ARTICLES & RESOURCES
Read about the connection between music and wellness and learn about the different ways you can use sound to improve your well-being.
Volume IX - June 24, 2020
Raising Relief Funds Through Music
Music for Medicine - Bay Area student Aayush Pagaria has been performing covers in English, Spanish, and Hindi to raise funds for COVID-19 relief online.
'I'm Standing With You' - Diane Warren has released a new arrangement and music video for her latest Oscar-nominated song featuring musicians from around the world to benefit COVID-19 relief efforts lead by the United Nations.
Memphis Music Initiative - This local organization in Memphis has raised and distributed over $85,000 in funds for relief efforts for youths during COVID-19, facilitating online learning through the purchase of laptops, music production through the purchase of recording gear, and more.
Honoring Healthcare Workers A group of musicians in Minnesota performed “Lionheart’s Call” in an ode to the frontline healthcare workers across the globe.
Music & Wellness
Music Therapy - Indian singer songwriter Vasundhara Das discusses the value of rhythmic exercises in music therapy as well as the power of voice.
VOLUME VIII - JUNE 15, 2020
Honoring Frontline Workers
#ImStandingWithYou - Composer Sharon Farber’s music project to honor COVID-19 workers has grown into an enormous global initiative. The project features Houston musicians that are also healthcare professionals and has raised over $5 million for the United Nations in less than one month.
The Birthplace of Country Music - The museum in Bristol, VA near the Tennessee border will offer healthcare professionals free admission as a thank you for their efforts working on the frontline against COVID-19.
Music & Health
The Impact of Music on Health - An interesting synopsis of some of the physical and psychological benefits of music listening, from improved recovery in stroke patients to increased vocabulary & intelligence.
Music & Memory - A heartwarming and interesting look at the practical implications of the connection between music and memory as it relates to Alzheimer’s patients.
Making Music During COVID-19
COVID Compilation - The music industry has responded to the current circumstances in a variety of interesting ways as artists adapt to performing and creating music in isolation. Keith Sonin’s “518 Covid Quarantine Compilation” features a variety of music written and recorded during the pandemic to benefit Direct Relief.
Music Software Market Booming - Research shows that the lockdown measures imposed due to COVID-19 have inspired many people to create and produce their own music, causing a boom in sales for instruments, equipment, and digital production software.
VOLUME VII - JUNE 8, 2020
Music, Education & Public Health
Using Rap To Prevent Caronavirus - Healthcare professionals Dr. John and Elizabeth Clarke have found a novel way to inform citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic, which they have coined “Health-Hop.” These informative raps have resonated with patients of all ages and provide a heart-warming example of the intersection of public health, music, and education.
Music Therapy - Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, NY relies on the immense power of music therapy for both patients and staff during the pandemic.
Music & Health Research
Music and Mind - Grammy-winning soprano Renée Fleming has hosted a recent webinar series on the intersection of music, health, and neuroscience sponsored by the Renée Fleming Foundation, the NIH, and The Kennedy Center.
Music Soothes Hearts - Recent research into the effect of music on heart rhythms may lead to drug-free remedies for heart-related issues, high blood pressure, arrhythmia and more.
Classical Music & Mental Health
Healing Sounds - The Philadelphia Orchestra will stream live performances directly to patient rooms in Penn Medicine hospitals in Pennsylvania to enhance mental well-being during this period isolation.
Classical Music For Mental Health - A look at a recent study into the positive mental health benefits of listening to classical music in isolation.
VOLUME VI - JUNE 1, 2020
Music & Mental Health
Custom Playlists For Mental Health - A look at a new app by Ensu that builds customized playlists designed to benefit users’ mental health.
The Positive Effects of Singing - An interesting look at the mental health benefits of singing…whether you have the voice of an angel or are completely tone deaf, singing can make you feel better during quarantine.
Music Is Medicine - Musicians in Lithuania took to the streets to provide merriment to citizens in this government-sponsored event, featuring orchestras, pop performers, and folk musicians.
