The art and science of mastering the "flow state”
Flow, also known as being "in the zone," is a state of heightened creativity that leads to unprecedented productivity and pleasant consciousness. Psychologists believe it may even hold the key to long-term happiness, acting as the brain's fast lane to achievement in a variety of fields, including Read More...
Meet Filkin's Drift, the band walking 870 Miles to promote environmentally friendly touring
In a world where music has no boundaries, the environmental impact of touring has frequently taken a back seat. But now, two musicians from Birmingham, UK, are upending the music industry by embarking on an 870-mile eco-tour along Wales' gorgeous coast. Meet Seth Bye and Chris Roberts, the Read More...
Clucking good music: New Zealand Symphony Orchestra plays music for chickens
A rather peculiar audience gathered on a peaceful morning at a gorgeous Hawke's Bay farm in New Zealand to witness a remarkable musical performance. Members of the prestigious New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, who are usually seen in magnificent concert halls, had donned their gleaming black attire Read More...
Music therapy's transformative power in dementia care
Marta Cinta González Saldaa, a former exquisite ballerina, finds peace in the melodies of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake during the calm moments of her day. Despite the grasp of dementia, her hands follow the rhythm, and her spirit rises with the music for a brief moment. This touching moment, filmed in Read More...
Not Impossible—A new way for deaf individuals to feel music
Over a year ago, Daniel Belquer, a musician and theater artist, was asked to join a team whose objective was to improve the live music experience for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Witnessing these concertgoers' inventive workarounds, such as feeling vibrations through balloons or Read More...
The square dancers of today—part II of True American, a mini-series
Last Friday we shared the fascinating history of the square dance in the United States of America. Together, we traced back how it became an emblem of American society that forced so many school kids to endure the often awkward square dancing lessons. Do-si-do anyone? We also discussed the Read More...
There are special regions for singing in the brain
Music is a magical thing. There are many proven benefits to the power of music, from its synchronizing power to create bonds with the people around you, to allowing autistic children to communicate their emotions, and even easing menopause. What's going on in our heads when we listen to music is Read More...
Ease menopause by listening to music
Going through menopause can be an extremely challenging time, where the world you’ve known for most of your life is turned upside down. Not every person's experience of menopause is the same, with symptoms ranging in frequency and severity. These include depression, sexual dysfunction, joint and Read More...
Using berries and pears to create the world’s first ‘vegan violin’
An Irish master violin luthier has unveiled a set of violins that are made from 100 percent plant-based products. The animal-free violins are the first in the world to be registered with The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark. What makes traditional violins non-vegan? Currently, most violins Read More...
This is your brain on music
Music does something to humans like no other animal. The rhythm gets inside our bodies and we can’t help but move along with the bass, or sing our heart out to that catchy chorus. Scientists from the University of Tokyo wanted to uncover exactly what is going on in our brain to cause this Read More...