Items related to Comparing Notes: How We Make Sense of Music
Synopsis
A tap of the foot, a rush of emotion, the urge to hum a tune; without instruction or training we all respond intuitively to music. Comparing Notes explores what music is, why we are all musical, and how abstract patterns of sound that don't actually mean anything can in fact be so meaningful.
Taking the reader on a clear and compelling tour of major twentieth century musical theories, Professor Adam Ockelford arrives at his own important psychologically grounded theory of how music works. From pitch and rhythm to dynamics and timbre, he shows how all the elements of music cohere through the principle of imitation to create an abstract narrative in sound that we instinctively grasp, whether listening to Bach or the Beatles.
Based on three decades of innovative work with blind children and those on the autism spectrum, the book draws lessons from neurodiversity to show how we all develop musically, and to explore the experience of music from composer and performer to listener.
Authoritative, engaging and full of wonderful examples from across the musical spectrum, Comparing Notes is essential reading for anyone who's ever loved a song, sonata or symphony, and wondered why.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review
'A profound and deeply important book. There is wisdom and humanity on every page - the most enjoyable work of non-fiction I've read in a very long time.' (James Rhodes)
An extraordinary book ... beautifully written (Cerys Matthews, BBC Radio 6)
[A] perceptive chronicle of [Ockelford's] experiences with extraordinary music makers (Nature)
Demystifies an art form, and offers unexpected insights into our pre-verbal past ... Ockelford extracts the core ideas from music theory that are notoriously difficult for non-specialists, and demonstrates just how accessible they can be in the right hands. (New Scientist)
Fascinating (BBC Radio 3)
Book Description
We are all instinctively musical. Why? And how does music work? Indeed, what is (or isn't) music? Adam Ockelford has the answers
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherProfile Books
- Publication date2018
- ISBN 10 1781256047
- ISBN 13 9781781256046
- BindingPaperback
- LanguageEnglish
- Number of pages352
Buy New
View this item
£ 16.77
£ 10 shipping from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speedsOther Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Comparing Notes: How We Make Sense of Music
Stock Image
Comparing Notes: How We Make Sense of Music
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR009887410
Quantity: 2 available
Stock Image
Comparing Notes: How We Make Sense of Music
Seller: MusicMagpie, Stockport, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. 1741351712. 3/7/2025 12:48:32 PM. Seller Inventory # U9781781256046
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Comparing Notes : How We Make Sense of Music
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 40302455-20
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Comparing Notes: How We Make Sense of Music
Published by
Profile Books, London, 2018
ISBN 10: 1781256047
ISBN 13: 9781781256046
Used
Soft cover
First Edition
Seller: Literaticus, Loanhead, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Soft cover. Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. Great copy. Presents as unread (see pictures). All our books at the moment are reduced so the price you see reflects a 33% discount. You may be interested in The Literaticus Book Service. We specialise in tracking down those harder to find editions, among other bookish services such as gift fulfilment. Get in touch to send us your Book Wants or ask a bookish question. If this is intended as a gift, please email first and I can gift wrap for no extra charge. If you would like special delivery but don't see an option for it, just email first and I'll obtain a quote. If you have any questions, require more information or if you would like more pictures, do not hesitate to get in touch. 2023. Seller Inventory # 002488
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
COMPARING NOTES
Seller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 352 pages. 7.80x5.08x0.83 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # zk1781256047
Quantity: 1 available