The Jeddah Book Fair 2024 was abuzz with creative energy as world-renowned musician Naseer Shamma captivated attendees with his lecture on the ear's echoic memory. This fascinating concept sparked lively discussion and curiosity during a seminar titled "Music Stylistically," led by moderator Bader Al Hamoud.

The musician explored the profound impact of climate and environment on musical expression, highlighting the stark contrast between the music of coastal areas and that born in mountainous regions. He demonstrated how geography, architecture, and even economic factors shape a community's musical identity and heritage.

Shamma elaborated, "Just as our senses possess memory and require care to maintain their function, music demands a period of maturation, much like the cycle of life.” Some of his compositions have taken years to fully develop before he felt they were ready to be shared. He believes any musical work that resonates with audiences for two decades achieves a kind of timelessness.

He also announced an exciting project to create the first-ever Oud in Saudi Arabia and promote the art of Oud playing, exemplified by establishment of schools that have trained skilled instructors for this traditional instrument.

The seminar also touched upon the therapeutic power of music, drawing attention to its centuries-long tradition in healing practices. Shamma emphasized music's ability to accelerate wound healing by as much as 30%, pointing out that music therapy has now become a recognized field of study with academic degrees.

Shifting his focus to children, Shamma stressed the importance of music in fostering intellectual growth and mitigating the potentially harmful effects of excessive screen time. He noted that music has become a cornerstone of early childhood education in many parts of the world.

Book lovers can visit the Jeddah Book Fair 2024 daily from 11:00 AM to midnight. On Fridays, the fair opens slightly later at 2:00 PM. The Book Fair runs until December 21st.