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Tune in: Use Music Intentionally to Curb Stress, Boost Morale, and Restore Health. a Music Therapy Approach to Life

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Tune In is an introduction to what music therapists do. It also details 10 strategies to incorporate music more intentionally in all our lives – to curb stress, boost morale, and restore health.

Combining powerful professional stories, cutting-edge clinical research, and straightforward strategies and exercises that have immediate take-home value, Tune In is an accessible and perspective-shifting read unlike any other that’s been written to date by a music therapist. Tune In provides a roadmap to the incredible ways in which music can help us feel better connected and find wellbeing – even (or especially!) in the darkest and most stressful of times.

Intended to help readers from all walks of life learn how to use music to reduce stress, boost morale, and restore health – and when to access a music therapist for optimum benefit.

“Music can and does save healthcare dollars, but its effects go far deeper than its monetary value,” says Buchanan.

“Tune In is about people and the music-based practices that have worked for them, and gives actual strategies to use at home and at the office. The goal is simple: I want you to feel better, empowered, and uplifted through music!”

A useful, enlightening and ear-opening read, Tune In explores:
- The “triggering” power of music – to emotional states both good and bad – and how to use this information to your advantage;
- Intentional listening: how to find the right tunes, and employ them at the right time in the right way;
- What music therapy is, and how working with a music therapist can change your perspective, wellbeing, and life;
- Simple, personalized strategies and exercises to get the most out of music.

184 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2012

6 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Buchanan

10 books14 followers
Jennifer witnessed the power of music as a young teen when her Grandad had his second stroke leaving him unable to speak or walk. It was Granny who asked her to bring her guitar to the hospital center and sing his favorite song. As she sang, she watched the face of the grumpy old man she thought she knew, turn into the tears of a man who wanted a more meaningful connection.

Uncertain times will always be with us. Perhaps music can be our proven constant. – Jennifer Buchanan, MTA, MBA

That moment was the beginning of her journey to becoming a Music Therapist.

Jennifer jokes that her speaking career started in elementary school when she won her school district’s speaking contest. She recognized the power of a message and how it could transform thoughts and support new ideas. Also during these formative years, John Denver visited her school where he sang his music, shared the film of him traveling along the west coast, and shared the message of loving our land. Jennifer witnessed firsthand the power of imagery, message, and music. When they are all blended together, they become the perfect anchor to a moment never to be forgotten.

I believe in the power of music for mental health and well-being and there is no other way I know to get out the work I have been doing for 30 years – exploring this power – than through a really well-crafted presentation. – Jennifer Buchanan, MTA, MBA

Her work today:

Jennifer is Founder and Visionary Architect of JB Music Therapy (JBMT), a music therapy company that has been instrumental in the implementation of hundreds of music therapy programs throughout Canada for 30 years and that has been thrice nominated for the Community Impact Award by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. JBMT currently employs a diverse team of 18 Certified Music Therapists.

As the author of two award-winning books – ‘Tune In‘ and ‘Wellness Incorporated‘ she has become a trusted source for media outlets across North America and has been featured in publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post. Her latest book, Wellness, Wellplayed: The Power of a Playlist was written for all of us who love to make the biggest impact possible while getting the most out of life – it equips busy, mindful people with tools and supports to engage with music in a deeper way.

As an invited keynote speaker at national and international conventions, Jennifer speaks on music and mental health, music therapy, and health entrepreneurship to a wide variety of education, healthcare, government, small business, and corporate wellness audiences.

Combining her music therapy experience with her MBA, Jennifer is the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. The Canadian music therapy community presented Jennifer with their two most prestigious awards – the Norma Sharpe Award for lifetime achievement and the Frani Award, named after her long-time mentor and friend.

How Jennifer can help and inspire your organization?

Jennifer’s Presentations help cultivate connections and foster improved well-being within individuals, workplaces, and communities. Jennifer speaks to large and small organizations about the benefits of music for memory, mood, and motivation. Her work as a Certified Music Therapist allows her to touch the lives of people at any age and any phase of life → from babies and toddlers → to corporate employees → to prison inmates → to musicians such as Don Felder, lead guitarist with The Eagles:

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
June 10, 2017
I enjoyed this book about music therapy. It has links to worksheets so you can learn how to apply it to your life. I deal with PTSD. I have always found music to be helpful. I had not thought about it as therapeutic though. I just noticed long ago how music affected me and how I could sometimes change my mood with it. This book helped me understand how music can be effective in aiding many situations and illnesses. The exercises and worksheets are helping me to not only figure out what my playlists should be like, but also other family members. My mom has Alzheimer's, my daughter is bi-polar and my grandsons are autistic. In reading the book and thinking about them, I have realized that music could be helpful to them. All of them react to music. It will interesting to make various playlists and note any differences. I am already working on different playlist for myself; more intentional ones. This book is one of the most helpful books I read this year and will be on my list of books that changed me positively.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the role music can and does play in their life,or in the life of a loved one. Thank you to BookTasters for bringing this book to my attention. Thank you to the author for providing an ecopy for review consideration. All opinions are my honest feelings about the book.
31 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2017
The entire time I was reading this book, I thought about how I wanted to review it. I never do that with books. This book touched me so — ever step of the way — that I wanted to do it justice in review.

