Healing at the Speed of Sound: How What We Hear Transforms Our Brains and Our Lives

by Don Campbell, Alex Doman

The bestselling author of The Mozart Effect taps cutting- edge science to show how we can use sound to improve our lives and achieve our goals. Based on over a decade of new research, Don Campbell, bestselling author of The Mozart Effect, and Alex Doman, an expert in the practical application of sound and listening, show how we can use music-and silence-to become more efficient, productive, relaxed, and healthy.

Each chapter focuses on a single aspect of everyday life, providing advice, exercises, wide-ranging playlists, and links so readers can use the music they love to create the perfect soundtrack for any goal or task. Also included are "Sound Profiles"-brief stories showing how real people creatively tap the power of sound to improve their own and others' lives.

Inspiring, practical, and truly enjoyable, Healing at the Speed of Sound opens the door to a fuller, richer, and much more harmonious life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Music, Science, Health, Neuroscience, Self Help

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2011

Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Found this intriguing, I never really thought of all the cornucopia of sounds we are inflicted with on a daily basis, as sound pollution. Nor that it can be as detrimental to one's health as air pollution. Silence is or should be a necessary part of ones day. Everyday, if only for ten minutes at a time. this book explains how to do this, as well as how to use music to enhance ones well being and health. Different tones of music produce different results. Real life examples of the benefits to be found, as well as playlists are included. This method has had some startling results, in children and adults on the autism spectrum. Helping them filter out the noise and improve their focus.

i know silence is a necessary part of my day and for more than a few hours at a time. I know when I am exposed to a large time period of noise, I can fee my anxiety rising, which of course is detrimental. I need to explore this concept more thoroughly, but anything that works, even a slight improvement is better than medications with there side effects.

[Richard Derus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This worthy book's yawny review has been revised and can now be found at Expendable Mudge Muses Aloud.

[Marival · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, easy to read, enjoyable, and full of examples and solutions from the everyday life to start being conscious and improve the sound environment in which we live.
Have you ever asked yourself how sound, volume, frequencies and even silence can impact your ear or your life? How they can heal and enhance your life? This book provides the perfect explanation of how sound (and music) influences our mood, the way we live, our performance, our health and of course our hearing system. An excellent tool to “choose your sonic nutrition consciously”, to create a healthy sound environment at home and work, and to learn the small changes you can make to improve significantly your quality of life.
This is a “must read” for teachers, businessmen, parents, seniors and young adults. Everyone will find a point of interest since sound and music are a part of our everyday life starting at the womb.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Added a star to "Healing..." for validating my problem with noise & why it's not good for us! Some of this book is a little repetitive, but it's not a long piece, overall, so it only repeats for a short spell. And it's surpasses calling out noises for negative impact to our well being by also discussing how different noises (usually the stuff we like to listen to) can put us back to right again.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! From the first page I was hooked. So much incredible information to be gleaned. It really made me re-think how sound affects my life on a daily basis, and how sound can heal. The right sounds/music can really change your life, from your workout, to the environment at work, to your health and even your relationship. There are some great chapters on sound and education, something I was really interested in. After reading this book, I find my self making more conscious choices of what type of sound and music I expose myself and family to on a daily basis. It makes such a difference!

[Carol K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this excellent book on Goodreads and have found many useful ideas to use. This book was very well written with the goals and objectives of the book defined at the beginning,and lots of resources listed at the end. The statements were backed up with scientific studies, investigations, surveys, and were not just theories, showing the reality of the sound/mind/body connection. I wonder if anything like this has been done with animals, for their healing and well-being?

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing At The Speed Of Sound - authors: Alex Doman & Don Campbell

I haven’t finished reading this book yet but am so enjoying it that I wanted to put some initial impressions down on paper. I’ll re-review after I have completely finished reading it the first time.

“I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy, but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music and all the arts are the keys of learning .” – Plato. In Healing At The Speed Of Sound this quote begins Chapter 4, which focuses on sound and music in education. This chapter alone is enough to make me wish this book was required reading for every person that has any involvement in educating our children, whether it is parents, teachers, administrators, elected officials; at a time when the arts are in jeopardy in so many schools, if they haven’t already been eliminated. We are wasting so much potential right now, in a nation where too many seem to shrug off the failure of so many to even complete high school. There are non academic tools that can help these kids, and one of those that has great potential to help so many kids is music.

