Just Whistle a Happy Tune

Author Don Campbell didn’t invent the concept of the Mozart Effect, but he did popularize it in his so-named 1997 treatise, which was based on the theory that listening to music — that of Mozart, in particular — will essentially make you smarter. It’s a controversial idea still being argued...

By Susan Froyd

September 29, 2011

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Author Don Campbell didn’t invent the concept of the Mozart Effect, but he did popularize it in his so-named 1997 treatise, which was based on the theory that listening to music — that of Mozart, in particular — will essentially make you smarter. It’s a controversial idea still being argued today, but we might all agree that listening to music doesn’t hurt and can, in fact, be helpful in terms of relaxation, peace of mind and self-exploration. Campbell’s new book, Healing at the Speed of Sound: How What We Hear Transforms Our Brains and Our Lives (co-written with Alex Doman), picks up on that tangent and runs with it, and who can really complain about finding a better excuse to take a music break once in a while?

Campbell is in town to discuss and sign copies of the book, which costs $25.95 and is based on new research conducted over the past ten years or so, tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Tattered Cover Book Store, 2426 East Colfax Avenue; for more information, visit www.tatteredcover.com or call 303-322-7727.
Mon., Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m., 2011

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Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

Contact: Susan Froyd

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