Music's Healing Power
By KAREN MATTHEWS, Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK — Noted neurologist Oliver Sacks has found common ground with the pastor of Harlem's Abyssinian Baptist Church: Both men believe in the healing power of music.
Sacks, the best-selling author of "Awakenings" and "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat," shared the church stage Saturday with the famed gospel choir as part of the inaugural World Science Festival, a five-day celebration of science taking place in New York this week.
"It should be an exciting and unusual event," Sacks said in an interview this week. "I will talk about the therapeutic and beneficent power of music as a physician, and then their wonderful choir will perform. ... And the audience will make what they can of it."
Sacks' most recent book is "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain," which examines the relationship between music and the brain, including its healing effect on people suffering from such diseases as Tourette's syndrome, Parkinson's, autism and Alzheimer's.
"Even with advanced dementia, when powers of memory and language are lost, people will respond to music," he said.
A Baptist church is an unusual venue for Sacks, a professor of clinical neurology and clinical psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center who was brought up Jewish but is not a religious believer.
But the central role of music in church makes Abyssinian a good place to discuss the myriad ways that music affects the human brain, said Sacks, who was played by Robin Williams in the movie version of "Awakenings."
Abyssinian's pastor, the Rev. Calvin O. Butts III, said the choir is looking forward to performing with Sacks. He noted that music plays a central role in the healing power of prayer.
"What we have been studying ... is that when you pray, there's actually a physiological change in the body," he said. "Music is very much a part of this. There are certain notes that generate in the human body a kind of peacefulness."
Abyssinian was founded by Ethiopian sea traders in 1808 and is celebrating its bicentennial. It is a popular destination for European tourists, who line up around the block in Harlem for Sunday services.
The event there is one of two Sacks is participating in during the World Science Festival. The other focuses on vision and the brain.
The festival was conceived by Columbia University physicist Brian Greene and his wife, Tracy Day, a broadcast journalist.
"Our intent is to help shift the public perception of science, so that people realize that science is as important as art, literature, film, theater," Greene said.
Panelists include Nobel laureates, as well as actors, dancers, philosophers and science journalists.
Greene said he hopes the festival will spread to other cities.
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Anyone who knows the music of André Rieu, knows the above to be true. Music can Soothe, Music can Cure. Let's chat about this on the Blog. If you have stories of the healing powers of music you can share them with us!
Categories: Special Entry,Articles-Interviews
I started listening to André's beautiful music every day after I attended my first concert last December. I have been on medication for high blood pressure for several years and, while the medication keeps it in the normal range, it is always "high normal" at my 6-month checkups. When I had my routine checkup in April, my doctor asked me what I had been doing to lower my blood pressure...it was lower than it had been in years. I told him the only thing I had been doing differently was listening to beautiful music every day for the last 5 months. He said whatever I was listening to, keep listening...that music does indeed have healing qualities. I've always heard that music affects the brain development of infants and young children. Maybe that's why André is such a genius!
The healing power of music is better than any pill you can ever take. "Musicophilia," by Oliver Sacks, is an incredible walk through the many illnesses people have developed, and how music therapy healed them. One case study involved a girl who developed seizures after hearing a certain type of music. She was healed by another type of music. (I am giving you the really simplistic bottom line version-- you must read the book and you will be amazed!)
I have had major shifts in my thinking and emotions, after 1 Andre Rieu concert. I seemed to "wake up" after the concert. All things came together. I already have a Master's in Psychology, but today, got news that I could get into a School Counselling Masters Program. This will enable me to get a job so I can work in the schools and be home for my son. My god given gift is to encourage. Recently, within the last year, I went back to school to explore my passion:Music.
I was toying with the idea of being a choral teacher. Instead, I found out who I really am. I am a healer, and someday, may use both to do what Andre does. I have been looking for an answer to my prayer about what to do with my life. The music of Andre Rieu and JSO is a part of what my new direction has become!
The way Andre communicates his love of music, and the way that he plays the violin all represent a certain approach that truly does heal. Just read these blogs and you will know how people feel.
It doesn't matter how you got here, but that you did get here.
Regards to all,
Carol
While in the hospital for the past 3 months, I would (or my therapist would) put one of Andre's CDs on and it would lull me to a peaceful slumber.
I felt I had a deeper more restful sleep while music was playing.
As a gift, I gave the therapy center two of Andre's CDs, so others might enjoy the same healing music.
I believe in the healing power of music very highly. I probally wrote on this blog when I first started, that due to an accident of a double hung door falling full force on the top of my head, I suffered a severe concussion, which till this day effects my neck/spine/walking, plus TMJ. I was on so many pain pills, I felt like a junkie in need of an intervention. When Andre's music came into my life, I slowly with the surprise of my various pain feeding physicians were surprised when I rejected refills on those strong pain medications. I still have my bad days, but with the music therapy, I honestly can tell you the pain seems to abate the system. Andre is with me 24/7, and his music is a miracle to me.
