Why do we humans have music? How does music exert its effects? What happens in our brains during this process? Does music promote intelligence? Does it serve to strengthen group cohesion? Does music convey emotions? This book explains the numerous effects of music on feelings and thoughts, on the organization of groups, as well as on our physical and mental health. In the first part of the work, the evolutionary foundations of music perception and making music are presented. The fascinating new insights into the positive, but also the negative effects of intense music-making on the nervous system are described in the following chapters. Fortunately, music rarely makes us ill – much more important are the yet untapped healing potentials and the great power of positive emotions that music can evoke.