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Exploring the Healing Power of Music in Daniel Levitin’s Music As Medicine
Music’s capacity to evoke emotions—from joy to sorrow—is widely acknowledged, but its potential as a formal healing tool is less easily defensible. In his book Music As Medicine, Daniel Levitin endeavors to substantiate this claim, drawing on historical perspectives from influential thinkers like Confucius, who remarked that “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without,” and Plato, who posited that “rhythm and harmony find their way into the inmost soul and take hold upon it.” While these assertions highlight music’s emotional rewards, the core theme emerges from neurologist Oliver Sacks’s musings, asserting the musical nature of his clinical practice: “I diagnose by the feeling of discordancy or some peculiarity of harmony.”
In Alive Inside, a poignant documentary by Michael Rossato-Bennett, listeners witness the profound effects music can have on individuals, exemplified by 92-year-old Henry Dryer, who resonated with melodies from his past, transforming his previously nearly catatonic existence into moments of joy and reminiscence.
Levitin, a neuroscientist with a diverse background straddling both music and science, offers a unique foundation for his analysis. Trained at Stanford University, he currently serves as a professor of behavioral neuroscience and music at McGill University in Montreal, having spent the 1970s performing in various bands and later working as a music consultant for artists like Santana and Stevie Wonder. His previous work, This Is Your Brain on Music, has already engaged readers with the complex interplay between human emotions and musical experiences.
In Music As Medicine, Levitin integrates rigorous research with personal anecdotes, aiming to demonstrate that music serves a greater role than mere emotional comfort. Through chapters addressing trauma, mental health, and pain management, he illustrates how music therapy can be instrumental in recovery. For instance, collaborative songwriting workshops have effectively supported military veterans in processing PTSD symptoms by creatively engaging with their traumatic experiences. However, he notes the paradoxical challenges in using music as therapy: while it can evoke deep emotions subtly, it can also inadvertently trigger distress in some patients.
Furthermore, the narrative delves into the often harsh reality that conditions like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease can radically alter the lives of musicians. Through the lens of personal stories, Levitin shares insights into musicians grappling with these diagnoses. American singer Linda Ronstadt, who has lived with Parkinson’s since 2013, has found performing increasingly difficult due to the disease’s restrictive nature on repetitive motions like singing. Conversely, Bobby McFerrin, known for his improvisational prowess, continues to perform and adapt his craft through physical therapies and the act of singing itself, which he views as uplifting and liberating.
Levitin’s style shines in chapters enriched by real-life experiences. However, like many popular science texts, certain sections—especially the chapter addressing cognitive complexities—may challenge readers. The penultimate chapter, notably titled “Précis to a Theory of Musical Meaning,” is one such example that might prove more esoteric for a general audience.
Despite occasional complexity, Music As Medicine compels readers to reconsider music’s healing potential, advocating for the multifaceted benefits of performance. Levitin posits that engaging with music engages a multitude of cognitive functions, including motor skills and creativity. This multifarious engagement can lead to unique states of flow that blend heightened awareness with tranquility.
Ultimately, while Levitin’s examination offers valuable perspectives into our intricate relationship with music, the intrinsic magic that a powerful piece of music evokes remains elusive, hinting at a deeper mystery within our emotional landscapes.
Music As Medicine: How We Can Harness Its Therapeutic Power by Daniel Levitin is published by Cornerstone (£22). For more information, visit guardianbookshop.com.
Source
www.theguardian.com