The Music Instinct by Philip Ball
The Music Instinct is Philip Ball’s accessible guide to how music works and why it matters to people. It draws on music psychology and brain science, with examples ranging from Bach to nursery rhymes and rock, while bringing in philosophy, mathematics and history.
At a glance
- Discusses how music is understood and why it can provoke strong emotion.
- Connects music psychology and brain science with philosophy, mathematics and history.
- Examples range from Bach fugues and nursery rhymes to heavy rock, without requiring specialist knowledge.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Broad mix of musical examples and academic perspectives may suit curious general readers.
- The listing presents the book as accessible without specialist knowledge.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Edition | 1st |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 1 April 2011 |
| Publisher | VINTAGE ARROW - MASS MARKET |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 464 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0099535440 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0099535447 |
| Weight listed | 402 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 3.5 x 19.9 cm |
What to know before buying
- Customer feedback indicates that the book’s comprehensive approach may feel too technical for some beginners.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers curious about music psychology, the brain and how people respond to music.
- Music enthusiasts looking for a broad, cross-disciplinary account rather than a practical instrument guide.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a beginner text guaranteed to avoid technical discussion.
- Readers looking for music lessons, exercises or a focused guide to one genre.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
68% 68% - 4 stars
12% 12% - 3 stars
10% 10% - 2 stars
8% 8% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback describes the book as well-written and interesting, with readers appreciating its insights into how music works and a non-patronising approach. Feedback on its comprehensive scope is mixed, including a concern that it can be too technical for beginners. That trade-off matters if you want a wide-ranging account but prefer a gentle introduction. Aggregate ratings lean towards the top of the scale, though they do not explain individual readers’ reasons.
Positive themes
- Readers describe the writing as engaging and the content as insightful.
- Some readers appreciate the non-patronising style.
Mixed feedback
- The comprehensive treatment appeals to some readers but may feel too technical for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
What topics does The Music Instinct cover?
The listing describes a broad exploration of how music works and how people respond to it, drawing on music psychology, brain science, philosophy, mathematics and history.
Is the book aimed at readers without specialist knowledge?
The listing says specialist knowledge is not required. Customer feedback nevertheless includes a view that its comprehensive treatment can feel too technical for beginners.
What is the listed format and length?
The supplied details identify an English-language first edition with 464 pages. No specific binding format is stated in the supplied details.
