Music and Mind

February 26, 2024
Singer Fleming (The Inner Singer) gathers essays that probe the “powerful health benefits of music and the arts” in this stimulating anthology. Among the multidisciplinary slate of contributors featured are singer-songwriter Ben Folds, who explains in “Our Symphony Orchestra” that live music spurs communal connection, vividly describing how he performed at a concert in the weeks following 9/11 in which the audience’s “grief silently reverberated around the room”; Christopher Bailey, the arts and health lead of the World Health Organization, who became blind in midlife and details in “Sounding Joy” how sight loss spurs the production of “new neural pathways to the auditory center use sound to create an aural landscape”; and Michael H. Thaut, a professor of music at the Institute of Medical Sciences’ Rehabilitation Science Institute, who outlines in “Coda and Crescendo” how music therapy can retrain “cognitive, motor, and speech and language functions via shared brain systems, altered connectivity, and enhanced plasticity.” Taken together, the essays reflect a “human-centric” model of care that smoothly integrates traditional scientific research and intuitive notions of integrative health. The result is an expansive and thought-provoking look at the dynamic intersection between art and science.

February 15, 2024
A collection of essays about the health benefits of music and the arts. Editor Fleming, an acclaimed soprano and arts/health advocate, introduces readers to current research and practices related to the healing power of the arts. Among the contributors are scientists from leading research facilities, practitioners, educators, and musicians and writers, including Richard Powers, Ann Patchett, Rosanne Cash, Zakir Hussain, and Yo-Yo Ma, who share their personal experiences. Many readers are aware of the power of music to reduce stress. However, there is an interesting misconception that classical music is superior to other genres when it comes to relaxation. While calm music is "often associated with relaxation, a wide variety of music styles and ways of engaging with music can promote stress relief," writes Joke Bradt, a board-certified music therapist. While studies show that introducing music to children at an early age improves cognitive and brain development, as well as language skills, some school districts are still apprehensive about implementing music programs. Indre Viskontas, director of the Creative Brain Lab at the University of San Francisco, clearly demonstrates why they shouldn't be hesitant: "Instead of taking time and resources away from the core curriculum, music programs in schools motivate kids to attend, and drive up graduation rates, GPAs, and good behavior." The contributors also provide concrete evidence to support the ways music therapy and art-based interventions can assist patients with dementia and other debilitating conditions, including Alzheimer's, PTSD, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, as well as depression and loneliness. While some of the topics repeat across the essays, they are no less compelling, and most of the pieces complement each other. Francis S. Collins, the former head of the Human Genome Project, provides the foreword. A must-read for anyone who questions the health benefits of music.

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April 15, 2024
Art and science, both reliant on creativity, are powerful lenses through which to comprehend the world. This anthology, edited by renowned singer Fleming, celebrates the convergence of those two domains. The eclectic ensemble of contributors includes scientists (Francis Collins), therapists, musicians (Yo-Yo Ma), physicians, writers (Richard Powers, Ann Patchett), and researchers. Music affects the human brain in wide-ranging ways and can enhance well-being too. But exactly why are people so robustly attracted to music and react so dramatically to rhythm? Various chapters focus on neuroscience, music therapy (for chronic pain, stress, or dementia), group singing, child development, dance for patients with Parkinson's disease, music in schools, and mysticism. Current research on how music promotes health is featured. The book attains a high note with its incorporation of emotionally moving memoir. Music can energize, inspire, and calm us, yet healing us might turn out to be its greatest gift. Whether readers' tastes trend toward beautifully organized sound, comforting random background noise, or even ear-wrecking hard rock, chances are this vibrant tome will resonate.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 29, 2024

In this book, renowned soprano and arts/health advocate Fleming (coleader, Sound Health partnership) collaborates with more than 50 scholars, scientists, musicians, writers, and visual artists to showcase how much of an impact music can have on the human organism. Each chapter is written by a different individual or group of researchers. With academic or anecdotal information, they explain how the arts and health are connected, and they argue that music, a fundamental part of the human experience, can be utilized to enhance models of health and promote greater well-being. Contributors include Yo-Yo Ma, Ann Patchett, Anna Deavere Smith, and many others. The title demonstrates how music can be used in clinical settings, and it highlights how music and health are already positively impacting communities, schools, and therapy sessions. The book looks ahead and presents ideas and ways to utilize music for health benefits. Well-researched and compelling, this book offers a variety of views and ideas. VERDICT For music lovers and readers who want better health and well-being.--Mason Bennett

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