[The book] might be most valuable to the layperson when it gets more tangible and concrete ... These are the moments when the elements of Secret Chord come together in harmony, using specific examples and language that doesn’t intimidate. This is without a doubt an exemplary book of its kind, laden with scientific explanation of a subject just about everyone knows and loves on some level. Whether or not you enjoy it will depend largely on how you respond to the aforementioned questions Levitin poses near the outset.
His detailed explanations can have the feel of a textbook, but they are essential to our understanding ... If there is a theme that resounds loudest throughout Mr. Levitin’s book, it is to never underestimate music’s sheer power to engage us in the myriad, mysterious chords that make up our existence.
With clear prose and illustrations, his own experiences and storytelling prowess, [Levitin] demonstrates the healing power of music ... May this book inspire its readers to hear their own secret chords.
