There are, of course, inherent tendencies to repetition in music itself. Our poetry, our ballads, our songs are full of repetition; nursery rhymes and the little chants and songs we use to teach young children have choruses and refrains. We are attracted to repetition, even as adults; we want the stimulus and the reward again and again, and in music we get it. Perhaps, therefore, we should not be surprised, should not complain if the balance sometimes shifts too far and our musical sensitivity becomes a vulnerability.
Oliver SacksIn terms of brain development, musical performance is every bit as important educationally as reading or writing.
Oliver SacksNature gropes and blunders and performs the crudest acts. There is no steady advance upward. There is no design.
Oliver SacksMemory is dialogic and arises not only from direct experience but from the intercourse of many minds.
Oliver Sacks