Musicians Help Heal Soul and Body

(NewsUSA) - Music therapy has gone mainstream. Patients listen to music while going through therapy, stressed-out office workers play music to relax and yogis use music find meditation.

Studies suggest that music affects the body. Fast tempos improve concentration. Slower beats promote relaxation. Music can lower blood pressure and ease muscle tension. Many people report that listening to music boosts their mood and creates a more positive state of mind.

Mozart helps ease tension in infants -; studies show that children can begin recognizing classical compositions while still in the womb. Listening to music stimulates brain activity, perhaps leading to greater intellectual prowess later in life.

Musicians haven't failed to notice music's powerful effects. Bands have long communicated socio-political messages in their lyrics. Now, many entertainers use music to promote physical and mental health.

Take Roman Alexander and The Robbery, a foursome based in Orange County, Calif. The band's lead singer, Roman Alexander, turned to music after an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a congenital condition, forced him into brain surgery. Unable to walk, Alexander relearned to play the guitar as part of his recovery.

Alexander used music to heal himself. Now, his band is working to promote healthy optimism in its songwriting. "Music is a way to hit the listener -; it's the perfect outlet," says Alexander. "Changing the world begins with the man in mirror."

Roman Alexander and The Robbery's focus on music as a healing medium recently led them to use lyrics written by Alexandra Irving, age 9, upon the death of her beloved grandfather. "There's nothing more candid than a child's song," says Alexander. "It's raw, it's what needed to be said." In setting Irving's lyrics to a rock-influenced lullaby, Roman Alexander and the Robbery hope to use her words to help comfort and heal all those dealing with the loss of a loved one. The band hopes to reach 20,000 to 60,000 fans at the OC Music Fest (www.ocmusicfest09.com) in May 2009.

LiTaL, a female artist with a unique pop-dance-funk sound, sings about a "journey back" to self-discovery. World Anthem Band's "Reggae dub-rocking Soul" writes strong songs with conscientious lyrics. Silbia Han, a 17-year-old singer and songwriter, performs with an emotional complexity beyond her years, while Bray heals you, body and soul.

For more information about the OC Music Fest, where you can see artists promoting health through their music first-hand, visit www.ocmusicfest09.com.

"Article By: NewsUSA"