Communicative musicality

de Stephen Malloch, Colwyn Trevarthen

"Communicative Musicality explores the intrinsic musical nature of human interaction. The theory of 'communicative musicality' was developed from groundbreaking studies showing how in mother-infant communication there exist noticeable patterns of timing, vocal timbre and melodic gesture. Without intending to do so, the exchanges between a mother and her infant follow typical rules of musical performance, with distinct timing and melodic narratives." "This is the first book to be devoted to this topic. In a collection of cutting-edge chapters, encompassing brain science, human evolution, psychology, therapy and music performance, it focuses on the rhythm and sympathy of musical expression in human communication from infancy. It demonstrates how speaking and moving in musical dance-like ways is the essential foundation for all forms of communication, even the most refined and technically elaborated, just as it is for parenting, good teaching, creative work in the arts and therapy to help disabled or emotionally distressed persons." "A landmark in the field, Communicative Musicality clarifies principles of motor control and communication that are fundamental for the sciences of psychology, linguistics and cognitive neuroscience. It will be a valuable text for all those in the areas of developmental, educational and music psychology, as well as those who study and practice the different forms of therapy."--Jacket.