Although we’ll never be as huge as Oprah’s book club, it’s always a good time to start expanding one’s mind about the world of sound with insights transmitted through the written word. Lately, there have even been some feature articles, albeit superficial, in mainstream magazines like Body & Soul (used to be New Age Journal) which is now owned by Martha Stewart Omnimedia.

     As I look at it, anything is better than nothing. I’m delighted that traditional instruments, like metal Tibetan singing bowls, are receiving attention. The problem is that none of the articles I’ve seen mention that the field of sound healing includes much, much more than just these instruments. And the many readers who are interested in learning more don’t know where to turn.

     The field of sound healing is an inclusive one. It includes traditional instruments, like bowls, bells and drums, vocal toning, mantras and chants, as well as specially composed instrumental music (which has been my focus). The beauty of this field is that it provides a “do-it-yourself” opportunity.

     One doesn’t need to study intellectually-oriented music appreciation courses or take years to master an instrument like a piano, flute or violin. This is also one of the factors that differentiates this field from music therapy per se. The field of music therapy focuses primarily on classical music and one-to-one interaction with a trained music therapist, which obviously cannot be done by yourself.

     I see these aspects as complementary. Many of my colleagues do, too. Unfortunately, some, both in the media and in the field, do not. And that lack of unity is one of the reasons why people haven’t been exposed to more of this ancient healing art-music.

     I’m often asked, “Why isn’t there an effective national organization for sound healing?” Would you like the short answer or the long answer?

     The short answer reflects the difficulty that other healing modalities, like chiropractic, massage therapy, and herbalism have had in organizing themselves. Issues like politics and money, not to mention often conflicting ideologies and theories, like the high protein vs. high carb vs. raw food diets, are very much the key.

     The long answer ... will have to wait. For a quick, insightful overview of some basic considerations in understanding how sound and music affect us, especially with respect to activating a healing response, check out my August, 2005, newsletter article at: www.stevenhalpern.com/newsletter/2005/aug_2005.html.

Mozart’s 250th Birthday Marketing Bonanza

If you haven’t heard by now, you won’t escape the onslaught of the good and not-so-good, all things Mozartian. I recently was turned on to a delightful commentary by my highly-eclectic and attuned colleague, Diana. Norman Lebrecht writes a weekly column for La Scena Musicale magazine, among others. Based on his December 14 installment, “Too Much Mozart Makes You Sick,” you can bet I’ll be checking out his past work. His writing is funny, articulate, and remarkably insightful. Check out his website at www.normanlebrecht.com.

     Lebrecht includes an essential, broad historical overview of the state-sanctioned PR campaigns, as well as the repackaging and hype of music labels around the world. He writes, “Mozart’s birthday on January 27, l756, is being celebrated as a tourist magnet in the land of his birth and a universal sales pitch for his over-worked output. The complete 626 works are being marketed in two ‘super-sized’ offers.” Visit www.scena.org/columns/lebrecht/051214-NL-250mozart.html for a fun and informative read.

     I reached over to my library and pulled out some of the books I would recommend as well. You may find them a bit hard to find, let alone esoteric. But if you’re interested in the real deal, this is for you.

     Letters of Mozart, Hans Mersmann, editor. (Dorset Press, 1986.)

     Mozart and Masonry by Paul Nettl. (Dorset Press, 1957.)

     Keeping Mozart in Mind by Gordon Shaw. (Academic Press, 2000.)

     Mozart Calendar: The Emotion of the Bicentennial by Pavillon Christofle. (Atlas, 1991.)

The Tantra of Sound

When my book, Sound Health, was published in 1985 by Harper & Row, it instantly became the best book in its field—because it was virtually the only book of its kind! Since then, a number of other books and authors have added their contributions.

     Jonathan Goldman has written several books, but his latest, co-authored with his wife Andi, is, I believe, his best yet. Tantra of Sound (Hampton Roads, 2005) provides an eclectic overview of one aspect of sound healing, mantra—the science of vocal vibrations, sacred vowels, and primordial seed syllables. Their goal is to utilize these sounds to heal intimate relationships and enhance personal growth.

     Even if you’re not interested in that aspect, this book brings many different (and yes, sometimes conflicting) ancient wisdom traditions together under one roof, as it were. You can therefore pick and choose which ones work best for you.

     You don’t need to be a professional or trained singer to do the exercises they describe. Even better, they include a demonstration CD to be used in conjunction with the book. It contains vocal examples of the mantras described in words. This makes the package so much more helpful. Warning: some of the examples may rate high on the “that really sounds weird” scale. Some are not necessarily pleasant, but they can be potent nevertheless.

     In the world of sound healing, there are many different flavors. Some are more vibrational and tonal, not necessarily musical or aesthetically pleasing. But for those who are always looking to expand their resources to experience greater levels of health and well-being, this book would be a good addition to your library.

     In future installments, I’ll be reviewing the major book on music therapy, Music and Soul Making, by Dr. Barbara Crowe, as well as Music Lust by Nic Harcourt, and Room Full of Mirrors, the new biography of Jimi Hendrix by Charles Cross.

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Steven Halpern is currently celebrating his 30th anniversary with the 30th anniversary edition of Chakra Suite, and his latest release, Tonal Alchemy. To hear samples, or to order, go to www.InnerPeaceMusic.com.

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