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

I discovered that people do not know about my first book, an outgrowth of the research I did for my graduate thesis. The book is titled: "Toward The Zen Of Performance: Music Improvisation Therapy For The Development of Self-Confidence In The Performer" It came out in 1999, published by then MMB Music, which has recently sold the rights to Music Is Elementary, now selling this book. You can view the material on Amazon, but order it from Music Is Elementary (google them), by title and auth… Continue

http://www.miller-mccune.com/science_environment/the-musician-s-brain-227

Oct. 30, 2009 8am-6:30
Lincoln Center
Stanley H Kaplan Penthouse
65th Street and Amsterdam Ave NYC
www.ccfcme.org/MusicBrain09

Scientific American Mind - September 22, 2009

Why Are We Annoyed by the Sound of Nails on a Chalkboard?
Neuroscientist Josh McDermott of New York University explains
By The Editors

Physiologically, why is the sound of fingernails on a blackboard so unnerving? Is this effect particular to human beings, or are other creatures similarly affected?
—Rowan Snyder, via e-mail

Neuroscientist Josh McDermott of New York University explains:

Probably a couple of factors combine to make su… Continue

This is a very close friends current project. It is an interesting though exceptionally abstract concept. Please feel free to comment.

http://www.vimeo.com/5714470