Keeping The Music Going
Daddy’s Dogs Drive-In Concert Series - This hot dog stand run by a former tour manager is providing drive-in concerts to local residents in Nashville, TN.
Artists Find Ways to Persevere - A look at how technology and social media provide innovative ways for artists to continue connecting with fans during quarantine.
Virtual Performances With Wine Pairings - Utah violinist David Park provides classical music & wine recommendations to help improve your mood.
VOLUME V - MAY 25, 2020
Keeping The Music Going
Meet the DJ broadcasting from home - This Alabama native is entertaining friends and neighbors with live radio sets broadcast from his home, helping to spread the joy of music and unite people despite quarantine restrictions.
Meet the Music Teacher keeping education going - This Illinois music teacher is keeping her elementary school students’ musical education going strong under quarantine with innovative techniques that keep kids engaged and learning.
Meet the Music Therapists providing comfort to their patients from home - The music therapists at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in Minnesota have found ways to continue caring for patients despite lockdown restrictions, continuing to use music to support emotional and cognitive health.
The Future of Live Music
Drive-Thru Concerts - Live Nation has begun exploring ways to adapt to necessary restrictions on mass gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including drive-through concerts that would give fans the live music experience without endangering concert goers.
Unique Strategies - Artists, promotors, and venues are working on creative solutions to bring live music to fans safely and keep the concert industry alive, including pay-per-view performances and geo-fenced live-streamed tours.
Music & Well-being in Quarantine
Singing to Connect - An interesting article on the science that explains how & why music helps people connect despite the isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Writing Songs to Boost Morale - The staff of this children’s home in England are honing musical talents and working creatively to maintain their emotional well-being by writing and practicing songs.
Volume IV - May 18, 2020
Turning to Music for Relief in Quarantine
Adam Chester’s “Quaranchella” concerts bring the joy of live music to neighbors every Saturday - Elton John’s rehearsal surrogate Adam Chester plays a weekly gig for neighbors in suburban LA.
Sales of Musical Instruments & Production Software Skyrocket - Online sales of guitars, keyboards, ukuleles, and other instruments are booming with millions of people taking up instruments and music production while under quarantine. Could this unprecedented situation lead to a new musical renaissance?
Virtual Performances Provide Mental Relief to Choir Members & Listeners - Members of a local choir have turned to virtual performances to keep the music going during quarantine, providing comfort and relief from isolation through song.
Music Provides Stress Reduction & Wellness
Virtual Performances Provide Mental Relief to Choir Members & Listeners - Members of a local choir have turned to virtual performances to keep the music going during quarantine, providing comfort and relief from isolation through song.
Music Can Help Ease Stress During Coronavirus - This blog post from AdventHealth highlights some easy ways to reduce stress by listening to music on a daily basis and how useful music is at a time like this.
Support Artists & Venues
Stay Home, Spread Love & Support - There are many ways to support artists, musicians, and venues during these difficult times despite the cancellation of tours and concerts due to COVID-19, whether through donations, following on social media, or tuning in to live-streamed performances.
Creative Ways Artists Keep The Music Going - An interesting look at how musical artists have creatively adapted to keep the industry afloat, create new music, and connect with fans in meaningful ways despite the current circumstances.
Benefits of Voice Tech in Quarantine
How Voice-Assisted Technology Could Make a Big Difference During COVID-19 - An interesting look at six ways that Google Assistant and Alexa could make users lives easier as they adapt to current circumstances.
Smart Speakers Can Ease Feelings of Isolation - Several ways that voice-assisted technology can help to ease feelings of isolation and loneliness under quarantine, from helping to connect with loved ones to playing games.
Volume III - May 11, 2020
Music & Health
Music & Immune Health - A great synopsis of the benefits music provides to immune health in addition to psychological well-being.
Using Music To Beat The Virus - An uplifting look at how musicians in Nigeria are sharing their craft to help patients and caregivers fight against COVID-19.
