Music, communications, and inclusion
During Media Lab Sponsor Week, we saw the presentation by Adam Boulanger regarding early Alzheimer’s detection through music. Adam noted that early uses of this were with people with other types of cognitive disabilities.
My brother David is severely disabled (both mentally and physically). Through the years there have been several groups with “facilitated communications” solutions in which my brother used devices from essentially Ouija Boards (pick a letter), to advanced computer techniques, to yes/no responses with flash cards. What parent, sibling, family member doesn’t hope to give a voice to those who are not speaking? Many of these felt like circus acts or the potions of a traveling salesman.
Early this summer, my brother was visiting. We went for a drive in my convertible. Baseball caps on, faces turned to the sun. Music blasting — golden oldies (who doesn’t love a good sing-a-long?). And both of us humming out of tune, heads bopping, smiling like a couple of pooches with our heads turned toward the breeze.
Here’s what I know. The human heart hears the beat of “Honest Signals” (hat tip to MIT Professor “Sandy” Pentland). Music tunes the heart and shared happiness communicates more than any words convey.
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December 29th, 2008 at 6:25 am
Kathryn, great post – how exciting that you were to connect with your brother thru music – also very cool for you to see and learn of the synergies between music and the many afflictions of with people can suffer. How fortunate you are to be a part of the MIT efforts, this site and BACs participation.
I recently learned of something similar and was fortunate enough to meet the man, Milford Graves, involved in that research – not at MIT, but in a basement in Queens. Harvard and others are taking notice … and someone close to me too, is hoping to benefit from this unconventional, innovative use of music and medicine. Known now as Professor Graves, he once played with Albert Ayler and Paul Bley in the 60’s and 70’s during the NY avant-garde jazz scene. He’s still very much a drummer – but has focused his work on exploring how music can help heal the human heart. Professor Graves also sees a clear connection between “what and how” we hear, and how that affects our body. Interesting articles: npr.org | nytimes.com
Again, thanks for your insightful blog topic – this is how we learn right? Communications, connections and inclusion … Thanks again!
Sandee | BAC associate
February 6th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
You might enjoy Daniel Levitin’s <a href=”http://www.amazon.com/This-Your-Brain-Music-Obsession/dp/0525949690″>This is Your Brain on Music</i>. Levitin began as a musician and producer; now teaches neuroscience at McGill University. As Publisher’s Weekly noted, likely the only book whose jacket sports blurbs from both Oliver Sacks and Stevie Wonder.