Enhance Life with Music

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...

A significant life skill is the development of healthy strategies to process and regulate emotions. Music therapist and award-winning singer/songwriter Stephanie Leavell explains the super-powers of music to teach these skills in a fun way to kids (and their adults). Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode152 Connect with us: Newsletter: h...

If there is a musical activity whose health benefits I tend to hear and read the most about, it is singing. What makes singing so special, and what impact does it have on our physical, mental, and spiritual health? Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode151 Connect with us: Newsletter: https://mpetersonmusic.com/subscribe Facebook: https:/...

There are multiple ways music can be used to reduce pain perception, manage chronic pain, and function as a healthy coping mechanism for those experiencing long-term or chronic pain. The music techniques may be used alongside pain medication, to reduce reliance on pain meds, or sometimes in place of medication. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podc...

Imagine your next corporate event being so engaging, fun, memorable, and bonding that your audience can't stop talking about it! Rock star Ciaran Gribbin draws on the innate connectivity and power of music to "entwine your event theme, audience and a bunch of real rockstars into a melting pot of interactivity, laughter, creativity and positive results." Links and notes related to this episode can...

Eating disorders are complex, involving both physical and mental layers. Dr. Annie Heiderscheit explains why music therapy is especially effective in treating and healing eating disorders. Music is a portal that provides access – for the therapist and the patient – to feelings, perceptions, and perspectives; and is a vehicle for communication and integrating change. Links and notes related to this...

How healthy is music (and arts) education in the US? Music advocacy legend Bob Morrison shares the history of US advocacy efforts; his assessment of where we are now; what gives him the most hope; and our biggest challenge. He explains what advocacy means to him – and a "tell" for when it's being done most effectively. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic....

We are seeing a crisis of mental health and wellbeing in our youth and student athletes. In this episode, we discuss music's value in improving the health and wellbeing of our adolescents; special applications for our young athletes; and why Dr. Gene Beresin says music "hits the spot" as an effective tool for students' mental wellbeing toolkit. Links and notes related to this episode can be found...

VH1 and their Divas Live concerts laid the foundation for today's Save the Music Foundation, which invests in school music programs, provides support for teachers and administrators, and advocates for music education. We discuss the resources offered, trends in music education, and how to get involved in this innovative non-profit. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mp...

Learn more about what NAfME is, the resources it offers, and how to collaborate as part of the greater "Music Education Nation" to advance the benefits of music for all. NAfME President Scott Sheehan shares his vision for his presidency and lessons learned from the pandemic. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode144 Connect with us: Newsl...

Tim Ringgold has said that "our modern society is a breeding ground for addiction." When we're stressed, our brains look for soothing in the form of a substance or behavior, which can take many forms, including drugs, technology, food, work, and alcohol. We discuss why music is a powerful, efficient, and effective tool for treating and healing addictions. Tim combines neuroscience, music therapy r...

What does ASCAP stand for, what does it do, and what does Board of Directors member Alex Shapiro wish more laypeople and musicians knew about it? We discuss what sets ASCAP apart from other performing rights organizations, and benefits including a Wellness Program, music production bootcamp, and improving your confidence as a music creator. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at h...

Music Health's new music app, Vera, utilizes individualized playlists to stimulate activity in different parts of the brain of those with dementia. This application of music has been shown to enhance lucidity, physical movement, mood, quality of life, and communication; as well as reduce depression, anxiety, stress, agitation, confusion, and pain. We discuss the science behind these developments,...