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 anyonemdash;of any age mdash;can become musical. Do you have to be born musical to become musical? Do you have to start at 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 Marcusrsquo;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 journey is also an empowering tale of the mindrsquo;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 experiencemdash;as well as reflections from world-renowned musiciansmdash;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 humankindrsquo;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 instrumentmdash;or wish that they couldmdash;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 onersquo;s dreams.
#4005823 in eBooks 2011-03-18 2013-08-08File Name: B005DB7JT6
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