The Psychology of Musical Development provides an up-to-date and comprehensive account of the latest theory, empirical research and applications in the study of musical development, an important and emerging field of music psychology. After considering how people now engage with music in the digital world, and reviewing current advances in developmental and music psychology, Hargreaves and Lamont compare ten major theoretical approaches in this field - including cognitive stage models and neuroscientific, ecological and social cognitive approaches - and assess how successfully each of these deals with five critical theoretical issues. Individual chapters deal next with cognition, perception and learning; social development; environmental influences on ability, achievement and motivation; identity, personality and lifestyle; affect and emotion; and well-being and health. With an emphasis on practical applications throughout, this book will be essential reading for students and scholars of music psychology, developmental psychology, music education and music therapy.

‘This accessible and wide-ranging book provides an outstanding map and guide to the rapidly changing field of musical development. It highlights the big issues while deftly incorporating scholarly detail, and so illuminates as well as informs.'

John Sloboda FBA - Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Keele University and Guildhall School of Music and Drama

‘This is not only a monumental book but a magnificent one, meticulously researched and profoundly illustrative of the many, varied ways in which musical development can be understood through the lens of theory, research and practical applications. It takes pride of place in my own personal library!'

Gary McPherson - University of Melbourne

‘Hargreaves and Lamont provide a comprehensive account of theoretical and empirical perspectives on musical development.'

Sandra E. Trehub - University of Toronto