Enhance Life with Music

Medical doctor and musicologist Patricia Caicedo authored the new book, We Are What We Listen To: The impact of Music on Individual and Social Health. She explains how music can impact our homeostasis or equilibrium, that optimum state of physical and psychological health. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode127 Connect with us: Newslet...

Band directors very often are the ONLY teachers of music many kids will ever have access to. Without them, many of our country's kids would have no musical experience. Get a glimpse of a day-in-the-life of these teachers, why they do what they do, and myths about their vocation. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode126 Connect with us: N...

Nicole Porter directed child therapy in the days following the Sandy Hook School tragedy. The processes and tools developed with the Newtown families inspired her to establish a mental health organization and art therapy trauma response team. We discuss how art and music are used therapeutically for childhood crises, and why children of ALL ages will benefit from Nicole's brand new album that is h...

Music can be strategically used to calm a dog's nervous system, affecting their behavior, longevity, and health. Music can be used to treat and prevent behavior challenges and anxieties – and works symbiotically for those on both ends of the leash! Enhance life – for you and your dog together – with music! Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/e...

The Jerusalem Youth Chorus is a choral and dialogue program for Palestinian and Israeli youth in Jerusalem. Through the co-creation of music and the sharing of stories, young people meet those from "the other side," gain an understanding of the perspectives of one another, and become forces for peace, justice, inclusion, and equality. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https:/...

Universal life skills, like problem-solving, discipline, and creativity, are inherent in the study of music. But how automatic is it for students to transfer these lessons to non-music areas of their lives? This cross-training can be intentionally taught and learned, resulting in elevated musical performance AND greater life success. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://...

Music is a powerful tool for creating an emotional connection between consumers and a product or service. In an audio age of ever-decreasing attention spans and fierce competition, a sonic logo can give a marketing strategy the winning edge – and it's not just for the big brands. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode121 Connect with us:...

As a middle school band teacher, Julie Duty had a passion for creating an inclusive classroom where students of all abilities and disabilities learned together. She also experienced firsthand the lack of training, support, and resources available to teachers wanting to make this happen. She created a solution, United Sound, which utilizes peer mentors to create student led music clubs within schoo...

Most adults wish they could play a musical instrument, and want to give that gift to their children. The most important component – more important than the instrument itself – is the music TEACHER! But how do you find a teacher who will be a great fit for your child and situation, so that the experience is a positive one with the results you're looking for? Learn the most important question to ask...

It has become cliché to talk about the power of music to change the world. Today's episode is a case study of someone whose music really has changed the world, and that is Bob Dylan. How did Dylan's music change the world? And what did his hometown have to do with it? Bob Dylan was born in 1941, so 2021 is his 80 th year, so this seems a very appropriate topic for our closing episode of 2021. Link...

The Twin Cities is the unofficial capital of Norwegian America, and our own Dr. Melissa Holm-Johansen, native of Halden, Norway, highlights the unique role music plays in Norwegian culture. We discuss what she misses most about Norway's music traditions, what sets it apart from the music of other cultures, and the aspects of everyday life that it permeates. Links and notes related to this episode...

Get the creative gifting wheels turning with specific ideas on gifting music to others – or yourself – this Christmas or for any occasion. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode116 Connect with us: Newsletter: https://mpetersonmusic.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnhanceLifeMusic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enh...

At Enhance Life with Music AND at Arts for the Health of It, we are passionate about the power of music & arts to enhance healing & wellbeing. Today we join forces on this crossover episode, weaving our two worlds together to create something for our listeners that is greater than the sum of the parts. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episo...

Music can profoundly impact our experience of a movie's story. How and when does this soundtrack come together? Composer Garrett Hope takes us behind the scenes of the film scoring process. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode114 Connect with us: Newsletter: https://mpetersonmusic.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Enhance...

The question I've been asked the most in 30 years of teaching piano lessons is, "When is the best age to begin lessons?" In answering this question today, we'll discuss the five Signs of Readiness to gauge in young children, as well as some guidelines for older beginners. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode113 Connect with us: Newslett...

To a large extent, we get to choose our sonic experiences. Dr. Kraus' new book explains what those choices mean for our brain and the interpersonal communication that is so critical to our human experience. Why is music the "jackpot" of the "sound mind," giving musicians improved sound processing into old age – even if they haven't played since childhood? Links and notes related to this episode ca...

Piano Maestro by JoyTunes is the one subscription I DO encourage my students' parents to use because it is so effective, motivating, and fun! JoyTunes Music Education Specialist Becki Laurent explains her favorite features, how the app came to be, and tips for teachers and students alike. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode111 Connect...

The form that the "album" has taken has evolved over the decades: we've had vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs, digital downloads. Through all these iterations, one constant has been the cover art. Even on our digital downloads and streams, we still get to view the cover art on our device when a song is playing. Today's episode is going to solve one of the mysteries of the universe – Why are some...

Music and food are two things that everyone loves, and that consistently bring people together! Thoughtful music playlists can enhance the dinner party experience for everyone involved, from prep to party to cleanup. Ambassador of Entertaining Arlene Coco discusses playlist selections, her go-to party musicians, and trends in the food world. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at...

Music therapy and technology collide to increase therapeutic results, increase student engagement, and streamline data reporting in the special education setting! An innovative, completely accessible program incorporates music with motion capture software to address IEP (Individualized Education Program) objectives, including academic, social-emotional, and physical skills. Links and notes related...

Emotions sell, and music is the sound of emotions. How and why does background music have an especially strong influence on what we buy and how much we're willing to pay? And why is audio branding a growing, research-backed business trend? Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode107 Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Enhanc...

As adults, we know what a gift music is, especially the gift of being able to create our own music and express ourselves in this way. And we want that for our kids. But there's this thing called "practicing" the musical instrument. And kids don't always want to do this! Co-authors of How to Talk When Kids Won't Listen, Joanna Faber & Julie King answer the question: How should teachers and parents...

Based on market trends, your best new hire is highly likely to be a musician. We discuss the core creative and soft skills musicians bring to the marketplace; when and why musicians should consider a pivot to business; and how to find a job that will help you actualize a sustainable lifestyle, work-life balance, AND your artistic goals. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https...

What are small, enjoyable changes you can make NOW that will reduce your Alzheimer's risk and increase your quality-of-life odds decades down the road? Author Kenneth Kosik, MD, explains what music has to do with Outsmarting Alzheimer's: What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode104 Connect with us: Vote f...

If music is so powerful, can it also cause harm? We discuss music-induced harm (MIH – yes, it's a thing!) with music therapist, psychologist, and researcher Brea Murakami. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode103 Connect with us: Vote for us in The People's Choice Podcast Award! https://www.podcastawards.com/ (scroll to Music Category) F...