Healing Music and Sound: Selected Bibliography and Discography (Annotated)
by Shirley E. Kaiser, M.A.
First published November, 1998 (regularly updated)
copyright © 1998-2008 Shirley E. Kaiser, M.A.
The healing music and sound information and resources below are part of my ongoing research on the healing and spiritual aspects of music, sound, and psychoacoustics. It is by no means comprehensive; however, it represents some of the high quality resources for reading, listening and further information in the fascinating area of healing music and sound.
It is my hope that sharing these resources will be helpful in providing information and resources about music's great healing potentials, or even creating a spark or awakening others to explore the unlimited, unimagined possibilities of the very real healing powers of music and sound.
Now available in PDF format for downloading (131KB):
Healing Music and Sound: Selected Bibliography and Discography (Annotated) (.pdf)
Selected Reading
- Andrews, Ted. Sacred Sounds, Transformation through Music & Word. Llewellyn Publications, 1992.
- Berendt, Joachim-Ernst. The World is Sound: Nada Brahma, Music and the Landscape of Consciousness. Destiny Books, 1991.
“Berendt's groundbreaking work is a fascinating exploration of the importance of music, sound, and vibration for spiritual development . . . a valuable sourcebook for every serious student of consciousness.” - Stanislav Grof, M.D. 
Campbell, Don. The Mozart Effect, Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind, and Unlock the Creative Spirit. Avon Books, 1997.
Don Campbell has been making a wonderful impact on the world's increasing awareness of the influence of music in our lives. This particular book by Campbell is highly recommended.- ________________. Music and Miracles: A Companion to Music: Physician for Times to Come, Quest Books, 1992.
“Campbell has collected essays from visionary listeners, researchers, healers, and musicians, who attest that sound has a profound impact on their lives. A companion to Campbell's Music: Physician for Times to Come, this book takes music beyond the theoretical to illustrate its transformative power.” - ________________. The Power of Music: How to Use Sound for Relaxation, Concentration, and Healing [Audio Cassette version]. Simon & Schuster, 1996.
The audio version is enhanced with listening samples, which is quite helpful and includes exercises to show the listener how to utilize music as the title indicates. Well done. - _________________. The Roar of Silence: Healing Powers of Breath, Tone & Music. Theosophical Publishing House, 1989.
- Gardner, Kay. Sounding the Inner Landscape: Music as Medicine. Element, 1997.
- Gardner-Gordon, Joy. The Healing Voice, Traditional & Contemporary Toning, Chanting & Singing. The Crossing Press, 1993.
- Goldman, Jonathan. Healing Sounds: The Power of Harmonics. Element, 1996.
- Godwyn, Joscelyn. The Mystery of the Seven Vowels, In Theory and Practice. Phanes Press, 1991.
- Green, Barry, with Gallwey, W. Timothy. The Inner Game of Music. Doubleday, 1986.
- Leeds, Joshua. Sonic Alchemy. InnerSong Press, 1997.
_________________. The Power of Sound: How To Manage Your Personal Soundscape for a Vital, Productive, and Productive, and Healthy Life. Inner Traditions, 2001.- Lingerman, Hal A. The Healing Energies of Music. Quest Books, 1995.
- McClellan, Randall, Ph.D. The Healing Forces of Music : History, Theory, and Practice. iUniverse.com, 2000.
- Ortiz, John M., Ph.D., The Tao of Music: Sound Psychology. Samuel Weiser, 1997.
- Ristad, Eloise. A Soprano On Her Head. Real People Press, 1982.
- Schnebly-Black, Julia, Ph.D. The Rhythm Inside, Connecting Body, Mind and Spirit Through Music. Rudra Press, 1997.
CD included, which I found interesting and provides exercises of working with rhythm and sound.
Selected Listening
I wish to point out that the list below obviously represents only a small sampling of what is available. These are some of the recordings that I have personally found to have healing qualities or were written specifically for healing, nearly all of which have become part of my personal listening library. The above referenced books as well as the websites noted below provide vast resources for finding more music and information.
- Anonymous 4. An English Ladymass; medieval chant and polyphony.
Harmonia Mundi, 1992.
Highly acclaimed female group of incredibly gifted singers and musicians (who have also done very scholarly work and discoveries of 13th- and 14th-century chant and polyphony). Beautiful voices and music. - Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo De Silos. Chant. Angel Records, 1994.
This particular compilation CD won numerous awards, high acclaim and was on the bestseller's list for quite some time....and for good reason. Wonderful music. - BecVar, Brian and BecVar, Bruce. The Magic of Healing Music. Shining Star Music, 1997.
