my favourite part of playing – I’m a natural learner, I love the process) and how practicing changes the brain (music really is good for you!). The next three movements cover the performance of music, the listening to it, and why we like it.
Every chapter became my favourite and this is one of my favourite books! That said, I studied brain structure at varsity and played and studied piano to a grade 6 level, the vocabulary, and concepts built on a construct I already had. I’m not sure of the accessibility of the book to those who come to this world with no previous knowledge. If you have to wrestle with it, I do think you’ll be rewarded but be prepared to read with Google open to listen to the music referred to and look up unfamiliar terms. The illustrations throughout do help.
Whilst about music and neuroscience, it also teaches the reader about creativity and productive teaching methods. It shares wisdom about how to enjoy music more and keep one’s brain healthier.
It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale, highly recommended, and I hope I get to read these authors again.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Columbia University Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in these reviews are completely my own.
December 21, 2022
Every Brain Needs Music is one of those rare books that is accessible to the average reader and appropriate for study at the university level. A wealth of scientific research is cited and discussed within its pages, which could have led to a dry academic read. Instead, the sheer joy and passion authors Larry S. Sherman and Dennis Plies convey in their writing makes the book very engaging to readers of all levels. Illustrations by Susi B. Davis are beneficial in clarifying the neuroscientific processes involved when we engage with music on various levels. I appreciated the accessibility of the scientific content to non-scientists. What I did not expect to find is motivational content sprinkled throughout the discussions of the processes involved with practicing, performing, and composing music. Mr. Plies’s love of teaching shows through in these instances, and discovering them was a pleasant surprise.
There is truly something for everyone in this book. Neuroscientists and researchers will appreciate all of the studies and data contained within, while musicians and music listeners will value learning how so many processes come together to enable them to do what they enjoy.
The authors are quick to stress that there is still much to be learned about what really happens when the brain processes music. This intricately choreographed dance between the brain and the body still has many steps left to decode. Every Brain Needs Music is an engaging book that is well worth the read, and the joy that the authors have for the topic makes this non-scientist want to do a deeper dive into the studies and surveys they present.
This review was from a copy made available to me by the publisher via NetGalley.
There is truly something for everyone in this book. Neuroscientists and researchers will appreciate all of the studies and data contained within, while musicians and music listeners will value learning how so many processes come together to enable them to do what they enjoy.
The authors are quick to stress that there is still much to be learned about what really happens when the brain processes music. This intricately choreographed dance between the brain and the body still has many steps left to decode. Every Brain Needs Music is an engaging book that is well worth the read, and the joy that the authors have for the topic makes this non-scientist want to do a deeper dive into the studies and surveys they present.
This review was from a copy made available to me by the publisher via NetGalley.
June 2, 2023
In “Every Brain Needs Music,” a musician and a neuroscientist join forces to explain the power and complexity of music in our lives. After setting the stage with why humans engage in music, the authors break the book into four “movements” to explore the dimensions of composing, practicing, performing, and listening to music. Each section weaves together research insights, informal interviews, and the authors’ own wisdom to build a thought-provoking picture of what music is and does in the world.
As an engineer who is also a musician, I found much to connect with and reflect on as I compared my own experiences with those in this book. Each chapter gave me a new appreciation for the human body and its incredible capacity to learn, process information, and coordinate precise movements. I also found that the informal survey responses from other musicians brought a delightful touch to the writing and highlighted how unique our experiences are, like a kaleidoscope. The most surprising aspect of the book was how much research is still needed in the field of music, because many of the research studies showed inconclusive or narrow results. Other studies were more decisive but generic in topic (such as about learning or enjoyment in general), leaving me informed but wishing for a more direct connection to music. Still, scientists have determinedly moved our knowledge of music forward in many new and interesting ways over the years.
The journey to understanding our connection to music may be unfinished, but the authors of “Every Brain Needs Music” have done an admirable job illuminating the path up to this point.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Columbia University Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in these reviews are completely my own.
