The Magic Fluke?

by
Steven
Halpern

Yahoo! I don't doubt that some of my neighbors heard my vocal expression of glee. Of course, long-time readers of my column and e-zine knew about this years ago! But what a delight to suddenly have the major news organizations, as well as The New York Times, validating what I've been saying for over twenty-five years!

Pardon me if I sound like I'm delighted. Hang on for a moment, and I'll tell you why it's really important to our field.

But first: Way back in 1970, I began graduate research exploring the use of music for healing and for accelerating learning. Using advanced brainwave biofeedback and Kirlian photography instrumentation, the research lab and scientists that I contracted to conduct this research discovered some amazing facts, which became the foundation of my approach to composing and recording the unique style of music that I do.

I wrote about our findings in my two earlier books, Tuning the Human Instrument (1977) and Sound Health (1985 Harper and Row). I had forgotten how much I had included about Mozart and others in those books; re-reading Sound Health enroute to the Sound Healing Conference was both surprising and serendipitous.

I guess some things just take time to filter out into the mass consciousness. Let me tell you who else has explored the effects of music on consciousness, now that the field has reached the critical mass of awareness.

The most exciting part of all of this is that people are taking the issue seriously. Fifteen years ago, when Sound Health was first published, there was a major learning curve -- and a general resistance -- to even review a book dealing with the subject matter. Now, it seems like there are new books coming out every month. (I get a special kick out of how many of these incorporate the chapter headings that had received sarcasm and cynicism in Sound Health.)

Here's a new book you may well want to pick up: Sounds of Healing by Mitchell Gaynor, M.D. This healer-doctor presents an engaging look at the healing power of sound, with a particular emphasis on the use of crystal bowls and the voice. He offers many easy-to-use suggestions and instructions that make the book a valuable addition to anyone's library. Published by Broadway Books (www.broadwaybooks.com).

You'll also recall my review of Jonathan Goldman's book, Healing Sounds, focusing on vocal harmonics. Using the voice is a wonderful way to "tune into healing." These authors understand that vocal music, instrumental music and recorded music all are important components of a well-rounded sound menu.

As I was finishing this column, I found out that Time magazine covered the issue in their August 16 issue. So, too, did the big Silicon Valley newspaper, The San Jose Mercury News. They ran an article headline: The Magic FLUKE?

All in all, these studies corroborate, via research done at the University of Windsor (Ontario), Kristin Natias of the Central Appalachian University, and Glenn Schellenberg of the University of Toronto.

Even their headlines were zingers. "Good Intentions Sometimes Ignore Scientific Research," stated Gina Kolata, writing in The New York Times. "It turns out that Mozart had little to do with the so-called "Mozart Effect."

As I have pointed out in this and other columns over the past several years, taking liberties with science or using poorly designed research studies that did not account for significant variables (the importance of which Dr. Herbert Benson addressed to me last year), you may be setting yourself up for disappointment or disillusionment.

This does not mean, however, that we throw out the baby with the bath water. Rather, we need more research and more clarity about what we are suggesting.

In this light, the well-designed studies that I was involved with in 1973 still stand up. These studies demonstrated the positive effects of contemporary compositions such as Spectrum Suite, with respect to reducing stress, enhancing relaxation and balancing the human energy field. This was, after all, music composed with the specific intention to do so, unlike most classical music, which was composed for other reasons. It stood to reason in my mind as a graduate student, as it does now years later, that we could do better than merely recycle the old masters when it came to specific target outcomes, such as enhancing relaxation or accelerating learning.

Until next time, stay tuned.

Steven Halpern has earned a reputation as one of the most influential New Age recording artists and is an outspoken advocate for sound healing. He invites you to check out his latest releases, tour schedule and catalog, free of charge, at (800) 909-0707 or at his website, www.steven halpern.com.

For previous columns, see The Monthly Aspectarian at www.lightworks.com.