Like the author, I grew up a latch-key kid, and there were things about my family life that we’ll just say were less than perfect. Music, though, was the one healer. The one connector. The everything that was good. The one thing my family could agree on was listening to music in some form or fashion. Music has always been a significant part of my life, especially when I was home alone as a kid, and I know and have seen how it can impact people.

Yes, this book is a practical guide to help you incorporate music into your life with intention and purpose. But it is so much more than that. The real-life stories in this book touched me beyond belief. I have not cried this much from reading a book in many, many years. How music can help connect families, help rehabilitate, and perhaps the most heart-wrenching, help to say goodbye to loved ones is the most spectacular thing in the world. This book celebrates all of that. It celebrates music as life.

For anyone with stress in their life (i.e., pretty much everyone) and for anyone who loves music, you should read this book. I would especially recommend this for anyone dealing with aging or dying family members or family with diseases that affect mental abilities. The book highlights the positive impact that music can have on the ill and dying. But more importantly, it shows you how music can re-connect or heighten your connection to that person and celebrate their life through the music that made them who they are.

If you love music, trust me, I’m not doing this book justice. Read it. You’ll know what I mean. The stories and the impact of music on these people are amazing, and I can’t write enough words to explain that. And kudos to author for championing music therapy and music in schools — you deserve great things for the work you do.
Profile Image for Cabiria Aquarius.
473 reviews34 followers
June 18, 2017
Like the publisher mentions in the Foreward I knew music had this touch to it that could help your emotions. Something I didn't know the name of.

The stories are all so touching and amazing. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through and didn't want to stop reading. I always wanted to find out what I would learn about next.

This book really made me think about music intently more than I already did.

When I'm in a foul mood I tend to turn up my Evanescence album or when I'm sad I tend to turn Norah Jones or Alison Krauss on. When I'm happy and upbeat Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are good ones.

Music overall is important to me and I try not to leave my house without my headphones and I tend to listen to music both on my way to and from school or to and from friends houses.

When in the car the radio is always on. If my dad is in the drivers seat it's always JazzFM 91.1. If my mom is the driver we usually switch between 97.3 and 98.1.

As a musician, a violin player and one who appreciates music, I understood the significance of music and how amazing and connecting it can be.

For my birthday my mom had gotten my Taylor Swift concert tickets and I took my best girl friend with me. We had a blast and she slept over the whole weekend. Those times are forever in my memory.

When I play the violin or when I perform in music concerts at school it's such a rush knowing that you played and you brought the magic of music into the world.

It was a pleasure to learn about how music can be therapeutic and good to listen to at work or when working on homework.
Profile Image for Shannon Harris.
14 reviews
June 16, 2017
Jennifer Buchanan has done something truly amazing. As someone who loves music and uses it readily in her life, it was refreshing to see how I can use music to do so much more with music. Jennifer shares some wonderful stories of patients’ use of music. Her stories as a music therapist offered hope for anyone who may need music to help them through whatever is going on in their lives. I read this book on whim, and boy, am I glad I did. I was so touched by the first chapters that I requested an autographed copy for my shelves. I’ve blown up my twitter feed with insights and praise for this book. I plan to share it with my daughter, who is a music lover like me and would benefit from the guidance of the use of music. This book’s information allows the use for the housewife, stay-at-home mom or dad, the white or blue-collar worker, the teacher, well, anyone. There is something to help everyone. The research discussed makes one wonder why music isn’t treated as a more fundamental part of everyday life. Professionals, students, and children can learn how to engage themselves in their music. How to build a playlist that will help you reach your goals. Jennifer discusses all sides of music including when music seems to fail us. The insight I had about certain things in music that bugged me was helpful. She explained about triggers and how music can be a trigger even a bad one and how to manage through it. This book is invaluable to anyone whether you have all your ducks in a row or whether they aren’t even in the same pond.
Profile Image for Tracey.
76 reviews
November 21, 2017
Jennifer Buchanan’s book, Tune In, A Music Therapy Approach to Life, is a guide for those interested in music therapy to “curb stress, boost morale, and restore health.” I read Buchanan’s second edition courtesy of Book Tasters. Buchanan has the book organized into five sections: the first gives examples of the power of music in people’s lives. This section looks into how much music plays a role in our lives. The second section demonstrates the power of music, how music can connect lives, motivate and evoke memories. The third part shows how music can trigger good and bad emotions and how to work with them. Growing up, it is amazing how music connects with our emotional memories. The fourth section shows how to find the right music for personal health and wellness including finding your personal soundtrack and establishing anchor songs in your life. The fifth section ties everything together and involves strategies to maximize music in a personal, unique way. Through personal anecdotes, Buchanan relates how music has an influence over us and how it has the ability to change people’s lives.

