Category Review: Books on Music Psychology Introduction: Music psychology is an interdisciplinary field that studies the psychological effects of music. It examines how music affects our emotions, behavior, cognition, and overall well-being. In this review, we will explore some of the best books on music psychology available today. 1. Sweet Anticipation: Music and the Psychology of Expectation by David Huron (2006) - This book is a classic in the field of music psychology. It explores how our expectations about music can influence our emotional responses to it. The author argues that music has the power to create anticipation, which can lead to heightened emotions and a sense of fulfillment when the expectation is met. The book also discusses the role of cultural background in shaping musical expectations. Overall, this is an excellent introduction to the field of music psychology for anyone interested in understanding how music affects our emotions and behavior. 2. Foundations in Music Psychology: Theory and Research by David Juslin and Ingo Titzen (2013) - This book provides a comprehensive overview of the theories and research in music psychology. It covers topics such as musical perception, emotion, cognition, and motivation. The authors also discuss the history of music psychology and its current state. One of the strengths of this book is that it includes numerous examples from real-world studies to illustrate the concepts discussed. This makes it an excellent resource for students and researchers in the field. 3. Sweet Anticipation: Music and the Psychology of Expectation by David Huron (2008) - While this book shares its title with the first entry on our list, it is actually a revised edition of the original work. In this updated version, the author expands upon his ideas about musical expectation and provides new insights into how music can influence our emotions and behavior. The book also includes additional examples from real-world studies to illustrate its points. Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding the psychological effects of music. 4. The Origins of Musicality by Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky (1993) - This book explores the origins of musical ability in humans. It argues that our innate musical tendencies are shaped by our evolutionary history as social animals. The authors also discuss how music can be used to enhance cognitive abilities such as memory and attention. While this book is primarily focused on the biological aspects of music, it provides valuable insights into how music affects our brains and behavior. 5. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves (2012) - Although not specifically about music psychology, this book does touch upon the topic of emotional intelligence, which is closely related to musical emotion. The authors argue that emotional intelligence can be developed through practice and self-awareness. While not a comprehensive guide to music psychology, this book provides valuable insights into how emotions are processed and expressed in music. 6. The Art Of Saying NO: How To Stand Your Ground, Reclaim Your Time And Energy, And Refuse To Be Taken For Granted (Without Feeling Guilty!) by Cheryl Richardson (2014) - While not specifically about music psychology, this book does touch upon the topic of self-awareness and assertiveness, which are important skills for musicians. The author argues that saying no is a powerful tool for taking control of our lives and avoiding burnout. Although not directly related to music psychology, this book provides valuable insights into how musicians can develop the emotional intelligence necessary to succeed in their careers. 7. Voice Leading: The Science behind a Musical Art by Gary McPherson (2013) - This book explores the science of voice leading, which is a fundamental concept in music theory. It discusses how voice leading affects our perception of harmony and melody, as well as its role in musical composition. While not specifically about music psychology, this book provides valuable insights into the cognitive processes involved in music perception and creation. 8. The Psychology of Music (Cognition and Perception) by Gary McPherson (2013) - This book provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological aspects of music. It covers topics such as musical perception, emotion, cognition, and motivation. The author also discusses the history of music psychology and its current state.