Hi...thanks for visiting and reading about some of the most relaxing harp music I have ever recorded. My training as a classical musician did not include much in terms of music and healing...so, this has been an amazing personal journey of experience and discovery.
Here's a little background to give you an idea of who I am (in chronological order):
* began playing harp in 4th grade...been playing for 30 years...so...yes, that would make me 40 years old (and loving it!!)
* received lots of wonderful awards for music while growing up
* participated in several pageants and was Illinois' Junior Miss in 1983
* went to Indiana University and graduated with a degree in Telecommunications
* studied harp with Susan McDonald and Linda Wood (amazing teachers!)
* moved back to St. Louis after college and played professionally in the area
* met my husband, got married and had two children (boys...now ages 8 & 12)
In 1990 a family friend was going through hospice treatment and I recorded 60 minutes of music on my boom-box for her to use during her visualizations. Well, one thing led to another and I ended up professionally recording the music and developed a questionnaire with a music therapist to validate it's effectiveness. That was the beginning of my journey. (the good news - it WAS effective!)
Seven years later my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I went back into the studio and recorded "New Love-awaken to yourself" to help him relax after surgery. (he's still alive and doing great!)
When I shared it with friends, I was amazed at the positive feedback it was getting. EVERYONE commented on how it helped them relax.
Through a series of 'perfect' coincidences, I met a psychologist and neurotherapist, William Collins, Ph.D.,who agreed to conduct a pilot study on people, using Quantitative EEG, to measure their brainwave frequencies as they listened to the music. Everyone he measured showed that the CD "New Love" induced a state of relaxation in four minutes!
Dr. Collins then designed a research study to see if my music could help impact the immune systems of cancer patients by helping them relax. To move forward with this project, I formed the Scientific Arts Foundation, a 501(3) non-profit corporation, to further develop and research how creative expression impacts the healing process.
You can read more about it on my website.
So, now I share music in a more 'intentional' way through recordings, concerts, funeral services, memorial services, in hospitals, hospices, and for cancer events. I've also developed a presentation called, "Vibrational Awareness- How Music and Sound Impact Our Daily Lives" which I've presented at local, regional and national conferences for hospice workers, social workers, chaplains, volunteers, medical personnel and families. I love my life...thanks for letting me share a little of it with you.
Now, here's some information about my CDs currently available on CD Baby:
NEW LOVE "awaken to yourself"
An enchanting 60 minute solo harp CD of soothing and relaxing melodies written by artists such as Jim Brickman and David Lanz. Shown to induce relaxation in 4 minutes, this CD helps create an oasis of serenity, peace and harmony during stressful times.
This CD has been shared with hundreds of:
* New York City Firemen and their families after 9/11 to help them relax and sleep
* Cancer patients
* Hospice organizations across the country
* Military families and veterans
* Friends and family members
* Inner Self customers (a retail chain which offers products that help women reconnect and rediscover their inner beauty)
"A Space Within"
The 13 tracks on this original 62 minute CD are feelings...no words...no titles...just expressions from a Space Within. This CD is dedicated to my Grandma Mattie, who quietly transitioned on February 9, 2004 after living 97 years. While going through her bible, we found honest and personal letters she had written to express her pain, joy, sorrow, beliefs and love. We realized that we didn't really KNOW Grandma Mattie...we only knew what she was willing to share with us. In truth, no one really KNOWS anyone else. We can only truly know ourselves. We all have a Space Within that is sacred, open, honest, vulnerable, loving and accepting. This space is our connection back to ourselves. Within this space, all of our answers can be found. Within this space, all of our dreams still live. Within this space, we are free. As you listen to this CD, I invite you to release your thoughts, relax your body, open your heart and rediscover your Space Within.
"Christmas Love"
This CD was inspired by the light in my children's eyes, the love in my husband's heart and the joyous little girl in me who wanted to come out and play. I love all the arrangements on this CD (that's why I chose them)...Jim Brickman, Mannheim Steamroller, Michael Scott...they all sound great on solo harp!
"I Will Always Be With You" (book/cd set)
Inspired by my children and written for the child in all of us after September 11, 2001, this gentle lullaby reminds us that we are never alone. Perfect to share with anyone who feels separated from someone they love.
Now Available: "Love and Gratitude" @ www.cdbaby.com/camie5
A 60 minute collection of Jim Brickman's heartfelt piano music recorded on solo harp. Each selection is an expression of Love for life's precious moments and Gratitude for the gift of their experience.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
Loving Life...all of it,
Amy
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