Music power : creative living through the joys of music

Music is the quintessential stimulus. It is aural, visceral, primal. It calms fears... inspires passion...heightens sexuality ...instills laughter...prompts tears... induces sleep... heals. Music sparks an alchemy of moods. Used for or against us by others, music can manipulate our behavior—and our buying habits. Now, however, we can learn to tap music’s power for our Own personal benefits. Classical, jazz, rock, New Age—every kind of music can be more effectively used to enrich our lives and our children’s lives. Music Power reveals how to use music as both a relaxant and a stimulant, to achieve many results: greater alertness and concentration, self-awareness, physical and mental energy, coordination, athletic performance, and more. Practical listening suggestions and physical and mental exercises are included to help you develop an awareness of music —in all its forms—and of your own body, mind, and spirit. Barbara Anne Scarantino’s goal is to help you “hear music in ways you never heard it before...use it in ways you never imagined you could:” Feel the power of music in new ways, and you'll likely agree with the author’s comment: “You'll be in touch with yourself and with life in a way that always seemed beyond your grasp. That’s MUSIC POWER. And it’s yours for a song!” Music Power is a handy reference for all music lovers, music students, music educators, music therapists, psychologists, teachers at all grade levels, daycare personnel, aerobics instructors, dance teachers, fitness trainers, coaches, nurses and other health professionals, hospitals and clinics, camps, churches, community centers...whereever you use the power of music, you'll find Music Power useful! Barbara Anne Scarantino has had a colorful entertainment career in addition to her work in music therapy, and is also a composer and lyricist. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, she is a music consultant to the helping professions, and as a certified aerobics instructor, her columns on music are featured in American Fitness, the journal of the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Music Power Contents Acknowledgments Foreword by Paul Anka Overture 1. Let's Take It From the Top 2. What Is This Thing Called Music? 3. The Musical Bridge 4. The Musical “Score” 5. The Song Is You 6. Music Makes It Better 7. Balancing the Scales Close-Up: Gilda Marx The “Grande Dame” of Aerobics Speaks Out on Music 8. The Key to the Perfect Exercise Class Close-Up: Vassili Sulich Children Come to Life Through Dance and Music 9. All God's Children Have Music 10. Life’s Song Suggested Music Lists Mental Clarity Learning Creative Stimulation Relaxation/Healing Meditation Children Sensuality Courage/Inspiration Self-awareness Physical Energy Exercise Laughter Music and Color A Final Note: Silence About the Author Selected Bibliography Index