Death Valley, sacred silence and sound shamanism: An interview with violinist Jennifer Curtis

How does a career as a European classical violinist intersect with sound healing? In this interview, violinist Jennifer Curtis takes us on an extraordinary journey of how she turned family disease, personal heartbreak and a trip to Death Valley into sacred silence, synchronicity, and study with a Peruvian sound shaman. Hear about the humanistic motivation behind her award winning and passionate performances, how she uses sound healing on stage to reach audience members, and her upcoming chamber music and sound healing workshop at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

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More than a song: An interview with Dr. Barbara Dunn

In this program, Dr. Barbara Dunn, a music therapist from Seattle, Washington, talks about her new book, More Than a Song: Exploring the Healing Art of Music Therapy. Director of the music therapy program at Whidbey General Hospital, she shares stories and songs from her work with patients with AIDS, lung disease, labor contractions, panic attacks and pain. Through songwriting, vocalizing, music relaxation, and other techniques, she speaks about the influence of Buddhist psychology in her approach and the importance of being present and meeting patients where they are at. Her book is published through the University Book Store Press in Seattle. To contact her or to order a copy of her book, visit www.barbaradunn.com.

Music:

I will Remember You — Barbara Dunn

Old Devil Time — Pete Seeger

We Have Come This Far — Barbara Dunn

Sing A Lullaby —  Barbara Dunn

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Music in Mind-Body Medicine: An interview with Jon Seskevich and Dr. Vera Moura

Music is becoming more and more prominent in medical and wellness settings, a medium of choice in mind-body therapies and stress reduction paradigms. In this podcast, registered nurse Jon Seskevich with the Duke University Health System and Dr. Vera Moura from the University of North Carolina Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation share the skills they utilize in their workshops and at the bedside through vocal toning, chanting, guided visualizations and freeform movement to music. Founded in energy medicine, spirituality, and integrative medicine, they also talk about their supporting clinical research using music and other modalities to reduce symptoms and increase well being. For more information or to contact Jon, visit www.managestressnow.com, www.bluegrasskirtan.com, or www.universalchanting.com. Dr. Moura can be reached through the medical school at the University of North Carolina.

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Music in end of life care: an interview with Dr. Amy Clements-Cortes

How do you say goodbye to a loved one when you are dying? How can music help a person at the end of their life feel a sense of peace and resolution? Dr. Amy Clements-Cortes, a board certified music therapist practicing and teaching in Canada, shares moving stories about her clients and songs written together in the final stages of their lives. She also talks about one of her recent CDs, Relaxation Journeys, and the inspiration behind how she created it. To order copies of her recordings or contact her, visit http://www.notesbyamy.com.

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Music and the Imagination

In this program, hear about how music can be used to stimulate the imagination for healing and empowerment. Listen to answers to questions from listeners about the relationship between pop stars and healing music, learn how to choose music for a supportive music imagery experience, and try out a sample guided imagery session. In conclusion, Dr. Swamy discusses how she used live music and imagery to help “Elizabeth,” a 9 year old girl heal from abandonment and abuse, and shares a recording of the song they created together from this experience.

Music:

Serenade for Strings in E Major — Antonin Dvorak

One Moment in Time — Whitney Houston

Native Funk — Burning Sky

The Lion Sleeps Tonight — Lady Mbule

Farewell to Stromness — the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

Invocation — Shyam Smaranam

Veena-Murali — Ravi Shankar (Chants of India)

The Sun is Setting — “Elizabeth”

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