The manual reveals the basics of music psychology. The essence and structure of musical abilities and musical-cognitive processes - perception, thinking, imagination - are analyzed. The role of attention, will and emotions in musical activity is highlighted, the psychological characteristics of musical creativity are studied, as well as the psychophysical foundations of the formation of performing technique. An introduction to the basics of music therapy is given. Intended for students of higher and secondary music-performing and music-pedagogical educational institutions.