by Steven Halpern

Top 40 Healing Music?

After several near collisions, a song came over the radio and almost took my breath away. The voice…the lyrics…the melody… wow! The DJ didn't announce who sang it, but the main words were "in the arms of the angel." I don't know if it helped protect me, but I certainly enjoyed the "cosmic coincidence."

Perhaps you've heard this song, too. Turns out it's by a major star and the guiding light behind the Lilith tour, Sarah McLachlan.

If you haven't heard it, you might want to check it out. It's one of the very rare examples of "healing music" you'll ever find in pop music.

While New Age musicians never claimed exclusivity on spirituality; they have been, however, more open about their process of composing and co-creating. I recently read a review of a book that explores the interior life of many musicians. I've just ordered it, so don't have many details, other than the title: "Inside the Music: Conversations with Contemporary Musicians about Spirituality, Creativity and Consciousness" by Dimitri Ehrlic, a music editor at MTV (Shambhala Press). I'd be interested in your reactions if you have read it or read it before next month's column.

I'd also be interested if any of you have actually listened to any or all of the Philips label "Set Your Life to Music" series. Can you notice any difference in the music chosen for "Mozart For Morning Coffee," "Mozart for the Morning Commute," "Mozart for Morning Meditation" and "Mozart for Mothers-to-be"?

When I put several of these in my CD turntable, I found them virtually indistinguishable. In fact, the most hyper one was for meditation! A triumph of hype over substance, it would seem.

One can imagine the producers having a grand old time coming up with the alphabetically-oriented titles (rather than musicalogically relevant): "Bach at Bedtime," "Beethoven for Books," "Vivaldi for Valentines" and "Puccini and Pasta." (I'm not making this up, folks.)

Have you ever endured a massage from someone who pounds you to the pulsing beat of Beethoven? Or even worse, the thumpus-noninterruptus for disco/techno/heavy metal soundtracks leaking through the walls of the fitness center? It was several bad experiences like that that motivated me to make some of my first recordings - so that I could have something truly relaxing to listen to while receiving a massage.

When you choose relaxing music, it's easier for giver and receiver to synchronize breathing rhythms. It's as if you actually share the same breath. This increases rapport and receptivity.

Massage professionals also notice that they don't feel as tired at the end of a long day when they play music like Comfort Zone, Music for Sound Healing or Spectrum Suite. In fact, I'm delighted to report a recent article acknowledged that of the top 25 albums for massage, my recordings "were in a class by themselves - and highly recommended."

I'm honored to once again be a keynote speaker at the next American Massage Therapy Association's annual convention, scheduled for Phoenix, Arizona in September, 2000.

I'll have more to say about the complementary synergy between massage and music in my next columns.

For now, though: remember to always bring your favorite tape or CD with you. (The same advice goes for your visits to the dentist.) You'll be pleasantly amazed at what a positive difference it makes.

I'd also like to acknowledge Michael Greene and the National Association for Recording Arts and Sciences (the folks who bring us the Grammy awards) for sponsoring a nationwide program in support of early childhood development. Their goal is to see to it that mothers of newborns leave the hospital with a very special resource kit including education materials and a classical CD. (It would appear with the profits that some of the large record labels have made off their "Mozart effect" series, they are at least giving something back and donating their CDs to a good cause. Readers of this column are well aware, however, that classical music by itself is not enough; a well-rounded sonic environment is the key.)

Until next time, stay tuned.

Steven Halpern has earned a reputation as one of the most influential New Age recording artists. He is an outspoken advocate for sound healing, and often feels compelled to expose the hype and dis-information that has begun to infiltrate the integrity of the field. He invites you to check out his latest releases, tour schedule and catalog, free of charge, at (800) 909-0707 or at his web site, www.steven halpern.com.

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

e-mail: innerpeacemusic@innerpeacemusic. com