Christine Stevens is an internationally acclaimed writer, music therapist, and speaker. She is the founder of Upbeat Drum Circles and the author of several books. For more, visit her at www.ubdrumcircles.com.
For centuries, indigenous people have known that music is medicine and can be combined with movement, dance, singing, and community to create healing in the body, mind, soul, and emotions.
Stevens asks: "Have you ever gotten goose bumps from a powerful piece of music? Have you ever been moved to tears by the words of a song that express how you feel? Have you ever had a song magically play on the radio just when you need it most?"
If you answered "yes" to each of these questions, then you are ready to tune in and tune up on the place and importance of music in your life.
To receive music's medicine, you have to be a conscious listener who stays focused and takes it all in. Stevens explores the four main elements of music: rhythm as tonic for the body, melody for the heart, harmony for the soul, and silence for the mind.
Along the way, she shares case studies and personal stories, exercises and practices. She provides an opportunity for a total experience by giving playlists at the end of each chapter from Sounds True's large music catalog. Finally, she provides a "Guide to Using Music Medicine for Personal and Professional Development."
