Theme and Variations: Musical Notes by a Neurologist

The book for anyone who wonders why people play and listen to music, and how our brains hear it. Part neuroscience, part memoir, this book makes the latest insights into how the brain processes music accessible to a wide range of readers -no scientific background necessary.Through his own experience, the author, a neuroscientist and musician, shows how he came to understand the importance of musician his life and in the lives of others.Playing and listening to music early in life can help shape the developing brain and, at all ages, increase brainpower, even in non-musical realms. When used with the guidance of modern science, music can be an adjunctive, risk-free therapy for a wide range of human conditions. In essence, an important human language available to everyone, music is an affirmative medium that stimulates us to imagine and embrace our fullest potential.

"THE book I'm reading when I'm on tour." -Chris Brubeck

"Thank God the void left by the sublime Oliver Sacks has finally been filled." -Maria Corley, concert pianist from Juilliard

"The words flow with a lot of charm and effortlessness." -Dan Stolper, oboist, Past Editor, The International Double Reed ". . .

for musicians and non-musicians, entertaining and very well written." -Nancy Bean, Associate Concertmaster, Philadelphia Orchestra

"I love the book, clear, and VERY informative... It is certainly an eye-opener for me . . . a gift for writing!" - Brooks de Wetter-Smith, Emeritus Professor of Flute, UNC

". . . the most important book on music to appear in years." -John Poynter, keyboardist and carillonneur

"It's clear he knows his stuff, and he makes the science of music understandable." -Kirkus Reviews

". . . thorough, educated research into the effects of music on the brain." -Justiniano Campa, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology

"This is a wonderful read! -Diane Ross, Professor Emerita, Cal State University

"Dr. Ellenberger's ear, trained for the flute, obviously extends to the music of the English language as well." -Phil DeMuth

"What a great book! . . . I also enjoyed the latter, more biographical section." -Johanna Byloff, NetGalley Review