Enhance Life with Music

A tech-enabled healthcare company is addressing the rising demand for mental health solutions and providing innovative alternatives for patients and providers alike, filling a crucial gap in healthcare at the intersection of art and wellness. Art Pharmacy's CEO, Chris Appleton, unveils the transformative potential of the Arts on Prescription model and the tools it provides all stakeholders. Learn...

Get ready for a delightful addition to our podcast family: Microhance. These bite-sized episodes, lasting 10 minutes or less, will serve as quick musical snacks, offering tips, hacks, resources, and personal anecdotes to inspire you on your own musical journey. To catch every musical gem, make sure to subscribe or follow for free. Each episode will seamlessly land in your podcast feed, ensuring yo...

This latest addition to the acclaimed book series continues the author's trend of making complex musical concepts clear and accessible for all ages. A ward-winning author and educator Carolyn Sloan introduces her newest resource for parents, kids, and teachers: "Welcome to the Opera." We also discuss the other titles in the series; her award-winning education technology platform; how these resourc...

An award-winning band teacher shares how modern band classes can attract students who otherwise would not engage in traditional K-12 music offerings – connecting more students to the holistic benefits of music, and expanding the reach of the music program. We discuss innovative course offerings; creative ways to integrate them into a fixed school schedule; funding sources; and grant application ti...

Ryan Dusick went from being the drummer for the world's hottest rock band, to being forced out of music by physical and mental health challenges. He spent a decade suffering from depression, crippling anxiety, and substance abuse before beginning a journey of recovery. We explore the intersections of music, mental health, and purpose; discuss the pivotal question that reshaped Ryan's future; and s...

Scientific evidence supports the health benefits of the arts and neuroaesthetics. The Arts on Prescription model provides the infrastructure to allow arts activities (such as a concert) to be prescribed by your healthcare provider as part of your wellness plan. At the forefront of this model is Dr. Tasha Golden, who co-authored a groundbreaking guide on this fusion of arts, nature, and healthcare....

The author of "A Composer's Guide to Game Music" explains the nuanced art form of crafting soundscapes that dynamically respond to every player's move. We discuss why gaming music imprints more strongly on our memory than music from other forms of entertainment; opportunities for newcomers to the field; what inspires Winifred Phillips most about the industry; her newest exciting project (access av...

Dive into the intriguing world of musical anhedonia with Dr. Psyche Loui as she unveils the mysteries of why some people simply don't find pleasure in music. Explore the brain's intricate connections, the role of predictions, and discover the captivating stories of those who live without the universal language of melody. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusi...

MedRhythms is a groundbreaking digital therapeutics company that built the world's first prescription music product. This pioneering product uses the neurological capacities of music to improve walking, mobility, and related functional outcomes, especially for those with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and stroke effects. Learn how it is prescribed and administered, and the science behind music's...

Brian Schreck has called the human heartbeat "the most basic, beautiful metronome. It is such a powerful, audible representation of life and of the human experience." Discover how Brian incorporates this "beautiful metronome" into individualized legacy songs that connect the internal world with the external world, offer solace and expression for patients (even those who are nonverbal or in challen...

Renowned clinical musicologist and author Dr. Alice Cash delves into the fascinating world of music medicine, particularly its impact on perioperative care. She explains how carefully curated music allows the power of rhythmic entrainment to significantly reduce anxiety, enhance patient outcomes, and even reduce the need for potentially-addictive medications before, during, and after medical and d...

Whether you are a professional musician or music enthusiast, prepare to meet your new favorite book on the neuroscience of music! We discuss the science of effective practice; the intricate and distinct neurological processes utilized for musical composition, improvisation, practice, and performance; and the profound impact of music on brain development. As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain...

Breaking expert and insider B-Boy London Reyes tells the behind-the-scenes story of breakdancing's history as it evolves from a street art form to an official Olympic sport. We discuss the moment the Olympic-inclusion seed was first planted; the surprising economic impact of hip hop; ho w breaking saves lives; how an American "product" became a global phenomenon; the challenges ahead for the art-s...

The Lotus Centre for Special Music Education is passionate about making the well-documented benefits of music-making accessible to students with exceptionalities. Making music can have profound impacts on mood, motor skills, and overall well-being. The Centre's Institute for Professional Development provides music educators with the skills and tools they need to help students of all abilities reac...

Take an enchanting journey through the world of local music stores, with a trip behind-the-scenes of 5th generation family-owned Schmitt Music. Unveil the treasure trove of musical opportunities awaiting you at your local music store. From access to unique instruments and print music galore, to free concerts and instrument petting zoos, you'll learn how these stores are not just retail spaces but...

Popular productivity guru Erik Fisher describes practical ways to leverage the powerful tool of music for increased efficiency and more intentional living. Elevate your personal and professional life not just by getting more done, but by living fully and accomplishing the goals that make your life meaningful. We present… productivity hacks backed by the magic of music! Links and notes related to t...

Janet Marlow is a fifth-generation musician and sound behaviorist who has conducted groundbreaking scientific research on the profound effects of sound and music on pet anxiety and behavior. Janet's work has led to the creation of clinically proven calming music specifically designed for dogs, cats, horses, and birds. Discover how your pet's sound world differs from yours, and how modifications ca...

Don't miss this captivating conversation on how music and food can enhance our lives in unexpected ways! Jennifer Maxwell, a mother of six, athlete, musician, and food science expert, shares her journey from creating the iconic PowerBar to launching her new Certified Organic energy bar called JAMBAR. With flavors like Jammin' Jazzleberry and Chocolate Cha Cha, JAMBAR combines Jennifer's passions f...

Discover the educational music that is captivating young audiences! Jessa Campbell's upbeat, danceable songs teach science concepts while infusing joy and humor. With her new album Forest Flow, Jessa is changing the trend of children's disconnection with nature. Through catchy tunes and engaging music videos, she inspires families to explore the outdoors, fostering a love for conservation and a he...

Unleash your inner rockstar and transform your fitness routine with POUND! Join us as Kirsten Potenza, the visionary CEO behind this explosive workout, reveals how drumming and movement can ignite your passion for fitness. Get ready to experience the rhythm, release stress, and discover the empowering world of POUND. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.co...

How can performance artists benefit from sports medicine? How are performing artists and athletes similar, and different? How could collaboration between sports medicine and performing arts medicine bring about exponential advances for mutual benefit? We discuss these questions and more in today's episode with Athletes and the Arts. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://m...

Voices of Hope builds choral singing communities in correctional facilities. Its founder and Artistic Director explains music's impact on choir participants (internal and external); its unique ability to transcend limitations; and its role in social justice and justice reform. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/https://mpetersonmusic.com/podc...

How have music careers and options changed as a result of COVID-19, and how should we change how we educate musicians moving forward? How can musicians think outside the "music box" to expand options for rewarding and creative work? Why is our career choice as musicians especially linked to our personal identity? Why do we choose a career in music, given the inherent challenges in the industry? Mu...

Almost all people who stutter sing fluently. Dr. Heather Grossman is a Board-Certified Specialist in Fluency Disorders and Clinic Director of the American Institute for Stuttering (AIS). She explains why we don't stutter when we sing, and how music is used to increase fluency and speech control for those who stutter. We also discuss well-known musicians who stuttered, and resources offered by AIS....

Did you know that music and the arts can measurably change your brain, body, and behavior? Neuroaesthetics (or neuroarts) is the interdisciplinary study of this process, and the translation of this knowledge into practices that enhance health and wellbeing. The arts can be used as preventative medicine, symptom relief for chronic health issues, illness intervention, developmental issues, and psych...