Music Therapy:Towards Re-discovering India’s Glory! - T V Sairam

"Music brings a stability to humanity in an uncivilized time. It is soothing, comforting and reminds us that there’s still beauty left in the world!" – Denyce Graves, the American opera singer.

Recent advances in science and giant strides made in neuro-imaging techniques have opened up new horizons for our understanding the brain functions. Scientists are developing research that shows clear physiological links between melody and the mind –– a connection which was well-known to the followers of an ancient Indian healing traditions, Nada Yoga.

A fascinating field of science, popularly referred to as ‘neuro-musicology’ is fast emerging to throw light on the most complex organ of the human body, the brain and its equally puzzling functions.

Inputs of selective sound and music have been examined for their impact on the brain.

The popular American opera singer, Denyce Grave lent her brain for a recent study by neurologists at a laboratory at George town in Washington DC., which revealed that three different musical selections (two operating recordings of which one was her own and a rock hit) affected the brain differently. The study revealed that the singer’s brain showed more cognitive involvement in listening to her familiar operatic songs, rather than to the unfamiliar rock music.

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