In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the societal impacts, health benefits and new perspectives on music. Topics discussed include the role of musical leisure activities in dementia care; listening to music as a non-invasive pain intervention; evidence-based music for human health; the role of musical stimuli in dopaminergic brain function; music and cognitive processing of emotions; music therapy and an analysis of music pedagogy, the professional musician, and the music business; music education and transfer of learning; perspectives on music as a lifelong resource of happiness; Sakara music and its relation to life issues in Nigeria; health benefits for the mother and child from music intervention in pregnancy; music as a political force in Islamist organisations; the benefits of music on health and athletic performance; and songwriting and improvisation in acute psychiatry.