End of my story, other wise I would use up those 3000 words allowed. Thank you Andre for coming into my life. xoxo hugs
The healing power of music is so true. When I was caring for my husband for five years I played music (no words, just beautiful music) for him whenever he was in the room, or resting and sleeping. With the dementia he had, he was very much "up" and sometimes very hard to handle. The music always seemed to calm him and I know that it helped in every way. Even when he was in the hospital, I had beautiful music playing every minute. I know in my heart, even then, that it was calming and good for him.
Now, with me, when I get stressed (often), when I'm driving, at home, when I go to sleep at night, I play André. I wish that I had André's music when my husband was alive, I know it would have done a world of good for him too.
I used to play other music before I knew of André, but now, it's like I've advanced. Not that the other music is not still beautiful, but André seems to totally relax me like no other music has been able to do. I sigh, a happy sigh, when I hear it.
I was trying to think of why André's music is "advanced" (right word?) in my mind. I had no explanation coming to me until I changed the calendar this morning, and this is what was written on there:
"One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains it's original dimensions."I thought that was a perfect explanation for trying to explain the why of André's music being my choice over all other music that I listen to.
Pets Enjoy Healing Power of Music
The healing power of music has long been established in people. Now a handful of harpists throughout the country are harnessing that power for animals.
Alianna Boone is one of those musicians.
“The structure of the harp is considered to be the most healing instruments next to human voice,” said Boone, an Oregonian who plays for ill family pets and produced a CD "Harp Music to Soothe the Savage Beast."
While anecdotal reports abound, Boone conducted one of the few studies on harp music’s effect on animals. In 2000, she performed for recently hospitalized canines at a Florida veterinary clinic. The hour-long sessions immediately began to lower heart rate, anxiety, and respiration in many cases, she said.
Cow control
Dogs aren’t the only animals benefiting from the good vibrations.
Cassie, a black and white cow, lives at the Maple Farm Sanctuary in Mendon, Mass., with about 80 other unwanted livestock. She arrived there last year after jumping a 7-foot-high fence to escape from a slaughter house, said volunteer Tracie Russell.
Even though the cow is now living the good life, it has demonstrated anxiety-related behavior issues.
On a recent morning, for example, Russell walked into the barn to find the 1,500 pound Holstein snorting and stomping.
“I was little bit afraid for my safety, I have to say, for the first time,” said Russell.
She’s not sure what upset Cassie but decided to try calming her by playing a CD of harp songs.
Within 20 minutes, Russell said, the bovine dozed off.
Rave gorilla reviews
At the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, a gorilla group appreciated Sue Raimond’s live harp performance a few years ago. The youngest member, named Little Joe, even blew her a kiss before falling asleep.
Both wild and domestic animals can benefit from music therapy but not all of them respond to it.
“It’s not a magic bullet,” cautions Diane Schneider, who produced "Harp of Hope: Animal Therapy Edition," the music that lulled Cassie. “But for animals for which it works, it works incredibly well.”
Schneider trained at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. Later, as a pastoral theologian and hospital chaplain, she began to use the harp with hospitalized human patients. "I use certain harp vibrations to resonate with, or entrain, a patient's own cellular rhythms to help release tense muscle tissue, calm anxiety, improve digestion, induce restful sleep, increase endorphins for pain management — to aid the body's own efforts to heal itself," Schneider said.
The same holds true for animals, she said.
Animal CD
"Harp of Hope," a collection of 17 songs, was originally recorded for people but Schneider decided to release an animal edition last year after owners reported it helped their arthritic dogs fall asleep and calmed their agitated cats.
Veterinary hospitals also acknowledged the CD's success in soothing nervous pets — and their owners. .
She said every detail of the instrumentals — the tempos, rhythms, keys, note intervals, chord structures and plucking techniques — are carefully arranged to promote progressive peace and relaxation.
Animals usually begin to relax after listening for just a few minutes.
Schneider recommends playing the music on an as-needed basis or before a stressful situation, such as a veterinary or grooming appointment.
“I’m hopeful that there will be a great increase in the use of this benevolent therapy,” said Schneider. “It is a very cost-effective, beneficial, soothing, calming intervention for animals and the people who love animals.”
WHAT THAT ARTICLE SAYS ABOUT MUSIC IS TRUE.IT HELPED ME THROUGH A VERY ROUGH TIME AND NOW IT IS HELPING ME THROUGH ANOTHER ROUGH TIME(MY FRIENDS DEATH AND I HAVE BEEN VERY SICK LATELY.)IT HAS HEALING POWERS THAT ONLY PEOPLE WHO LOVE MUSIC AND ANDRERIEU FANS UNDERSTAND .FOR INSTANCE WHEN SUZAN SINGS "SLUMBER MY DARLING" I FALL ASLEEP WITHOUT TAKING ANY OF MY PAIN MEDICINE OR WHEN CARLA AND CARMEN SING "THE EVENING PRAYER" FROM HANSEL AND GRETAL IT HAS THE SAME AFFECT ON ME .IT ALSO HELPS ME WITH MY BLOOD PRESSURE PROBLEM BECAUSE MY PAIN TOLLERANCE IS NOT THAT GOOD .PLEASE SHOW THIS TO ANDRE OR ANY OF THE CREW .CONSTANCE OX
Can anyone please give me the full name of a young blond boy who was introduced by Andre years ago with the name, I vaguely remember, Michael... And is obtaining a video of that concert available anywhere? My 85-year-old mother is asking if I can find that for her.
