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Steven Halpern
Do You Hear What I Hear?
If you've been tuning in to Dreamland with host Whitley Strieber lately, you may have heard some familiar music. And if you recognized the bumper music played as intros and outros as Deja-Blues, you are correct.
I've been an avid listener to this extraordinary radio program for several years now, ever since I got turned on to Art Bell and his pioneering late night show. Dreamland is a related, and now separate, show, often featuring investigative reporter Linda Moulton Howe with updates on crop circles, environmental news, and other timely topics. If you're interested in the interviews exploring the leading edge of a wide variety of subjects, you'll want to check out the shows-or at least the audio archives, if you can't stay up all night.
Happily, Dreamland comes on earlier on Sunday night. I was listening last week, and suddenly found myself frozen in time. I was mesmerized by the music that faded in at the end of the first half hour segment, as they prepared for a news spot. It took me about ten seconds before I realized I was holding my breath.
This was as close to a double blind test on myself as subject as I can think [aside from catching sight of oneself in a mirror and critiquing the image before you realize it's you.] The effect, being totally unexpected, was even more pronounced because the music had a three-dimensionality and a luminosity that almost had me levitating. Then, when I realized what the song was, an additional level of appreciation kicked in.
Granted, I have a direct connection. So I'd be interested in hearing if any of you had a similar reaction. I've been receiving a growing number of fascinating stories from listeners around the country as well as Russia, Singapore and Australia, and I would love to hear from you.
By the way, Whitley's website, www.whitleysworld.com, is a treasure trove of information from past shows and up to the minute news items you may not find anywhere else. If you've read any of his best-selling books, including Communion, you'll definitely want to check out how his work has expanded.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
There's another related component to my question. And that relates to perception. The experts tell us that each of us perceives colors and sounds differently from others. There are psychological reasons -- as well as physiological ones...and of course, training and experience.
But new research suggests that if you can't carry a tune, your DNA -- rather than your lack of attention -- may be the reason. The role of genetics in hearing music was published in a recent issue of Science. According to Dennis Drayna, researcher at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders in Rockville, MD, "Pitch recognition is something that takes place in the brain, not in the ear."
That may explain why some music critics have such a hard time understanding the subtleties of evocative New Age, meditative space music.
It also may provide a clue as to the link between people who share Mozart's personality profile, at least to some degree, and their strong attraction to his music -- as opposed to individuals who do not, and do not.
Sound Synergy and Yoga
Do you practice yoga? More and more of us do. So many, in fact, that Time magazine 's recent cover story featured the mainstreaming of this ancient, formerly "new age" activity.
If you practice in a class, it's easier to maintain the focus and discipline to hold the [positions] than if you practice on your own. If you are solo, how do you deal with that challenge -- especially if you are a Type-A individual, or ADD/ADHD?
Many yoga instructors now use music as an "audio anchor" to help students slow down and hold the pose. But which music? If you have some favorites, perhaps you'd email them to share with others. I notice that with certain music, it's relatively easy, while with other music, I speed through the postures, even more so than with no music at all.
What do you hear?
Until next time, stay tuned.
Steven Halpern is an award-winning composer, recording artist and sound healer. For over 25 years, he has been a passionate advocate of the healing powers of music for health, healing and spiritual growth. His latest releases, Deja-Blues, and Chants to Awaken the Buddhist Heart may change forever the way people perceive his musical career as he branches out into new and exciting dynamic rhythmic and vocal dimensions.
To receive a free catalog, email us at innerpeacemusic@innerpeacemusic.com or call: 1-800-909-0707.
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