This is a boxed set, created for Deepak Chopra, M.D. - BecVar, Bruce. Take It To Heart. Shining Star Music, 1998.
- _________________. River of Gold. Shining Star Music, 1999.
- BecVar, Bruce and Shakti, Nada. Jiva Mukti. Shining Star Music, 1994.
- _________________. Samadhi. Shining Star Music, 1998.
Beautiful vocal chanting by Nada Shakti in Jiva Mukti above and in Samadhi. - Campbell, Don. Music for The Mozart Effect. Spring Hill Music,1997.
(note: This is a series of CDs and audio tapes) - Chopra, Deepak, and Franke, Christopher. Transformation of Mind. Earthtone, 1997.
- Erlian, Rick. The Sounds of Yosemite: Beautiful Music & the Natural Symphony of Yosemite (The National Park Series). Orange Tree Productions, 1995.
Sounds of Nature From Yosemite National Park at times combined with piano, violin, guitar...very nicely done. One can easily be transported to being at Yosemite with a grand piano in the meadow by the river, or the guitar by the campfire at night. Very centering, content, peaceful, quiet joyfulness. - Frankfurter, Aryeh. The Secret Bride. 1994.
- Gardner, Kay. A Rainbow Path, Ladyslipper, July 26, 1994.
#1 Most popular CD by Kay Gardner at amazon.com. As a reviewer via Amazon.com states, “This music promotes the balance of the body's energy centers and is a gift to the ear as well. Each selection begins with the tone of a particular chakra which leads into a composition written in the key of that chakra. It's good for background music in body work as well as just anytime listening. The music is easily felt vibrating in the chakra centers and energies and emotions can be felt shifting and changing with each piece. Its nice to know we can listen to music that will enrich and balance us on many levels. Thanks Kay!!!” - ______________. Drone Zone, The Relaxation Company, 1996.
Fabulous CD and information with its emphasis on the healing power of drones. I can feel my muscles loosen up and relax and my mind clear within seconds of listening to this CD. Gardner writes, “the drone, or long, uninterrupted tone of chord, is the basis of healing music, the bed on which all other healing musical elements lie.” - Goldman, Jonathan. Chakra Chants. Etherean, 2000.
- ______________. The Lost Chord. Etherean, 2000.
- Halpern, Steven. In The Key of Healing. Relaxation Company, 1996.
- ______________. Inner Peace. Inner Peace Music, 1994.
- ______________. Music for Sound Healing. Inner Peace Music, 1999.
- ______________. Serenity Suite: Music & Nature. Inner Peace Music, 1999.
- ______________. Sleep Soundly. Inner Peace Music, 1994, 1996.
- Jones, Michael. Pianoscapes. Narada, 1985, 1990.
As the name implies, this is all solo piano music. Very relaxing, peaceful....excellent. - ______________. Pianoscapes (Deluxe edition). Narada, 2002.
This “deluxe” edition expands on the original's tremendous success and includes 3 previously unreleased pieces. Two-CD set. - ______________. Seascapes. Narada, 1984, 1990.
More solo piano by Michael Jones. I have often used both Seascapes and Pianoscapes while having a massage, during stressful moments, as well as to provide peaceful music when I have friends visiting, especially for dinner. They have remained 2 of my favorite tapes/CDs since I first bought them in 1984. I literally wore out both audio cassette tapes and did not hesitate to replace them. - ______________. Touch. Narada, 1996.
Peaceful, uplifting, inspiring solo piano. Also perfect for use with massage. - Kaiser, Shirley. Journey Within. 2000.
My upcoming CD, with original music for piano. Soulful, meditative, healing. - Mann, Ron, Ph.D. Coming Home. 1994.
Dr. Mann has produced a series of tapes, some of which are noted in this listening guide. They are each excellent. Dr. Mann's voice is quite soothing and carries a special resonance and vibration. The background music is also very appropriate with the context of each tape. - ________________. Healing in the Light. 1994.
- ________________. Inspiration for Meditation. 1994.
- ________________. Self-Hypnosis for Stress Release. 1994.
- ________________. Sleep. 1994.
- ________________. Soul Journey. 1994.
- ________________. Zen Meditation. 1994.
- (Miscellaneous). Cloud Forest. The Nature Company, 1991.
Very peaceful music from the midst of the rain forest. One of my favorite CDs. - Monks & Lay Members of Self-Realization Fellowship. The Divine Gypsy. Self-Realization Fellowship, 1982, 1997.