I have not been reading in linear fashion, rather I began by skipping around, investigating some of the rich resources provided throughout. Last night I did go back to the beginning and then put on some beautiful, soothing music to go to sleep. I already knew how important this can be, but the book gave me a needed reminder. I took some time this morning to just wake up and consciously allow some relative silence, as I enjoyed the happy snuffles of my dogs greeting me. It put me in a great frame of mind to begin my day. The authors offer a tantalizing glimpse of how just a few changes in my daily routine can make an enormous change in my energy and attitude. They provide so many potential music resources too: I can see that I will be referring back to the book again and again as I build a better daily routine for myself. It delights me to think of how much fun I can have building my personal soundscapes.

Each chapter will be like unwrapping a present, as I not only read but investigate the links, which so far have been great and worth visiting more than once. I downloaded the Kindle software for my laptop & can directly access the links in each chapter as I am reading on the laptop, which really enriches the experience of reading it so much more! If I had the enhanced e-book version I could use that, and could access the links directly from my iPad or Nook or one of the new Kindles coming perhaps, but for now am really enjoying this experience!

[Sonic Catharsis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don Campbell is one of my favorite authors. With this book, he does not disappoint. A well researched examination into the effects of sound on our wellbeing. Campbell provides accompanied audio files online to help you completely understand the impact of your sonic environment. As a sonic healer and sound researcher, I am fascinated by any book that delves into the mystery and magic of sound. What Campbell gives is a lot of food for thought into the sound in our environment impacts us, whether we recognizes it or not. Campbell encourages us to become more sound aware, a notion I hold near and dear to myself as a sonic healer.

Campbell does not shy away from the detrimental effects of sound, something many books on the topic do not touch upon. Having a more thorough understanding of our sound environment encourages us to be more mindful of what we put into our ears. A thoughtful and approachable read, packed with valuable information and research. While I have always innately understood the healing power of sound, prior to reading this book, I did not give much thought to the sonic environments I put myself in. I have always shied away from loud, crowded places, perhaps I instinctively knew the psycho-somatic impact these places had on me.

Campbell encourages us to create a sound diet, something I have done with playlists and mix tapes my entire life. But, his suggestions pay more attention to the spaces in between the emotions. Unlike my cathartic playlists, Campbell encourages us to create soundscapes to set the mood and stage for the moments in between.

An approachable read, for any one who loves music. Highly encouraged for all healersand educators; consider the sonic environment in your practice, your schools and hospitals. Must read for all sound healers!

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Healing at the Speed of Sound" is a great examination of the impact of sound on a person's life - whether taken in the context of our moods, our work, or our overall development in life. The work examines the impact of sound in multiple facets of a person's life, and gives a bit of expansion on the science behind sound, individual accounts of people who have been impacted by it, and helpful tips on how to maximize (or in the case of noise, minimize) its role.

I liked how detailed this guide was in spurts, elaborating between the role of music in a multi-discipline measure. It talks about the role of music in education, in progressive development, and dispels quite a few stereotypical myths. I think the long and short of what this guide offers is making sure that a person is responsible in their respective listening habits and tailoring it to your needs depending upon the circumstance, while offering some interesting tidbits on how sound affects the brain. If I could give one critique of the work as a whole - there are some sections of it that read a bit long to me, and I think it could've been a bit more concise, but it was a fascinating read overall, and one I would recommend, especially for those who like reading about the science behind sound, music, and its effects on the brain.

Overall score: 3/5

Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Penguin Group.

[Catherine Kapphahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book with my students and they were completely captivated by the science and stories
about how what we hear shapes how our brains and bodies work. One thing I always will remember
about this book is how the first drum that we hear is when we are about 9 to 10 weeks old, our mother's heartbeat. I was also really drawn to the sections how sound/music can ease pain and help those who are dying. Powerful read!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-researched and informative book on music and sound therapy's latest uses and examples of its practice. The interactive version was a bit buggy, but that could also be my now-old ipad! The audio clips by the authors repeated a lot of the info in the book - and that's a good thing! With so much information, I loved having it said in a slightly different way -- learning visually and audibly.

