Veteran Songwriter Scores Barbra Streisand!

Here's a flash - DON'T EVER GIVE UP YOUR DREAMS!

My dear friend, Phyllis Molinary just got a cut on Barbra Streisand's new CD, with her classic song "Here's To Life". It was written with Artie Butler, who wrote lovely music, but it's really Phyllis' enduring lyric that makes the song.

Phyllis is a veteran songwriter who used to teach songwriting in L.A., and really knows her craft. Through the years she's written some great songs, gotten some cuts, and missed some big ones (welcome to the music business!). How thrilled I am that after all these years, she's scored A BIG ONE. You can't get much bigger than Streisand.

So, don't give up! Keep living your passion even when it's difficult, frustrating and sometimes unrewarding. I believe that the reward is knowing that you hung in there, did your best, and were true to your artistic vision. Okay, so that's idealistic, but as artists, what else do we have but Idealism and Optimism? Aren't those the hallmark of a creative visionary? As Phyllis' lyric aptly puts it

'No complaints and no regrets, I still believe in chasing dreams and placing bets, but I have learned that all you give is what you get'.

If my friend, Ms. Molinary ever dreamed of icing on her lyricist cake, this is it. For all you artists out there waiting for your own double fudge frosting, I say ''Go for it! Live your dream! Here's to Life!'

Response from Eve Kodiak, Lydian Center

I got a nice response from Eve Kodiak at the Lydian Center in Cambridge, MA regarding sound waves moving through CSF. Here it is:

Hello, Beth,
> You asked me to elaborate on the process of sound waves set up by
> tuning forks that move through the CSF. Basically, it's sympathetic
> vibration. As a musician, you know that you can sing a certain note and
> get the piano strings vibrating all by themselves, if the damper pedal
> is up. The very pure tones of the tuning forks set off sympathetic
> vibrations in the physical structure of the body itself, and the
> coherence and force of the wave pattern can kind of "smooth out"
> disorganized connective tissue.
> The effect is very relaxing. I personally use a set of tuning forks
> based on the Pythagorean tuning system. They are tuned to the circle of
> fifths, and I use them in pairs, one at each ear. I work completely
> through the hearing mechanism, I do not place tuning forks on the body.
> I purchased my forks through The School For Inner Sound, and took a
> training course with them. I use the forks primarily as an adjunct to
> my work as a Brain Gym Consultant and craniosacral therapist. I find
> that the forks enhance and integrate the other modalities very nicely.
> I hope that this answers your inquiry.
> be well!
> Eve Kodiak

Tuning Forks and Brain Function

I believe that sound and vibration are powerful forces for healing. I wish there were more studies done to support this field, but alas, I don't believe you can patent the use of a tuning fork, so no huge pharmaceuticals will be racing to do medical trials.

Recently, I read the following claim and wonder how this actually works. The practitioner using the tuning forks in perfect 5ths said:

"the frequencies can actually move cranial bones, by setting up wave forms that move through the cerebrospinal fluid and release blocks in connective tissue"

My question would be, 'do the waveforms affect the brain, which in turn sends nerve signals to release the connective tissue blocks?' Maybe I'll address this directly with the Practitioner, and report on it in my next blog.

Musings On Being A Gypsy!

Being a gypsy is a gift and not enough of us are willing to take that step of faith and live a life of expression rather than repression.

- Kathy Rocci

In my August 2009 Voicegram I wrote about the power of living in the NOW, the art of doing NOTHING, and being a confirmed GYPSY! My friend, Kathy Rocci wrote the above quote in reply to my Voicegram musings, and I just loved what she had to say. As Artists, Lightworkers and just plain folks who want to find fulfillment in life, it is very difficult to follow your own creative path if it is at all 'outside the societal norm'. Aspiring to a lifestyle with no apologies is truly a gift, because what you will find when you do that is a freedom of spirit; a confidence knowing you are living with no regret; and the fulfillment of listening to your own voice - not someone else's.

I'd like to invite you to subscribe to my monthly Voicegram if you'd like to learn more about a Gypsyfied life! Although I've already sent out my August 2009 edition, I'll be glad to send it on to you .

The Power of Springhollow Chimes

Have you heard the Springhollow Chimes yet? They are huge wind chimes, but unlike smaller chimes, they have a deep, resonant vibration, very much like a Tibetan Gong. Listen here.

