Musical-peak experiences are a significant component of the lives of many people. They are powerful, valued, have lasting effects, and – for some – are a reason for continued engagement with music. This article highlights research on the peak experience, emphasizing literature focusing on music-specific peaks. After outlining four studies fundamental to the study of peaks in music, a section...
In accounts of strong experiences with music, the experience is sometimes described with words such as ‘magical’, ‘mysterious’, ‘supernatural’, or ‘extraterrestrial’. The narrator feels as if he/she is put in a trance or ecstasy, there may be a feeling of totally merging with something bigger and of glimpsing other worlds or existences. These are examples of transcendental experiences (from the...
Religion and music have always been closely associated. Regardless of which religion, music is an important part of rites and cult activities, sometimes even dance. This chapter presents accounts of strong experiences with music in connection with religious experiences. The narrators' attitudes to Christianity vary. Some of them are explicit religious believers, others haven't taken a stance;...