[Timmy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read each chapter of this book randomly. It makes sense. I suddenly became aware of how I could actually impact my outlook on life by immersing myself with healthy sound and silence.

[Larry Mynatt]

Both authors are friends.

[Carly Medwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

the info in here is pretty good like music is magical and can truly make miracles and heartwarming to read about how much joy it brings to everyone’s lives BUT this was written in 2012 by an old white man who thinks he’s better than everyone. like he was trying to convince me to pull a jessica day and complain to my city govt about noise levels and im just like relax

[alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Good information to start consciously shaping my sound environment to improve life, but a little repetitive. Motivated to explore adding more music to my life, and to try music therapies to improve mood and cognitive function.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* based on audiobook without supplementary content

[Collette M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Links no longer work

i bought digital format for links as i already had hard copy. Waste of money and definitely am not happy!

[✨ Anna ✨ | ReadAllNight]

First, I'd like to contradict the author. Hitting the snooze on your alarm is a horrible habit if you want to sleep better.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vaguely interesting

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Healing at the Speed of Sound" is a scientific look at how music and noise (and silence) effect our emotions, our health, and even our ability to learn. They talked about managing noise, protecting your hearing, and using the music you like to influence your day (on waking up, for exercise, traveling to and from work, at work, in the evening, and before bed). The advice was pretty basic, and the "soundtrack for your day" is very much based on what you like. So you notice what songs effect you in certain ways and use them to wake up your mind instead of coffee, help you to keep going when exercising, relax when stressed, etc.

They also talked about how listening to certain types of music, playing music, and making music as a group can help us to learn and remember things better as well as other positive health benefits. They also talked about how music can effect a baby's development before birth and brain development problems after birth.

There was a chapter on using music to tap into "spiritual experiences." They treated all religious music or chanting practices (from witch doctors to Buddhism to Christianity) as equal in positive effects. The way they phrased things made me think they believed spiritual experiences are completely brain-induced. All I'll say is be careful what you play with or you might end up getting more than you expect.

Throughout the text, there were links to free songs and further information on their website. Much of the "further information" was an expert saying the information given in the book, but some gave more in-depth information. One link was to a blog where a lady was blogging about how great one of their music therapy products was, but she made it sound like the music was a mind-altering drug--she's stressed, so she grabbed their relaxation music to calm down, etc.--rather than something that made a lasting change after the music was off. This left me a bit confused about which music has a lasting effect or for how long an effect lasts.

Overall, it was fun to see scientific evidence for things I'd already noticed about music and it did make me more aware of my sound environment, but I didn't really feel empowered by the book. Except in regards to exercise, the advice tended to be so unspecific and subjective ("go with what you like!") that I'm at a loss as to what to play from the large variety of choices that I have. Also, my day is not routine, so what I "need" to listen to (and when) would vary from day to day. So I haven't actually made any changes in my daily routine.

[Kasey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm happy to be done with this book!
So let me hit you with the reasons you should read the book first.
1) This book is pretty much a wonderful plug for music therapy and how people can benefit from music therapy
2) This book will give you some pretty good ideas about certain things
3) If you have children or are pregnant this book will give you great pointers about developing your musical child
4) I was very happy with the conversational level of the language in this book. It was very easy to read and understand
NOW! Why didn't I like the book.
First, it's basically a two hundred page lecture about what will damage your hearing.
Second, if you don't have children three-eighths of this book is almost completely useless to you.
And finally on page 147 of this book I actually uttered the words "If this author talks about 'drumming circles' one more time I am going to rip this book in half" This unfortunately turned out to be an empty threat. But in case you do read the book- music therapy involves more than drum circles.
I think that reading this book would be great for non-music therapists. But seriously, how many people have ambient music playing through their house at all times? Like, really?

