Publication

2012 - The Penguin Press, New York, New York (State)

Language

English

Word Count

68,500 words, Guess

Page Count

274 pages

Physical Format

Hardcover

Identifiers

  • ISBN-101594203172
  • ISBN-139781594203176
  • Library of Congress Control Number2011029941
  • OCLC Control Number733230610
  • Better World Books9781594203176
and 1 more

Classifications

  • DDC153.9
  • LCCML3838 .M44 2012
  • LCCML3838.M44 2012

Description

On the eve of his 40th birthday, Gary Marcus, a renowned scientist with no discernible musical talent, learns to play the guitar and investigates how anyone -- of any age -- can become musical. Do you have to be born musical to become musical? Do you have to start by the age of six? Using the tools of his day job as a cognitive psychologist, Gary Marcus becomes his own guinea pig as he takes up the guitar. In a powerful and incisive look at how both children and adults become musical, Guitar Zero traces Marcus's journey, what he learned, and how anyone else can learn, too. A groundbreaking peek into the origins of music in the human brain, this musical odyssey is also an empowering tale of the mind's enduring plasticity. Marcus investigates the most effective ways to train body and brain to learn to play an instrument, in a quest that takes him from Suzuki classes to guitar gods. From deliberate and efficient practicing techniques to finding the right music teacher, Marcus translates his own experience -- as well as reflections from world-renowned musicians -- into practical advice for anyone hoping to become musical or to learn a new skill. Guitar Zero debunks the popular theory of an innate musical instinct while simultaneously challenging the idea that talent is only a myth. While standing the science of music on its head, Marcus brings new insight into humankind's most basic question: what counts as a life well lived? Does one have to become the next Jimi Hendrix to make a passionate pursuit worthwhile, or can the journey itself bring the brain lasting satisfaction? For all those who have ever set out to play an instrument -- or wish that they could -- Guitar Zero is an inspiring and fascinating look at the pursuit of music, the mechanics of the mind, and the surprising rewards that come from following one's dreams. - Jacket flap.

Description

The author describes how he was able to learn to play the guitar in midlife in spite of a limited musical aptitude, revealing what he learned about the brain's capacity for musical proficiency at any time of life and how his findings challenge commonly accepted beliefs about musical talent and training.

Subjects

Other Editions

  • Guitar zero: the new musician and the science of learningHardcoverThe Penguin Press2012-01-01

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