Selections from Paramahansa Yogananda's Cosmic Chants performed by SRF monks and lay members and includes electric piano, flutes, and synthesizer. Among my favorite CDs for chants. - Nuns of Self-Realization Fellowship. When My Dream's Dream Is Done. Self-Realization Fellowship, 2002.
- Oliver, Jim. Harmonic Resonance, The Relaxation Company, 1995.
An excellent hour-long CD for healing and relaxation. Extremely gifted emmy award-winning performer and composer who uses his gifts and knowledge to produce music designed for healing. - Richardson, Stan. Shakuhachi Meditation Music. Sounds True, 1997.
- Shankar, Ravi. Chants of India. Angel, 1997.
- ________________. Live In Concert. The Gramophone Co. of India and EMI, 1993.
- Tibetan Monks Of Drepung Loseling Monastery. Tibetan Sacred Temple Music. Shining Star Music, 1998.
- Walsch, Neal Donald. Conversations with God. Windham Hill Records, 1997.
- Weil, Andrew. Sound Body, Sound Mind: Music for Healing. Upaya, 1997.
Websites for Further Information and More Recommended Listening
Listening
- Anugama. The Lightness of Being, 1998. Open Sky Music
http://www.openskymusic.com
"The Lightness of Being is a collection of soft music especially designed for relaxation, massage or meditation." A gifted musician, Anugama offers many CDs at the Open Sky website. I especially recommend his new CD, The Lightness of Being. - Bliss
http://www.blissfulmusic.com/
There are several CDs listed here by Bliss (Lucinda Drayton and Andrew Blissett). Among my favorites is their most recent CD, A Hundred Thousand Angels. Lucinda Drayton's voice is especially captivating, and the music lends wonderfully to meditation or peaceful sounds to help you unwind or relax. This music has that special spark that makes you want to reach for it often.
They describe their music as ... somewhere between Enya and Lorena Mckennit, with a bit of Joni Mitchell thrown in... then you add a real heart energy and beauty and some very spiritual lyrics that speak from the soul -- to the soul. - Gordon Burnham: Music! For Mind, Body and Spirit!
http://www.gburnham.com/
Music for listening, healing, chanting, dancing, drumming, singing, meditating. Gordon Burnham offers beautiful music on CDs and audio tapes, and also gives concerts and workshops. He offers meditative and healing music, contemporary new age folk music, new age acoustic instrumental music, and more. Sound clips are available to hear samples. Links to related sites, too. Great site to visit. - Cunningham, Scott. Native American Flute Music for Health, Peace and Meditation.
http://www.oginali.com/
or mail to Scott Cunningham c/o Oginali, 4924 Balboa Blvd., Suite 298, Encino, CA 91316. He offers his original music for flute by CD. Sound clips and information at his website or write to him at the address I've noted here. He is an incredibly gifted composer/musician, and I wholeheartedly recommend this CD. - Enya.
http://www.enya.com/
Official website for Enya, winner of 2 Grammys (nominated for 4). Experience her music at the site, listen to clips. Her music is incredibly soothing, peaceful, permeating every part of your being. She has quite a few recordings out. I personally have and can recommend The Memory of Trees, which I never tire of, and I've just ordered her new CD (released Nov. 21, 2000), A Day Without Rain. You can hear clips at Amazon.com and at Enya's website. - Frankfurter, Aryeh -- Lionharp Music.
http://www.lionharp.com
Aryeh Frankfurter, Folk harpist, multi-instrumentalist, recording and performance artist. I have had Aryeh's CD, The Secret Bride, for over 2 years and never tire of it. He has several other recordings, provides performances, and he is sometimes seen performing at Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco (which is where I first heard and was mesmerized and captivated by his playing). - Healing Sounds
http://www.healingsounds.com/
Jonathan Goldman's excellent website full of "information and articles on how sound can be used for Healing and Self Transformation." Workshops, educational resources, information Sound Healers Association - How Art Heals: Mind- Body Physiology
http://www.artashealing.org/ahfw3.htm
Good information about how art and music are healing. Links to further resources, too. Informative site. - Inner Harmony (formerly Medicine Music)
http://www.innerharmony.com/
This site is described as music for healing the heart and relaxing the mind. It contains links to music and information for purchasing. Recommended by A Course in Miracles Website. - Kaiser, Shirley. Journey Within, CD, 2000.
http://www.shirleykaiser.com/music/
Soulful, meditative, emotive solo piano compositions written and performed by highly acclaimed and gifted artist, Shirley Kaiser. Ms. Kaiser, composer and concert pianist, continues her journey and love with music by sharing her original compositions. The music is captivating, healing, relaxing, soulful. - Mann, Ron L., Ph.D. Series of tapes to heal mind, body and soul.
