Music that works

Many different disciplines are analyzing the impact of music today. How and why this ancient cultural asset molds, empowers and makes use of us can only become apparent in a synopsis and exchange involving scientific research. With this perspective as its foundation, the conference 'Mozart and Science' extended invitations to the first interdisciplinary and international dialogue between the social and physical sciences about the effects of music. This book is based on the results of that congress. It contains contributions penned by leading scientists from around the world belonging to diverse music science disciplines and in particular covers psycho-physiological, neuro-developmental and cognitive aspects associated with the experience of music. Additional essays provide insights into research conducted about how music is applied in therapy and medicine.

Roland Haas, PhD, theatrical advisor, festival director, author and lecturer, former rector of the University Mozarteum, Salzburg, revived research into the effects of music in Austria with the research network 'Man and Musicâ' of the Salzburg Universities from 2001, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. He is president of the 'I.M.A.R.A.A.' International Music and Art Research Association Austria which has initiated the Mozart&Science conferences focused on the current state of interdisciplinary music effect research, both nationally and internationally.

Vera Brandes' first career was as a concert promoter, independent music industry entrepreneur and renowned music producer. As a psychologist and music and media effect researcher, she is director of the Research Program for MusicMedicine at the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria, member of the board of the I.M.A.R.A.A., international program coordinator of Mozart&Science and member of the founder`s board of the International Association for Music and Medicine (IAMM).