Enhance Life with Music

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,...

Whether we realize it or not, intervals inform our perception of the everyday sounds of our lives. It is an interval that makes our national anthem unique, lets you know you're in trouble with your mother, and gets your attention through a train whistle or siren. And then there's that interval that was banned during the Renaissance… Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://m...

Dalcroze education has been around for over 100 years, and its principles are experiencing a resurgence in interest and application outside of the music education arena (including therapeutic uses for the aging). We discuss what this holistic learning method IS, why it began, and its innovative uses today. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/e...

Learn how schools are organically integrating STEAM education while differentiating their innovative offerings… and within their budget parameters. We discuss the benefits of bringing music production & songwriting into the classroom; why it's such a hit with students, parents, and teachers alike; and resources to get started in your school. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at...

Our very first social interactions are musical, and the singing of lullabies to babies is universal across cultures. We discuss the common elements of lullabies, benefits of live-sung lullabies to both baby and caregiver, and just how long those benefits extend. Bonus: We answer the age-old mystery of why the most enduring lullabies have such dark lyrics (think rock-a-bye baby)! Links and notes re...

Implementing the arts in healthcare allows patients to heal holistically: body, mind, and soul. Healthcare institutions are increasingly embracing design, visual arts, and performing arts strategies to improve the patient experience, mitigate staff burnout, and increase financial efficiencies. We discuss the state of the field of arts in health, and recent efforts to equip and professionalize the...

Music is a powerful tool to unlock memories. Games provide an opportunity to disconnect from work and reconnect with the people in our lives. Song Saga gamifies storytelling and listening to music in a way that fosters real human connection. Get ready to learn new things about your friends and discover new music every time you play! Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://m...

"The pioneers carried only the clothes on their backs and the bare necessities in their wagons, yet they experienced a rich musical life in the wilderness… Each group wove their own thread of music into the colorful and diverse musical tapestry of the American West." So begins Laura Dean's historical account of the integral role music played in the Westward Expansion. Her new book explores the dip...

There are generations of kids who first became familiar with classical music through cartoons. What were considered the "golden years" of cartoon music, and why was classical music heavily used in cartoons during this time? How has classical music's role in cartoons changed throughout the decades? Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode133...

What exactly IS a recording studio engineer, and what do they do? We discuss the "golden era" of sound engineering (1955-1975), the dual roles engineers played during this time, how the role has changed in recent decades, and why today's engineers have a renewed interest in the processes of that era. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode...

Are people who study a musical instrument better able to process and learn foreign languages? What similarities underlie speech and music? Bonus: Discover a fun and simple test to measure a person's adeptness at learning a foreign language! Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode131 Connect with us: Newsletter: https://mpetersonmusic.com/s...

We discuss this new model that combines elements from music therapy and psychotherapy; the act of bravery and recorded session that captured my attention; and resources for learning more. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode130 Connect with us: Newsletter: https://mpetersonmusic.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnhanceLi...

Musicians Without Borders brings music's power for peacebuilding and social change to people and places affected by war, armed conflict, and displacement. Its founder, Laura Hassler, says, "Music is the ultimate expression of human connectivity." Hear powerful personal stories of music literally opening borders! Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/pod...

The research space at the intersection of music and mental wellness is a new and rapidly growing frontier. We discuss ways to utilize music to move one step closer, from wherever one may be, to a state of greater joy and thriving mental health. Join us for personal stories, topic trends, and resources for some spring cleaning of the brain! Links and notes related to this episode can be found at ht...