[Marival · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, easy to read, enjoyable, and full of examples and solutions from the everyday life to start being conscious and improve the sound environment in which we live.
Have you ever asked yourself how sound, volume, frequencies and even silence can impact your ear or your life? How they can heal and enhance your life? This book provides the perfect explanation of how sound (and music) influences our mood, the way we live, our performance, our health and of course our hearing system. An excellent tool to “choose your sonic nutrition consciously”, to create a healthy sound environment at home and work, and to learn the small changes you can make to improve significantly your quality of life.
This is a “must read” for teachers, businessmen, parents, seniors and young adults. Everyone will find a point of interest since sound and music are a part of our everyday life starting at the womb.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, let me disclose that I received a copy of this book for free in a goodreads first reads contest. I want to be clear from the start

This is a good book that covers the relationship of sound to the mind and body. The links are good - some good music and entertaining video.

The reason I didn't rate this book higher is that much of the content seems, well, obvious. I think that when you are writing a book such as this, it is difficult to maintain the best level of talking to the reader. You don't want to come across as academic and write at a level that nobody can understand. You also don't want to come across as stating something that everybody already knows. I don't feel as if this book stayed well between these two lines, and the authors could have stretched my thinking a little more.

Despite the level it was written at, it is a good book that is worth reading once if you are interested in the interaction of sound to the human mind and body.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There were sections of it that didn't really apply to my life, but were interesting to read about. I am interested to investigate the connected web site and peruse the related information. The book has made me think about listening to music more actively and not out of habit. On a meditative end, I think I will investigate Gregorian chants, a mantra with personal significance and drumming as a means of relaxation (chapter 7, link 64)
I am also interested in listening to Tosca's Vissi d'arte (I have lived for love, I have lived for art.) In terms of thinking more about music, the questions illustrated to me how little I think about the music I listen/listened to, which will result in my paying more attention to what I choose for music.
Last link listed in book, www.healingatthespeedofsound.com/Link 81
free download 7 definitely a parting gift.
A worthwhile, informative read

[Mandy Doman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing at the Speed of Sound

I have always loved the idea of using music & sound in creative and practical ways and I know what a powerful impact it can have in our life. The authors get that each person is unique in what works for them, so they offer ideas to teach us how to customize our own sound environment.

They have opened my eyes (and my ears) to the methods available to improve brain function through sound so we can live a healthy and productive life. I enjoyed all the extras too: Links throughout the book with videos to watch, music to listen to, and or other interesting articles to read and think about. This book is SO engaging and I will refer to it again and again!

[Terryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was completely sucked in by the information presented in this book as well as the informative links, downloads, videos and audio-casts on the website which were tied in. this is an accessable and readable non-fic wich really got me buzzing. the author takes you through the human life span from birth do alzheimer's and relates to you how sound, music, tone and rhythm develop the brain, heal the body and spiritualize the mind. i'm super excited to do some more research and am even tossing around some ideas for early literacy music programs at my library. highly recommended.

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept in this book is that people can become more conscious about improving our "sound nutrition" and thereby improve our daily lives. Music and sounds can be chosen deliberately to energize, regulate moods, create household harmony, improve thinking, facilitate relaxation, and more. Conversely, the sound pollution that is so prevalent almost everywhere can have multiple adverse effects on well-being. Even though I already know these things intuitively, this book provides a welcome reminder. The authors also share some of the research that backs up these concepts.

[Patricia Herlevi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed "Healing at the Speed of Sound" more than "The Mozart Effect". While Don Campbell introduced numerous studies on the healing power of sound/music in both books, the newer titles provides more flowing text. It also brings studies with brain, nervous system, music used in healing environments etc up to date. This book introducing a topic that fascinates me to no end. If you are interested in healing yourself and others with music, then I highly recommend this book. But if you would rather not grow your awareness about the power of music, then you would find this book dry.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Don have made me aware of the importance of sound in my life, including the need for silent breaks from the everyday noise around me. I have now created a "soundtrack for my life," which I use to start my day, improve my mood, help me focus at work, and energize me during a workout. I recommend this engaging book to everyone because most people I know don't realize how sound, noise and music affect their mood, productivity and health.

[Nancy Peske · Rating 5 out of 5]

We don't often think of our soundscapes but this book does an incredible job of awakening us to the power of music and sound to alter our physical, emotional, and mental experience. If you can't get the interactive version with live links for your tablet or eReader, be sure to check out the links anyway--it really does help you appreciate the points the authors make. I increased my use of music and sound to enhance my life after reading this book.