The Science of Song

What is music? How is it made? And what’s changed ― and what hasn’t ― about how we listen to it? Here’s all the best stuff about the science and history behind our connection to music.

Though most of us know we love listening to music, we may not spend much time thinking about how this came to be, or the science, technology, engineering and mathematics that are crucial to its existence. This illustrated book explores all of this, starting with the basics ― how does sound work? and what, exactly, is music? ― and then describes how music and the ways we experience it have transformed over the years. It details the progression of recorded music, from the phonograph to streaming. It covers how everyday items like headphones were created, and includes a look at the science of how we experience music (like why we can’t get certain songs out of our heads). And, to amp up the interest, playlists accompany each topic, featuring a range of artists and multiple genres and styles.

Alan Cross, Emme Cross and Nicole Mortillaro ― a creative team of well-known journalists and writers from television, radio and print ― have created an engaging, accessible and relevant look at music geared to adolescents who are just beginning to get interested in the subject. It’s a fascinating blend of history and science, broken into readable chunks, with graphic, colorful illustrations by Carl Wiens to enhance the text. This book has strong cross-curriculum links to physical science, engineering, technology, music and history. The playlists on every spread can be used to spark discussions as children ”listen along.“ Includes a timeline, glossary, resources and index.

Alan Cross is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer and consultant, and the host of the radio series The Ongoing History of New Music. The Science of Song is his first book for children. He lives in Oakville, Ontario.
Emme Cross is a veteran journalist who has worked at the biggest media outlets in Canada and has met everyone from politicians to rock stars. The Science of Song is her first book for children. She lives in Oakville, Ontario.
Nicole Mortillaro is an author, speaker and science reporter with CBC News out of Toronto. She is the winner of the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award in the audio category for her work on CBC's Quirks and Quarks' special "Black in Science."
Carl Wiens has worked on everything from books and magazines to animation projects. He is also the illustrator of Wild Buildings and Bridges. He lives in Belleville, Ontario.