Don Conreaux, Gong Master, describes the action of the gong perfectly: “The universal gong sound is based upon the musical principle that all tones of equal amplitude keep resonating, adding to themselves, to produce cumulative offspring, so to speak. This phenomenon is unique to gongs and replicates exactly what happens in the building of the human physical, mental emotional and spiritual bodies.” Don Conreaux"

The Sound of Sexy

Here's more proof that the sound of your voice does matter! In fact, a 2004 study showed that a deep, resonant voice (in both men and women) can actually help your love life! The study found that men and women with more attractive-sounding voices reported having more sexual partners, had their first sexual intercourse at a younger age, and were more promiscuous.

I'm not advocating any of the above, mind you, but all of us want to feel that we're attractive to others, so cultivating a pleasing, resonant voice may be just the ticket if you're looking for a relationship - casual or otherwise!

Vocalizing everyday really helps and is easy to do. It only takes a few minutes and easy vocal exercises can be done while driving to work, school or daily errands. If you're shy about vocalizing, the car is a perfect place to practice and sing. No one can hear you and it utilizes otherwise wasted time while sitting in traffic!

You can change the sound of your voice with a little bit of instruction and practice. Remember that your voice is a valuable tool in increasing not only your business, but also your chances for enhancing your love life!

Just Plain Folks Music Award Nomination!!

I've got exciting news - my song, 'My Heart's An Open Door' (co-written by Norman Thalheimer, and from the musical 'Marilyn An American Fable') was nominated for a Just Plain Folks music award in the Cabaret category! It's featured on the CD 'Flash' with the inventor of the EWI, musical genius Nyle Steiner. Awards are in Nashville this month!!

Singing and the Lymphatic System

Did you know that singing correctly, from your belly, (which involves the diaphragm) is an easy way to promote a healthy lymphatic system? More ways singing promotes health? See "10 Ways Singing Can Change Your Life"!

Senior Singers and Health!

A three year study done through Levine School of Music in Washington, D.C. by the Center on Aging, Health, and Humanities at George Washington University showed that seniors 55 and over benefitted greatly from participating in a choral group!

Lead researcher Dr. Gene D. Cohen documented that those seniors who participated had:

- 30 fewer doctor visits
- Fewer eyesight problems
- Less depression
- Less need for medication
- Fewer falls and other injuries

Never underestimate the power of singing at any age!!

To learn more about singing and health see more articles.

Voice and Intention

Studies show that 93% of our communication is NOT contained in the words we use, but in the tone of our voices and our body language. With a little practice you can learn to be aware of your tone of voice so that you are communicating with a clear emotional intention.

How Do You Value Your Artist Self?

How much is buying in to the 'struggling artist' mindset hurting your business???

This is a great idea from Christine Kane

"And here’s the lesson: Not only do you teach people how to treat you, but you teach the universe how to treat you as well. The challenge of the self-employed or of the artist is to decide. To decide that taking extremely good care of yourself without an expense account means that you become a better artist (or business owner, or whatever). To decide that you serve the world in a bigger way when your needs are met. To decide before anyone else grants you worldly success what it means to value your time and your work."

Voice - Use it or lose it!

Did you know that your voice is subject to the adage 'use it or lose it!'? Keep your voice in great shape by vocalizing every day and you'll have a healthy, strong voice at any age!

Sound Attraction - Car Mufflers!

I came across a really interesting article by Jim Wilson in Popular Mechanics. The big muffler manufacturer, Flowmaster was using scientific research to determine how different muffler sounds affected certain demographic groups. It's sort of the same premise I talk about a lot - that the sound of your voice determines whether someone is attracted to you, or repelled by you in a subliminal sense. So be aware of your voice and how it affects others!

Here's part of the Popular Mechanics article:

"Relaxing Sounds. "Our working hypothesis is that if sound is discordant it would mobilize the right forebrain to make people want to withdraw," he explains, as he pulls wires and glue pads off my hand. "If people are hearing more sound they like, we expect to see more activity in the left forebrain." Work is still in its early stages, but Flugger believes that Flowmaster eventually will use Madill's research to help automakers home in on specific types of muffler systems to appeal to different demographic groups of drivers. There is evidence, for example, that younger drivers like a louder, lower sound with a slight metallic ring and a certain amount of disharmony. On the other hand, more low frequencies give an added sense of confidence, Madill says.

Flugger says that Madill's research will begin to find its way onto the streets in the next several years, initially as Flowmaster conversion kits for popular model cars. Flugger also hopes to begin working with Detroit. "If GM came in with an age group, we can design a muffler that the majority of that group will like," says Madill. "That is where this is headed."