This book was easy to read. Buchanan has a natural writing style that flows easily. I enjoyed reading the personal stories of Buchanan as a music therapist. Reading this book verified how powerful music is and how much music means in my life. I am going to find a way to add even more music to my day-to-day activities. If you are looking to add inspiration and motivation to your life, or you are looking for music to heal or to reflect upon, Tune In is the book you are looking for.
Profile Image for Sindy Castellanos.
941 reviews86 followers
May 17, 2021
Few readings have moved me and have changed my life like this wonderful book. With a genuine and cordial style, well grounded in scientific studies, the author offers all the wisdom of years of life experience and useful tools that teach how to use music to achieve what we want or need; from knowing and managing one's own emotional world, to facilitating coexistence with others. From establishing an atmosphere that improves family relationships, to improving or alleviating a physical or mental illness. From enjoying moments of relaxation and entertainment, to increasing productivity at work. From celebrating life, to facing and accepting death. Music can help each person find a way to cope with life, find meaning in daily activities, and reach their full potential to succeed.
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Pocas lecturas me han conmovido y han cambiado mi vida como este maravilloso ejemplar. Con un estilo genuino y cordial, bien cimentado en estudios científicos, la autora ofrece toda la sabiduría de años de viva experiencia y herramientas útiles que enseñan a usar la música para lograr lo que queremos o necesitamos; desde conocer y gestionar el propio mundo emocional, hasta facilitar la convivencia con los demás. Desde establecer un ambiente que mejore las relaciones familiares, hasta mejorar o aliviar una enfermedad física o mental. Desde disfrutar de momentos de relajación y entretenimiento, hasta aumentar la productividad en el trabajo. Desde celebrar la vida, hasta afrontar y aceptar la muerte. La música puede ayudar a cada persona a encontrar una manera de lidiar con la vida, encontrar sentido a las actividades diarias y alcanzar su máximo potencial para triunfar.
1 review
August 24, 2017
I have always loved music, all types of music. But until I read Jennifer Buchanan's book, 'Tune In: Use Music Intentionally To Curb Sress' I had never really given it any thought as to using it for a tool in my life. I knew what I liked, and at certain times would pick one kind of tune over another due to a mood I was in. But not really giving it much thought.
At first I wondered if this book was going to be another how-to book with long academic descriptions of how music affected our emotions. Instead what I found was that Jennifer wrote the most heart-warming beautiful tales of how she had connected, using music, with individuals whom had been struggling with different issues in their lives. She was able to draw them out by using music that they responded to emotionally and physically,
By trail and error she finds that certain a tune or song that connections with the individual will bring out memories or remembered emotions that had made them happy or gave them a peaceful sense of family and love in their past. Recapturing that memory or emotion can bring joy back into a persons Life. Several stories I have to admit brought a few tears to my eyes. I throughly enjoyed reading each and everyone of them.
Jennifer provides work lists to use and to fill out to make your own Soundtracks. She explains how to find that perfect song or tunes that you feel a connection to, and by playing the Soundtrack you can deliberately create a mood or feelings using the remembered emotions you have stored in your memories.
I enjoyed this book tremendously and would gladly give it 5 stars recommendation.
47 reviews
December 14, 2017
Fantastic information about music therapy and also listening to music intentionally. Jennifer Buchanan 's book Tune in was informative and I enjoyed reading the inspirational experiences that music has had on others including Jennifer's own life. I now also find myself more tuned in to the music I listen to and how it affects me. A book worth reading.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle Jerome.
170 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2018
This is the book I’ve been waiting for all my life!

Music is powerful. Music can change you. Music, Music, Music. This is a must read for anyone who loves music or has pushed music aside. You may not know what you are missing, read the book to discover a world full of emotions that bring about a better, well lived life.
Profile Image for Steve Brock.
656 reviews68 followers
September 21, 2021
Music is the background of our lives. It's on the radio, on our phones, in the stores we shop, and at events we attend. It changes us without our being consciously aware that it is doing so: listening closer to what we like and backing away from what we don't.