As an engineer who is also a musician, I found much to connect with and reflect on as I compared my own experiences with those in this book. Each chapter gave me a new appreciation for the human body and its incredible capacity to learn, process information, and coordinate precise movements. I also found that the informal survey responses from other musicians brought a delightful touch to the writing and highlighted how unique our experiences are, like a kaleidoscope. The most surprising aspect of the book was how much research is still needed in the field of music, because many of the research studies showed inconclusive or narrow results. Other studies were more decisive but generic in topic (such as about learning or enjoyment in general), leaving me informed but wishing for a more direct connection to music. Still, scientists have determinedly moved our knowledge of music forward in many new and interesting ways over the years.
The journey to understanding our connection to music may be unfinished, but the authors of “Every Brain Needs Music” have done an admirable job illuminating the path up to this point.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Columbia University Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in these reviews are completely my own.
July 16, 2025
Finished EVERY BRAIN NEEDS MUSIC, a collaboration between musician Dennis Plies and neuroscientist Larry Sherman. The book is a fascinating investigation of how the brain processes, creates, and performs music. For the record, the book debunks the neuromyth that listening to Mozart makes one smarter. However, learning how to play a musical piece and performing it well has other benefits, such as “improved nervous system function” (p. 116) and emotional enjoyment and connection with fellow performers and an audience. A major portion of the book is devoted to the neuroscience of practicing, the bugbear of too many wannabe (and don’t wannabe) adolescent piano players. There’s a good reason why even great musicians such as Rachmaninoff practiced selected portions of music scores slowly. I wish my piano teachers had better emphasized proper practicing techniques (or perhaps they did, and I just didn’t pay attention). In any case, the book leaves one in awe of how the brain orchestrates (pun intentional) the neurons firing between eyes, ears, fingers, feet (if you’re a keyboardist) when playing something as simple as “Mary had a little lamb.” Our brains were designed to enjoy music. My few qualms: the medical terminology in some passages can be dense (“your anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), found in the frontal lobe…”); hence, a glossary would have been useful, though the text has many helpful illustrations by artist Susi Davis. I recommend EVERY BRAIN NEEDS MUSIC to musicians and to anyone curious about how our amazing brains function.
February 22, 2023
A comprehensive look at music, the brain, and all of their interconnected pathways! I enjoyed this read much more than I anticipated. I especially adored the section in the last movement that focused on how varying levels of empathy in people's personalities affect their music taste; I have always loved melancholy tunes and now know why!
Every Brain Needs Music is filled with scientific and musicals jargon, but interspersed throughout are relatable, tangible conclusions about the brain and music that are applicable to all. I would especially recommend this musical journey through the brain to musicians, educators, science-lovers, and anyone who finds music playing a role in their life. I appreciated most the tone of this book; where our authors hold a lot of expertise, they never talk down or overwhelm the reader. It is clear they took time and thought on how best to deliver this book's melody!
Perfect for musicians and science-nerds, a welcoming challenge to anyone who loves music. I would recommend a basic understanding of musical jargon to get the most out of this book! No understanding of neuroscience is necessary before reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for this early look!
Every Brain Needs Music is filled with scientific and musicals jargon, but interspersed throughout are relatable, tangible conclusions about the brain and music that are applicable to all. I would especially recommend this musical journey through the brain to musicians, educators, science-lovers, and anyone who finds music playing a role in their life. I appreciated most the tone of this book; where our authors hold a lot of expertise, they never talk down or overwhelm the reader. It is clear they took time and thought on how best to deliver this book's melody!
Perfect for musicians and science-nerds, a welcoming challenge to anyone who loves music. I would recommend a basic understanding of musical jargon to get the most out of this book! No understanding of neuroscience is necessary before reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for this early look!
March 14, 2023
This book is a fascinating dive into the ways in which our brains respond to hearing, practicing, writing, and sharing music. As a lifelong musician now working in the medical field, this really hit the sweet spot in terms of my overlapping interests. If you’ve ever wondered whether a musician’s brain is different from a non-musicians, or felt an overwhelming emotion while listening to music, or if you want to understand what is happening while you practice and how to make your practice more effective, you should definitely pick up “Every Brain Needs Music.” As the authors stated at the conclusion of the book, it’s truly an exciting time to be in music and neuroscience. I also got a few new ideas for stepping up my composing game from reading this.
