Music and the brain

[dreadnut]

We are really just beginning to tap into the healing power of music. I have experienced it in a variety of settings, mostly with Alzheimer's patients.

This is the definitive book on the subject, "Musicophilia" by the late Dr. Oliver Sacks.

 

[Guildedagain]

It's hard or impossible for me to be angry while playing. Music does soothe the savage beast.

 

[GGJaguar]

Oh, I've definitely played while angry. I even have one recording of when I played while being angry. Interestingly, I was able to record my part in one take which surprised even me (considering how angry I was).

 

[dreadnut]

I think Eric Burdon was the original angry young punk of music.

 

[Rich Cohen]

Nothing is more fulfilling than to compose a song on the guitar. Writing the words and building the melody are one of the highlights of experiencing my humanity. It also builds humility, something we all need to feel.
Thanks for posting this thread, Dreadnut.

 

[dreadnut]

There's nothing quite like seeing people that are suffering from Alzheimer's disease "wake up" when they hear old familiar songs. They were basically sitting in a stupor; now they're animated and singing. This should be a part of their daily routine and treatment.

 

[Uke]

We are really just beginning to tap into the healing power of music. I have experienced it in a variety of settings, mostly with Alzheimer's patients.

This is the definitive book on the subject, "Musicophilia" by the late Dr. Oliver Sacks.

My dad died from Alzheimer's. Not long before he died we were sitting in his living room and I had a CD of Palestrina's choral music playing on the CD player. Checking in with him I asked if the music was bothering him, and if it was I would turn it off. His response: "I could listen to that the rest of my life." This coming from a Gospel/Country kind of guy.

 

[walrus]

I read that book a while ago, it is definitely interesting. And some of his stories are even awe-inspiring.

walrus

 

[dreadnut]

dronge, that is pretty special. My Dad was an old country kinda guy as well.

One of our old friends clapped her hands together when we were finished singing at the nursing home one night and exclaimed loudly: "I just don't know how anyone could live without music!"

This quote is in our brochure. Another quote is from my old life mentor, Sarge. WWII Vet, ended up having to move to a memory care facility in 2001. I first went to visit him and brought my guitar; this is how Eldermusic, Inc. was born.

Anyway, Sarge smiled and told me "Son, your music doesn't cure what ails me, but it sure makes me feel better!

 

[GAD]

It's hard or impossible for me to be angry while playing. Music does soothe the savage beast.

One of Adele’s most popular songs was recorded as a demo when she was angry. They tried to recreate it in the studio but she could never quite match the intensity, so the demo track is what’s on the record.

 

[Rich Cohen]

There's nothing quite like seeing people that are suffering from Alzheimer's disease "wake up" when they hear old familiar songs. They were basically sitting in a stupor; now they're animated and singing. This should be a part of their daily routine and treatment.

Testimony to the healing power of music.

 

[Guildedagain]

I can be angry when I start playing, never when I'm finished, more like sleepy.

 

[dreadnut]

I never really associated anger with making music, but I certainly use it to relieve stress, which sometimes can be caused by anger.

 

[Velvet Phelts]

Some of the best gigs my band ever played musically. Was when we were all at odds with one another. There seemed to be an extra little bit of oomph in every ones performance.

 

[GAD]

I'd guess it depends on the style of music. I don't imagine playing Country Roads angry, but strap an electric on to play some '70s punk and being angry at the establishment just makes it all click.