Daniel J. Levitin explains how the brain processes melody, rhythm, and harmony and why music can trigger strong emotions and vivid memories. He blends neuroscience, psychology, and musical examples from classical to pop to make complex ideas easy to follow. Levitin argues that music is fundamental to human life, shows that practice builds musical skill more than innate talent, and even explains everyday phenomena like earworms. The book is an engaging, research‑based read that connects scientific findings to real musical experience.
Oliver Sacks’s “Musicophilia”, uses case studies to show how music can trigger memory, emotion, and even aid in recovery after brain injury. He blends human stories with clear neuroscience, making the science accessible and showing practical ways music can support mental health.
Sacks, Oliver. Musicophilia : Tales of Music and the Brain. 1st ed, Alfred A. Knopf, 2007.
Kim Cannan explores the transformative power of music on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Blending science, psychology, and spirituality the book shows how listening to or creating music can reduce stress, lift mood, enhance memory, and foster emotional healing. It also offers practical tools for using music intentionally in meditation, relaxation, and self-care, highlighting its ability to connect us to ourselves and others on a deeper, sometimes metaphysical level.
Cannan, Kim. How Music Heals Us: Music the Mind and the Metaphysical. Creative Communique Publishing, 2022.
Music, thought, and feeling : understanding the psychology of music Integrative / William Forde Thompson
William Forde Thompson’s book explains how we perceive melody, rhythm, and harmony and why music can often sparks strong emotions and memories. He breaks down the science with examples and experiments, showing how perception, memory, and learning shape musical experience. The book offers practical ideas that are directly useful for music and mental health work.
Health Through Music Therapy: Accompnaying the Journey from Illness to Wellness / Suzanne B. Hanser
This book shows how music can be used as a practical approach to support people from illness toward wellness. It combines clinical techniques with case studies and activities that therapists and caregivers can apply. The book also addresses the emotional and professional preparation needed to do this work safely and compassionately.
Music Therapy In Mental Health for Illness Management and Recovery / Michael J. Silverman
This book lays out evidence based music therapy approaches for adults with mental health conditions. It combines theory, case studies, and clear descriptions of interventions and the treatment process. It also reviews research and offers guidance on building therapeutic relationships and measuring outcomes.
Silverman, Michael J. Music Therapy in Mental Health for Illness Management and Recovery. Second edition, Oxford University Press, 2022.
Every Brain Needs Music: The Neuroscience of Making and Listening to Music / Larry S. Sherman and Dennis Piles
This book explains how music affects the brain and why it plays a powerful role in mental and emotional well-being. It breaks down the neuroscience behind rhythm, memory, and emotion, showing that you don’t need musical training to benefit. Music naturally supports brain health, connection, and overall mood.
Sherman, Larry S. Every Brain Needs Music: The Neuroscience of Making and Listening to Music. Columbia University Press, 2023.
The book is curated by soprano and arts‑health advocate Renée Fleming, she explores how music and the arts can do more than entertain, they can heal, sharpen the mind, and connect us. Through essays by scientists, artists, and therapists, the book highlights research and personal stories showing how creative expression supports mental and physical health, aids recovery, and strengthens communities.