I just finished reading a great book by Prof. Jonathan Pieslak called "Sound Targets: American Soldiers and Music in the Iraq War." If you work with veterans I strongly recommend this book. The book as well as my experiences working with veterans with PTSD and TBI had me raise questions about the use of music for relaxation with current veterans. Here is my random blog....I not used to writing blogs so here it is and sorry for grammar.


Digital media has changed the way soldiers have integrated… Continue

http://www.wnyc.org/shows/soundcheck/episodes/2010/01/08

Last week, while I was in Boston, I connected with a dynamite fellow -- composer and techie -- who teaches and researches at MIT. His name is Tod Machover. If you've never heard of him, it's time to get in touch!

Years back, I went to see his piece called Brain Opera -- talk about stimulating the brain and the major impact of music -- it was wonderful. It was presented at Lincoln Center in New York. So, being in Boston, I felt the absolute need to meet him, talk to him, and lots more. As it tur… Continue

http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg

It's worth checking this video out. You'll cry, and you'll know why we're in the music profession!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704538404574540163096944766.html

Music Improves Brain Function By Phillip F. Schewe, Inside Science News Service

WASHINGTON (ISNS) -- For most people music is an enjoyable, although momentary, form of entertainment. But for those who seriously practiced a musical instrument when they were young, perhaps when they played in a school orchestra or even a rock band, the musical experience can be something more. Recent research shows that a strong correlation exists between musical training for children and certain other men… Continue

Here is a very interesting short note about the phenomenon of "synesthesia". In working with many Autism characteristics, I often am convinced that much of the stereotypical behavior characteristics stem from a synesthetic processing of sound and light. Since so many Autistic-diagnosed people are non-verbal, they cannot relate to us what is going on..... but if one carefully observes, one can often assume that something in addition to acoustic and visual processing is taking place. In addition,… Continue

Say What?! Musicians Hear Better
by Jon Hamilton

Listen Now


The study tested classically trained violinists and pianists, and found that their brains were much better adapted to discern subtle pitch and tonal differences in sound.

iStockphoto.comThe study tested classically trained violinists and pianists, and found that their brains were much better adapted to discern subtle pitch and tonal differences in sound.
For Pianist, Music Unleashes Rainbows Of Color
October 19, 2009 -… Continue

Check out:

http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/static/flash/embeddedPlayer/swf/otvEmLoader.swf?version=&station=wabc&section=&mediaId=7052830&cdnRoot=http://cdn.abclocal.go.com&webRoot=http://abclocal.go.com&site=">

a recent ABCNews clip about music, memory, and Connie Tomaino's program at Beth Abraham hospital. You can copy and paste this link.... didn't know how to download the actual video to this site. If you get it, maybe you can download it.

Mayo Clinic study defines creativity, concludes 'we don't have to be a genius to be creative'

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Creativity. It's not the purview of only those icons such as Van Gogh, Hemingway or Yo-Yo Ma. In fact, a Mayo Clinic study finds that despite great qualitative and quantitative differences among people, the human brain functions pretty much the same when it comes to creativity — from the least to the most creative among us.

"The good news is that you don't have to be a geniu… Continue