As many of you know, I have worked in a full-service medical – surgical hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. There is not a single area of this hospital (or any hospital) that could not benefit from having music incorporated in some specific well-thought-out way. And I don’t mean just having MUSAK piped in! I believe that […]
Music for National Colorectal Cancer Month
IntroductionColorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. It is equally common in men and women. An estimated 146,970 people will be diagnosed in 2009, and an estimated 49,920 people will die from the disease. With recommended screening, this cancer can be prevented (by removing polyps before they become cancerous) or detected early, when […]
Meet Derek, savant pianist from England
The life of a musical savant is not easy, but it’s certainly fascinating for people who strive to learn about music and the brain and how to help people of all kinds. Derek has profound intellectual disabilities, but absolutely amazing and rare musical abilities. Enjoy this YouTube video of Derek that showcases his phenomenal abilities! […]
Yo-Yo Ma Knows the Healing Power of Music
In 1961, Pablo Casals played for John F. Kennedy at the White House. The concert could be seen as a symbol of the importance of the arts to the Kennedy administration, or as a gesture of honor to a great cellist. But there’s no question, when the concert is re-created next year as part of […]
Using Music to Ease Patient Stress During Surgery
For as long as humans have pounded drums and plucked strings, listening to music has affected people’s sense of well-being, lifting their spirits and — as new research shows — calming their nerves. Literally. According to a study at Cleveland Clinic, music can slow the neuronal firings deep within the brain during surgery designed to […]