If this book has a fault, it’s that a few of the sections felt really out of place, as though they were copied and pasted into the wrong part of the book, and this really took me out of the interesting narrative the authors built. I will also admit to having only lightly skimmed the neuroscience introduction at the beginning since it was all information I’d encountered before. However, I definitely recommend this book for anyone who is remotely curious about the topic! You’ll definitely learn something new and interesting.
If this book has a fault, it’s that a few of the sections felt really out of place, as though they were copied and pasted into the wrong part of the book, and this really took me out of the interesting narrative the authors built. I will also admit to having only lightly skimmed the neuroscience introduction at the beginning since it was all information I’d encountered before. However, I definitely recommend this book for anyone who is remotely curious about the topic! You’ll definitely learn something new and interesting.
November 15, 2022
Every Brain Needs Music is more than just a thesis or scientific analysis but also demonstrates how important practice and the joy of learning are to playing a musical instrument or composing music. There is so much more to this book than just science. Anecdotes and stories of musicians and teachers also add interest and colour to the learning process.
This in-depth study of the connection between music and our brain would be ideal in an educational setting as a college or university class. The chapters that explain the scientific connection require a lot concentration and as I received a digital copy of the book I realized that to really delve deeply into the subject I needed the printed copy.
Here are a couple of quotes from the book:
"Music allows humans to say something with personal interpretation, without having to project their egos."
"Studying a music instrument can be a valuable process beyond the pleasure of the skill itself because it tends to also develop the traits of successful lifelong learners."
"Curiosity has also been implicated as an essential component of creativity."
Get the printed copy and savour it.
This in-depth study of the connection between music and our brain would be ideal in an educational setting as a college or university class. The chapters that explain the scientific connection require a lot concentration and as I received a digital copy of the book I realized that to really delve deeply into the subject I needed the printed copy.
Here are a couple of quotes from the book:
"Music allows humans to say something with personal interpretation, without having to project their egos."
"Studying a music instrument can be a valuable process beyond the pleasure of the skill itself because it tends to also develop the traits of successful lifelong learners."
"Curiosity has also been implicated as an essential component of creativity."
Get the printed copy and savour it.
May 20, 2023
Who doesn't love music? If you love music and enjoy learning about the brain, this book is for you. As a singer I definitely found this interesting. It's easy to understand and breaks things down without dumbing them down to explain it's point. We learn that music is pleasurable and with that like other things that are pleasurable can be addictive, and that explains why music is usually Incorporated with other addiction behaviors like nightclubs for people are drinking and doing drugs. We also learned that when you're listening to music your brain waves are following the pattern, similar to the waves of the people performing the music. As a singer this is especially mind-blowing to me. I'd like to think that if I'm putting on a performance it's almost like a superpower where I can express the feelings of the song and literally put that in my listeners brain. I can understand this too because there are many times where I could practice without singing out loud just by listening to a peace repeatedly and following along and my head. I always thought this was weird, but now I feel like it's more normal and it explains how I'm able to do that.
May 22, 2023
Well . . . science has never been my forte . . . thus, I ended up skimming quite a bit, since this was far less a general public sort of book than I expected. In addition, instead of providing encouragement to learn to play my new Yamaha keyboard, that is still in the box, I was left feeling totally discouraged. Who has time for all that practice, practice, practice? Actually, I may have the time, but I think it’s truly doubtful I’ll have the patience to stick with the repetition of it all.
There were a few interesting facts about how music affects the brain of a listener, but not that many. As someone who has religiously listened to music since a very young age, I am aware how much doing so has affected my own life. As a child, I was probably even a “music junkie", as described in this book. While I don’t listen to it anywhere near as much today, I truly love music and could not live without it. Unfortunately, I did not truly love reading this book. It’s not really for a general public reader, in my opinion.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from the publisher or authors.)