P.S. Please and thank you.
What a wonderful subject. I think you could ask any musical therapist about the benefits of music, not only the body, but the mind as well.And the kind of music is very important too. I find Andre's music to be a very positive influence. It can calm, it can energize. I wish I had known of Andre when I was going through some difficult physical problems. But even then I knew of the benefits of music for a positive attitude, it can lower your blood pressure, calm a racing heartbeat before surgery, soothe your pain after.I like Andre's music because I know what I can expect from it, not always so on a radio or someone else's choice of music.
I was reading a story about the effects of music on the elderly in nursing homes. One man & his wife would go play songs for them, on a weekly schedule. There was one little German lady who never seemed to get much out of it till one time they played The Blue Danube. Soon she began to come alive and moved closer to the piano & began to sing. Her health & mental attitude soon changed for the better. I have one friend who grows the most beautiful garden. I once asked her what her secret was, how did she get such beautiful flowers. She said she sang to them! So, I guess the power of music does have healing qualities, much of which we are just now learning about.
I agree Shirley. Music can do wonderful things to mind and body. Andre speaks of this in his new concerts. The only cute thing he said was he heard of a lady whose cat was spayed and after hearing his music had kittens. But the other things he said were believable as far as how music can almost work miracles. I know my mood changes the minute I play Andre's music. If I am down I put a CD on or a DVD and I feel better. I love to read about people who get so much pleasure out of his music and how they get through their day that is full of either pain or other problems. Music is a miracle as far as I am concerned. I bet that Andre could write a book on all the mail that he gets that refer to testaments of healing and attitude changes from his music. He could call it The Miracle of Music. But I know he is much to busy to write a book. Shirley I guess you have known about Andre since about 1997(?) is that correct. I wish I had known him sooner but all I can say is he came along when I needed his music the most and that is right now. I have a terrible time with location adjustment and I don't think that will ever change but what has changed is what I turn to (besides God of course) and that is Andre and his music and concerts that I can get to. I become a person who is happy as a child when I am in front of that stage. It is just too bad that is not more often but you do what you can and what you can afford to do and I am grateful for that. I love to hear about others saying the same thing. Hugs to all
Well, Jeanine Ann, you've made me smile again! No, I have not known Andre since 1997. I only heard of him in 2003, when we caught his Live In Dublin on PBS. I was so enchanted I called a young friend of mine(she's my daughter's friend, but like a 2nd daughter to us) Kim. I told her all about the concert I'd watched and to my surprise she said she knew of him & had a couple of videoes she'd taped from TV, earlier ones. I watched them and was amazed I'd not heard of him before. The next day I went looking, in town, for some of his dvds. No luck, I was so disappointed. I called Kim the next day and she said, well, he's gotta have a website. So off I go, on my trip to hunt down Andre. And finally, there he was, the bright red homepage. well I scoured it from cover to cover, finally hit the boutique & saw the book, My Music, My Life. Well, that's the first thing I ordered, I had to find out more about this man and his music! There was a guestbook where you could leave a message and I did. at that time our e-mail address showed, and before long I heard from Maggie, who lives just a few miles north of me. I think she said it was nice to know there was another one of us nearby, or something like that. I e-mailed her and we got around to meeting. I think it was 2004 when she asked if I was going to the concert and I said who's concert? She said Andre's concert. Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather! Gosh, I never ever dreamed he would be coming here!, and in fact had already been here before. I had been living under a rock!!! I couldn't go that year but made up my mind that the next time he came I would go, no matter where. Anyway, the rest is history. What I really know about Andre, I learned, after the book, was all from other fans, others who had known him much longer than I. I bombarded Maggie with many questions that first year, which she graciously answered. So she was the first fan I met. And I have only been to 4 concerts, so I am very low on the totem pole as far as fans go.
Oh Shirley, didn't you have your photo taken with Andre? Please tell me that is true or I am thinking of someone else : ) I don't know what made me think you knew him for a long time.
Oh Shirley you are not low on the totem pole as a fan. I believe fans are not measured by the number of concerts they see but on their loyalty to the person they love. Hugs
Yes, I had my photo taken with Andre, at my first meet& greet, but the picture did not really come out so good, we were too close to get a really good shot, and I had on my "wash and go" hair. with a new perm & no time to style, I looked like little orphan Annie! Of course Andre looked great, as usual and he was sooo nice.
Ok Shirley, I do have the right Shirley. I thought you looked nice in that picture. I just thought it was longer ago. Hugs to you and goodnight!