For many years, neurologists have found that certain types of music can make us happier, more motivated, and even heal us from trauma. An example of the latter is the song "Only Time" by Enya that was played during coverage of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Jennifer Buchanan has been studying the therapeutic use of music for over 20 years, and her book, Tune In: A Music Therapy Approach to Life" is packed with research findings, stories, and exercises to decrease stress, become less anxious, and even recover from eating disorders and depression.

I know the benefits of what Jennifer calls Intentional Music Therapy. As a Reiki Master, now retired, I used music in every one of my massage sessions, playing music such as Aeoliah's "Angel Love" in the background while channeling energy, with amazing results.

Jennifer's book shows you to how to use this therapeutic approach to improve your life's routines: starting the day (I do this with "Work Song" by the Butterfield Blues Band), working out, getting motivated, achieving goals, and directing yourself away from potentially negative outcomes brought on by stress.

"Tune In," is not only a guide to making improvements, it's also a resource for musical recommendations. I forgot what a great album James Taylor's "Sweet Baby James" was.

Jennifer has also just published a new book: "Wellness, Wellplayed: The Power of a Playlist."

This review is posted in collaboration with #BookTasters. Find many more book and product reviews and recommendations by searching for me on Google.
Profile Image for Roma.
172 reviews546 followers
April 3, 2018
Music is an important aspect of my life and its a stress buster. I'd never heard about the music therapy and this is why I pursued this book. The book was offered to me for an honest review.

The book starts with when author connected to music as a means of bonding. Further in book, a lot of stories on how music therapy helped some people, how it enabled them recreating a bond in relationships, understand themselves better and helped them evolve.

All the stories are intriguing with lots of detailing. The book also has lots of exercises for the readers to help them understand the true sense of actively listening music. Till date I too listened to music passively without understanding the soothing effect music can have on you.

I loved the book and the concept of music therapy. I will definitely try to implement the lessons learned in real life. My rating for this read is 4/5.

Follow my book reviews on Https:/readitbyroma.blogspot.in
Profile Image for Het.
726 reviews24 followers
January 16, 2021
Truly a self help book as it's really well written.
The initial chapters as the author explains the basics, it's always accompanied by a case study which really helps to understand it better as practical can be very different from theory.
The best part of it all are the exercises at the end of each chapter and some worksheets for use too.
Overall it's a complete package to learn and implement music therapy for personal use.
Profile Image for Sanju Lali.
5 reviews
May 5, 2022
I had never thought that music has such a power to reduce our stress and treat certain ailments. The author shared her experience of treating many of her clients having problems such as ADHD etc. I was happy to to learn that music can bring back good health also when administered properly. The set of step by step exercises are easy to follow. Good book to try.
Profile Image for Alanna Jenkins.
302 reviews9 followers
February 8, 2021
Music has always played a big part in my life, it brings joy and energy to any day, and is a great way of processing emotion. I came across this book on social media and the premise seemed really intriguing. I knew that music can have an impact on your mood, but the idea of using it intentionally piqued my curiosity.

The book is a collection of theory, case studies and exercises. The theory is interesting enough, but it's really bought to life by the case studies. There are plenty of them dotted through the book, and they provide a great deal of heart when reading. The stories of these fascinating people really strike a chord as you read through them, and help to put things into context in a real world setting; it's easy to understand the value of the therapy when you can see it in someone's actual life.

The journal-style exercises to help the reader implement music into their own lives intentionally are simple enough to follow, if given the right time and attention, but I would have appreciated a bit more of a breakdown and input, as it can feel daunting to start something like that with an empty page.

Overall, this is a fantastic read about the importance of music for our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. It's worth spending some time on, especially if music already adds value to your life, it will help you understand how to deepen that value.

*I received a free copy of this book through Book Tasters in exchange for an honest review.
6 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2022
This is a book to keep around and refer back to about the power of music and what it can do for your life. Intentionally using music to improve your state of mind and confront challenges will improve your life tremendously and the advice in this book is fantastic.
Profile Image for Giang Nguyen.
3 reviews
January 17, 2021
There's not much new information for me, but it brings some deep emotions. I enjoyed it.
22 reviews
April 8, 2025
A great book and easy read. Gave worksheets to help you apply it to your own life.
280 reviews78 followers
October 31, 2022
This book was quite fun to me how music can play in improving one's life quality. It is an undeniable fact that music is a part of one's life, and Buchanan brought a lively perspective on how music and melodies may contribute to boost one's mental health as a therapy. This book approached this problem from an easy angle and overall, the audience can have a good time with it and realized how they can use appropriate musical works to change their lives for the better.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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