http://ronmann.com/
Dr. Mann has produced a series of at least 10 tapes, some of which are noted in the listening guide above. They are each excellent. Dr. Mann's voice is quite soothing and carries a special resonance and vibration. The background music is also very appropriate with the context of each tape. - Sound-Remedies, by Joshua Leeds
http://www.sound-remedies.com
Sound-Remedies is a fantastic resource for music and sound programs with specific purposes in mind and evolved from ongoing research by well-known psychoacoustics expert Joshua Leeds. Some of what's included is leading psychoacoustics techniques - including resonance (tone), entrainment (rhythm), guided imagery, filtration/gating, and binaural beat frequencies. You'll find the Sound Health series, the Listening Program series, and much more. Special emphasis is given for use by healthcare and education professionals in clinics, classrooms, offices, and homes. A newer feature at the site is a links section to the latest research on psychoacoustic music and sound. - Steven Halpern's Inner Peace Music
http://www.stevenhalpern.com or
http://www.innerpeacemusic.com
The website for Steven Halpern and Inner Peace Music. You'll find Halpern's music and other music that Halpern recommends, articles, and information. Purchase at the site, too. - Shining Star Productions
http://www.shiningstar.com/
The website for Bruce BecVar and Brian BecVar, Nada Shakti and Tibetan Sacred Temple Music by Eight Lamas from Drepung. Review their music, listen to sound clips, read information about the artists, and more. - Sound Healers Association
http://www.healingsounds.com/sha/sha-about.asp
Online Information and Articles, Periodicals, Books, Resources
- Beaulieu, John, N.D., Ph.D. Resonance.
http://www.biosonics.com/article_info.php/cArticlePath/2/articles_id/14
Explains resonance, dissonance, and how resonance or dissonance with others and our surroundings is felt and makes a difference. - Goldman, Jonathan. Sound Healing.
http://www.healingsounds.com/articles/overview-sound-healing.asp
How sound can be used in healing. Explanations of music imagery, music therapy, cymatic therapy, harmonic resonance, hemi-sync, toning, bio-acoustics, mantric chants, tuning forks, vibro-acoustics, more. History, theory, vibrational medicine. - Gordon, David. Sound and Spirit Website., 1996-.
http://www.spiritsound.com/
"Dedicated to the use of Music and Sound for Spirituality, Health, and Inner Growth." Website has excellent bibliography of books about music, healing and sound. Also, many helpful articles and information about the healing aspects of music and spirituality and more. - Heartsong Review
http://wahaba.home.sprynet.com/heartsong_review.html
"Our central purpose is to aid personal and global consciousness expansion through music. We promote spiritually oriented music by reviewing well-done recordings of this type, and making that information widely available." No longer published, but the past issues are maintained. - Kaiser, Shirley. Healing Music, 1996-.
http://www.shirleykaiser.com/articles/
This is the author's website promoting healing music. In addition to providing information about Shirley's music, concerts and workshops, the regularly updated and expanding website provides articles and other information as well as an abundant annotated resource for printed and online materials, listening, workshops and more. - Lingerman, Hal. The Healing Energies of Music. Quest Books, 1995.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0835607224/skdesigns/
This book provides valuable, helpful guidance to “compositions and recordings which have proved to be enjoyable, inspiring, therapeutically uplifting, and spiritually dynamic.” The author not only provides a book full of recommended listening, he also shares how to find the latest music that fits your particular needs and desires. It also provides information about HOW to listen to music to gain the most from it. - Pettersson, Peter. Translation by Yarrow Cleaves. Cymatics, the Science of the Future?
http://www.mysticalsun.com/cymatics/cymatics.html
Explores cymatics and a connection between sound, vibrations and physical reality. - Read, J. L. Creative Harmonics
(Understanding the power of music on our brain and creative potential)
http://enchantedmind.com/html/science/creative_harmonics.html
This article at Enchanted Mind explains how music impacts the brain with its harmonic resonances, research that has been conducted, and how to use music to help in positive ways. Resources included. - Richman, Howard. Sound Healing: Using Music for Transformation & Healing.
http://www.soundfeelings.com/free/music_healing.htm
11 helpful free tips show how to listen to music for transformation and healing. - Soroka, Terry. Therapeutic Sound Medicine for the Body, Mind and Spirit.
http://cc.ysu.edu/~s0133456/
Research paper during Fall 2004 that covers the healing aspects of music physically and medicinally, mentally and psychologically, spiritually, and more. Interesting paper.
copyright © 1998-2008 Shirley E. Kaiser, M.A.. All rights reserved.
Please contact the author for reprint permission.
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