There were a few interesting facts about how music affects the brain of a listener, but not that many. As someone who has religiously listened to music since a very young age, I am aware how much doing so has affected my own life. As a child, I was probably even a “music junkie", as described in this book. While I don’t listen to it anywhere near as much today, I truly love music and could not live without it. Unfortunately, I did not truly love reading this book. It’s not really for a general public reader, in my opinion.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from the publisher or authors.)
December 25, 2022
Every Brain Needs Music is a true statement. People have known music provides health benefits to all people. The facts are simple yet scientists and professional musicians elaborate these facts better than anyone else. So, how does the brain respond, change, grow or improve with music? Let Sherman and Plies give you the most up-to-date scientific evidence.
By using professional, world-renowned musicians and their test results, you can learn how different types of music will actually change the structure and chemistry of the human brain. A good thing for those past their adolescent dreams of becoming rock stars, adults can improve and repair their brains just by listening. Or better yet, by practicing and performing. The information is technical. And it is for the brain expert rather than the musical genius. If you remember the details of this book, I admire your intellectual abilities. This text is more of Beethoven or Mozart rather than Chuck Berry.
By using professional, world-renowned musicians and their test results, you can learn how different types of music will actually change the structure and chemistry of the human brain. A good thing for those past their adolescent dreams of becoming rock stars, adults can improve and repair their brains just by listening. Or better yet, by practicing and performing. The information is technical. And it is for the brain expert rather than the musical genius. If you remember the details of this book, I admire your intellectual abilities. This text is more of Beethoven or Mozart rather than Chuck Berry.
January 31, 2023
Describing the science of music in the brain, each chapter is divided into labelled segments for easier digestion of information. I enjoyed the use of song lyric puns and the reference to the flawed study that lead to the false claims of the Mozart Effect. I appreciate the inclusion of the survey results in the appendices. This is a fascinating and informative look at why the majority of humans love music, including a description of people who don't like music and what could be going on in their brains too.
My favourite quotes:
"Music you like makes you want to hear music you like."
"Music can be 'used' as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, much the way drugs of abuse can be used to self-medicate as a coping mechanism".
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC.
My favourite quotes:
"Music you like makes you want to hear music you like."
"Music can be 'used' as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, much the way drugs of abuse can be used to self-medicate as a coping mechanism".
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC.
February 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, much more than I was expecting to, then I got my husband to read it, because he loves all the technical/science side of music & he was absolutely enamoured. Interestingly enough we both walked away from this book thinking about different parts of the book & the complexities of how amazing our brains are & how we process music and sounds. I definitely feel like I want to read it again to understand a lot more of the technical aspects, but this was definitely a great book to talk about the neuroscience of music without being overwhelming or making anyone feel like they're being talked down to. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a passion for music, even if you don't play an instrument or you're not usually one who is interested in science or neurology books.
August 23, 2023
This book was a bit scientific for me at times, but most of it was fascinating, especially for people who play musical instruments. Larry S. Sherman and Dennis Plies explain the amazing effects that playing a musical instrument has on the brain, and how learning new skills can even help the brain develop new cells in adulthood. They also relate the effects of performance on the brain, and they include an excellent section on listening to music, in which they relate a little bit about the history of music.
I was rather disappointed, though, to learn that the 'Mozart Effect' may not exist! I felt that it helped me when I studied, but it may have been a placebo!
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
EDITION Hardcover
SBN 9780231209106
PRICE $32.00 (USD)
I was rather disappointed, though, to learn that the 'Mozart Effect' may not exist! I felt that it helped me when I studied, but it may have been a placebo!
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
EDITION Hardcover
SBN 9780231209106
PRICE $32.00 (USD)
February 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, a deep dive into the neuroscience of music written jointly by a neuroscientist and a professional musician. The authors dig into the way the brain reacts to music, whether the subject is listening to, playing, or even imaginging to play music. They explain in detail the ways different parts of the nervous system work together to experience music. In addition, the authors explore the ways that personality type is linked to musical tastes. This book is very technical and detailed, while still being understandable for the average nonfiction reader. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for proving a complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for proving a complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
April 16, 2023
"Several studies have supported the notion that music practice per se leads to increased myelination and the the more you practice, the more you make myelin."
