- The book 鈥淧sychological Perspectives on Musical Experiences and Skills鈥 emphasizes how socio-cultural environments contribute to musical experiences and practices
- The research appeals to those interested in music and exemplifies ways forward in decolonizing academia
is a collection of research studies from the Western Balkans and Western Europe that develop the understanding and offer fresh insights into the psychology of music.
The book is authored by Professor Renee Timmers at the University of 91直播 and Professor Blanka Bogunovi膰 and Sanela Nikoli膰 at the Faculty of Music University of Arts in Belgrade.
Renee Timmers is a Professor of Music Psychology and Director of the Muses Mind Machine research centre at the University of 91直播.
Since my first visit to the Faculty of Music in Belgrade, I have been impressed by the rich history of research in music psychology in the Western Balkans. I am delighted to have been able to contribute to making that research asset and knowledge base more visible to a larger readership with this book
Professor Renee Timmers
Professor of Music Psychology and Director of the Muses Mind Machine research centre at the University of 91直播
This book brings to light a collection of research from the Western Balkans, a region rich in music psychology. It explores how music affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how our cultural backgrounds shape our musical experiences. By comparing these findings with research from other parts of the world, the book provides a broader understanding of the psychology of music.
The chapters in this collection investigate the psychology of listening and performance and their relevance to music practice. Employing a range of research methodologies, they address divergent themes, from a cross-cultural understanding of aesthetic experiences and innovations to attract new audiences, to developmental perspectives on musical growth and the challenges of mastering performance skills.
鈥淚 am very proud this book was published through the joint efforts of authors who recognized the new pathway in presenting their interdisciplinary and international endeavors to benefit the progress of music psychology. I am thankful to all those who contributed and supported this unique achievement intended to overcome borders and make new bridges. Working on the book was, for me, personally and professionally, an extraordinary learning experience that I enjoyed very much鈥 says Professor Blanka Bogunovi膰.
鈥淭his book demonstrates the possibilities of successful collaboration between researchers and editors from different cultural contexts and research traditions. It has been realized and published according to the highest academic standards. The selection of authors and research topics are based on equality, diversity, and inclusion. The open-access format of the book aligns with the principles of open science and promotes transparency and the exchange of academic research results. For authors from the Western Balkans region, this book is very significant as it is a representative academic publication that ensures the visibility of local research on an international level鈥 says Professor Sanela Nikoli膰.
The book showcases how music is not just a personal experience but is deeply rooted in our cultural and social contexts. The collaborative collection takes a step towards decolonising academia by highlighting research from a geographical region that is often underrepresented.
For media enquiries please contact mediateam@sheffield.ac.uk