Mental Benefits of Music
Listening To Music To Reduce Stress & Boost Spirits - An interesting look at how music has been valued for its health benefits throughout history and what it can do to help people stay healthy and cope with increased stress and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mental Benefits of Musicianship - This article highlights the benefits playing an instrument has on brain health, including promoting neuroplasticity, improving cognitive abilities, promoting healthy aging, and lowering the risk of mental impairment over time.
Improving Outcomes
The Singing Nurse - A heartwarming story about Kathleen Sarnes, a nurse using music to help her patients in Staten Island.
The Societal Benefits of Smart Speakers - An interesting take on the positive impact that voice-enabled devices can have our society as sales and use of smart-speakers continue to rise throughout the world.
Volume II - MAY 4, 2020
Songs of Hope
Hospitals Play ‘Songs of Hope’ as Virus Patients Go Home - Music is providing hope and comfort to patients and healthcare workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Music Is Really For - An interesting look at how music listening & music culture in general have changed after the onset of COVID-19.
The Power of Music In Stressful Circumstances
Music In Times of Crisis - A look into why we turn to music for comfort during times of enhanced stress and what music can accomplish in improving our well-being.
Listening To Music Is Good For You - Music activates “neurochemical systems and brain structures associated with positive mood, emotion regulation, attention and memory in ways that promote beneficial changes.”
Music & Health
5 Ways Music Can Make You Healthier - A fascinating look at five ways in which music can improve your health and well-being.
Music, Health & Well-Being - An academic literature review on the proven benefits of music on mental & physical health and well-being.
Music Therapy
The Power of Music For Health - An interesting look at the emerging science behind music therapy treatments and the amazing results of studies on the impact of music in different healthcare situations.
Volume I - April 22, 2020
Music Unites Us All
During quarantine, balconies worldwide set the stage for DJ sets, squats and singing - Music is truly a great unifier and is helping people connect and feel better in so many ways during this global time of uncertainty. This story from The Washington Post shows many examples across the world of neighbors helping each other with DJ-sets, aerobics classes, singing and performing for each other from the balconies of apartment buildings.
Like Jazz? Did you know how beneficial that can be for you?
Live Music & Well-Being
Science says gig-going can help you live longer and increases wellbeing - A 2018 study reveals the positive impact of concert attendance on mental well-being can improve your physical health and extend your life!
Music Therapy For Heart Attack Recovery
Music Helps Heal A Damaged Heart - A recent study confirms the positive impact of music therapy on patients recovering from heart attacks by easing chest tension and anxiety.
Like Research Studies? Music and Sound for Health and Wellness
The Power of Music To Reduce Stress - Psych Central - This is a two-part article on how you can reduce stress with music and sound.
4 Scientific Studies that Show Music Decreasing Stress and Promoting Healing - Studies prove that, in addition to boosting immune system function, music is more effective in reducing a patient’s stress than prescription medications prior to surgery. Music reduces the anxiety levels of patients receiving ventilation, reduces agitation in dementia patients, and was even shown to have positive physiologic and developmental outcomes for infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Evaluating the effect of music intervention on hypertension - This study concludes that the participants preferred high valence and low arousal music (pleasant, serene sounds), which yielded positive results in activating the parasympathetic nervous response, thereby lowering the heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP).
Daily music listening to reduce work-related stress: a randomized controlled pilot trial - Literature shows that music can reduce stress conditions. This pilot study investigated the effects of music listening on work-related stress and well-being in healthcare professionals.
Voice Technology in Healthcare
Want to know about all the fantastic developments in this emerging field? Voice Technology In Healthcare, a new book by Dr. Teri Fisher, David Metcalf, Sandhya Pruthi, and Harry Pappas, features chapters by leaders in this very interesting field. It also includes a chapter by Audiobrain Founder & CEO Audrey Arbeeny about sound and healing.
Learn more about the book or buy your copy here.
Music Therapy
Why Music Therapy Matters - The Monday Life - Audiobrain is proud to support The Monday Life in their efforts to advance the field of Music Therapy through educational and fund-raising programs.