We all know how powerful the brain can be, but it was truly incredible to take a deep dive into all the different ways the brain processes and reacts to music, whether you are creating it, playing it or listening to it. I really enjoyed this book and appreciated the charts and diagrams as they helped me picture how some of those neurological processes worked.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Columbia University Press, and the authors Larry S. Sherman and Dennis Plies for giving me an advanced copy of "Every Brain Needs Music" in exchange for an honest review.
We all know how powerful the brain can be, but it was truly incredible to take a deep dive into all the different ways the brain processes and reacts to music, whether you are creating it, playing it or listening to it. I really enjoyed this book and appreciated the charts and diagrams as they helped me picture how some of those neurological processes worked.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Columbia University Press, and the authors Larry S. Sherman and Dennis Plies for giving me an advanced copy of "Every Brain Needs Music" in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2023
Weaving their expertise in music and neuroscience, Larry Sherman and Dennis Plies share insights, encouragement, and motivation to make music a foundational part of life, both in the making and the enjoying of song, dance, and playing an instrument with EVERY BRAIN NEEDS MUSIC. I enjoyed their voices, prose, and points, but felt places where the energy dragged a little, bringing down the whole. However, the book advances the importance of art in our everyday lives and argues music is essential for a whole-bodied joy. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are re my own, unbiased thoughts.
May 3, 2025
This felt like a little music, a little neuroscience, and just enough to be mostly boring but occasionally enlightening. I liked it, but I found myself forcing myself to continue reading. It seems to be one of very few books in this area. I suppose some of this is my fault as I guess im not even looking so much for how the brain works where (and I think this is a very light touch on that) wrt music; I was kind of looking for studies around benefits of learning and listening to music to defend the arts. I don’t know that such a book exists. I know there are articles online, but I like the deeper dive full books give you.
December 16, 2022
Music is another way to communicate feelings and relieve stress. We all listen to music but don't think deeply about how music activates certain brain areas and body areas.
When I first looked at the cover, I thought I would build my understanding of how music benefits our brains. I have studied this for my creative arts facilitator course, so I expected to build further knowledge. However, most of the terms and music mentioned in this book are unfamiliar, so I struggled to understand neurology.
This book may appeal to neurologists, psychologists, and anyone with a music background.
When I first looked at the cover, I thought I would build my understanding of how music benefits our brains. I have studied this for my creative arts facilitator course, so I expected to build further knowledge. However, most of the terms and music mentioned in this book are unfamiliar, so I struggled to understand neurology.
This book may appeal to neurologists, psychologists, and anyone with a music background.
October 17, 2025
This was an interesting book! A friend gifted it to me a bit ago and I finally got around to reading it. It does a good job of going over a lot of the basics of neuroscience, and explaining how our brains understand sound, and music, while also including a lot of interviews with musicians about how they think about music. Maybe not as novel of a book as I was perhaps hoping for, but accessible and the kind of thing I'd probably give to a musician friend in my life! Less so, though, a neuroscientist.
January 9, 2023
Every Brain Needs Music was a really fun and interesting read! As a musician, I loved learning about the ways music affects the brain and vice versa. It really gave me a new understanding and appreciation for just how challenging yet useful learning and practicing music can be because of how many areas of the brain have to work together to get it done. I think this would be a fantastic book for both performers and teachers to read!
November 30, 2025
I chose to read this book because my students and I are working on a project involving music. The book provides a little bit of everything including music theory, psychology, neuroscience, economic decision making, and the business side of music. The Brain is very fascinating and the authors provide so much to unpack and think about. Plus, I think we would all agree with the authors’ point that “we like music because we need music!”
February 10, 2023
The topic is fascinating. But having the knowledge, and being able to write an interesting book, is not the same thing.
Those interested in neurology (with at least a basic understanding of how the brain works), might find this book not detailed enough. However, Those who have no knowledge of musical terminology might find this book hard to understand.
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