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For those who might be in the neighborhood of Montreal this week: the triennial Neurosciences and Music Conference will be held from June 25-28.

Discover how musical study enhances intellect, why music can act as a pain reliever and where disorders such as amusia (the inability to perceive tone or rhythym) arise in the brain.

At night, conduct your own musical investigations at the Montreal International Jazz Festival which conveniently coincides with the conference.

www.fondazione-mariani.org
http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/Fijm2008/splash.aspx

Also, an interesting book to read on this topic is Oliver Sachs' Musicophilia.

He has a compilation of experiences and anecdotes of how music has affected people not only in some wondrously beneficial ways but also in some weird, bizzare and agonizing ways.

Another recent book on this subject was written by one of the conference participants:

This Is Your Brain on Music
The Science of a Human Obsession

by Daniel J. Levitin
James McGill Professor
Bell Chair in the Psychology of Electronic Communication
Laboratory for Music Perception, Cognition, and Expertise
Department of Psychology
McGill University

http://www.amazon.com/This-Your-Brain-Music-Obsession/dp/0525949690

Excellent books, both newly on my bookcase and avidly read through at least twice each.

My husband and I were in the chaise lounges on the patio this afternoon and he was reading Musicophillia. (We had sun, people!)

To me this is slow reading and reading again and again. It is too serious a subject to make a mistake in relating about it. My husband being very scientific and accurate in thought will read and digest with one careful reading.

So when he finishes "my" book, I'll have to ask him his memorable parts. He is interested in this because he has Director (certification status) from Barbershop Harmony and takes his role in teaching vocal techniques and about learning very seriously.

I'm glad to see the number of people who can profit from reading and owning these books.

Betty

It's a great book. Nearly finished it but I have to read it again a few times.

He has another one coming out in August.

http://www.sixsongs.net/

Thanks for the tip. Amazon has it on pre-order for me.