Are you tonedeaf? Does it matter? [Well, it does to these people.] Music therapy is beneficial to health, if you are an active (musical) or passive (nonmusical) participant, according to a Los Angeles Times article today. It goes on to say not all studies on music therapy are clear, but brain studies show that the “ancient” part of the human brain that governs basic drives such as hunger, thirst and sex also ‘lights up’ to music.

Dr. Oliver Sacks, a scientist who became well-known from the film Awakenings, talks about his very recent book Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain here – he introduces his personal musical background and discusses his work using music with a patient with Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Sacks answered 10 questions for Katie Couric today, about himself and his new book as shown on Couric & Co.[written up by Nancy Ramsey.]

How about a wordless, melodic prayer? There is divinity to be found, if you have the intent but just don’t know what to say.

Or music as an act of compassion? The dictionary definition and social definition of harmony come together with the music of Mystic Chorale. Their mission, since being founded by musician, author and educator Nick Page:

Make music a participatory experience, creating a dynamic collaboration among the bold and the shy, the untrained and the trained, the audience and the performers, challenging all of us to be truly amazing.