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Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 by Mary O'Connor | OCMS

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Writer and neurologist Oliver Sacks, who died on Sunday, August 30, 2015 at age 82, spent his life wondering on the myriad connections among biology, thought, emotion and perception.

For those of us who obsess over the how and why of music, Sacks’ work on sound and its effects on the brain – and vice versa – was particularly illuminating. His book on the subject, “Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain,” remains essential reading for those who want to understand the mechanics of music.

Through bountiful research and mesmerizing case studies, Sacks addressed topics including music and amnesia, music therapy, musical prodigies and those who suffer from debilitating aural hallucinations.

Read more at Oliver Sacks & music: On brainworms , hallucinations and sonic overload - LA Times

The O'Connor Music Studio has a copy of Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain if anyone would like to borrow it.