Comparing Notes

A tap of the foot, a rush of emotion, the urge to dance; without instruction or training we all respond intuitively to music. Comparing Notes explains why we are all musical, how music makes sense and why abstract patterns of sound that don't actually mean anything have come to play such a central role in our lives.

Adam Ockelford has developed a new musical theory based on three decades of innovative work with blind children on the autism spectrum. In analysing their reactions to music, he finds the neurological key that explains how we all find music meaningful.

In doing so, he answers questions that have intrigued people since the ancient Greeks: How does music convey emotion? Why do people respond differently to the same piece? Will we ever run out of tunes? He uses a wealth of personal research to explore how music can serve non-musical ends, such as education or the healing process, and why music, religion and politics are so entangled, looking at the rules of hymn music and the impact of Communism on composition.

Comparing Notes is essential reading for anyone who's ever loved a song, sonata or drum solo and wondered why.