Q: How do you categorize your musical style?
A: My songwriting is the result of my love affair with music since earliest childhood. I love all types of music - from Broadway theater (at six years-old, I could sing the entire scores from dozens of musicals) to folk (hootenannies and sing-a-longs of the 60s introduced me to the power of group singing) to jazz (I went through a long 40s jazz phase - great torch songs!) to pop/rock (the Beatles were my heroes) to classical (for clarity and connection, Mozart is unrivaled).

My own music is a result of all of those influences coupled with what I now know as a music healer - not only does music have a psychological effect (elevating mood), it also has an actual physiological effect on the body (lowering stress, reducing heart rate). Positive music helps us express emotions, release pain and open the heart in new and profound ways.

Both of my CDs were recorded with the conscious understanding that positive music has healing power. The songs are the expression of the way I view the world, through the lens of my spiritual journey. They can be used to calm and soothe (TRANSITIONS), or energize and inspire (MUSIC IN MY SOUL), depending on need and mood.
 

“Everybody has some music in their soul
It drives you when you're younger
And calms you when you're old.”
SK, from MUSIC IN MY SOUL

Fans have called my music “Heart and Soul music,” “Song Therapy” or “Alternative Spirituality.” The people who are buying and using my music cross many lines - from women in transition (spiritual awakening, divorce, menopause, bereavement, illness) to kids (growing up, self-esteem building) to seniors (faith and hope) to those at the end of life (hospice), each receiving the music and the love.

Q: What exactly is a “Music Healer?”
A: A woman approached me after a concert in 1995 and said, “That wasn’t just music... it was a healing!” It struck a deep chord within me. I started to think about all of the ways music had lifted my spirits through my challenging adolescence, my parent’s divorce, low self-esteem and raging hormones. Later, my music helped me through the transition from corporate executive to beginning my music ministry. In fact, it has been with me as a healing balm every step of the way on my uncharted journey of faith through music.

“Time and time again, moving through the pain,
I let my music be the way I pray.”
SK, from One Day At A Time on MUSIC IN MY SOUL
 

These “nursery rhymes for the soul” remind us that we are connected to something MUCH bigger than the world we see through our eyes. These interfaith messages are both universal and positive, and serve as a musical bridge to our innermost self. The melodies are easy to remember and are stored in the part of our brain that goes beyond the logic of the mind. People tell me that my songs help them define their own spirituality, how they see God.

“God is the sun, God is the moon
God is the summer that's over too soon.
God is the sky, God is the sea
God is the light within you and me."
SK, from God is the Sun, God is the Moon on TRANSITIONS

I’ve also been called “ a chronicler of the inner journey” because I write about my truth - the highs, the lows, the fears, the gratitude, the joy, the love. Whether you’re listening or singing along, these CDs are guaranteed to lift your spirits. So, I'd have to say that “Music Healer” is as close as I can come to defining my chosen profession.

Q: What’s your music good for?
A: Whatever ails you! There are people using it for help through all of life’s transitions (new baby, death of a loved one, divorce, acute or chronic illness, change of any kind including marriage, moving, changing jobs, menopause, empty nesting, or seeking soul direction). Many people listen in the car, on their way into their day, singing along with abandon! Others use it while they clean, cook or do other household chores. Some listen while receiving chemotherapy or recovering from surgery. Still others lift themselves from loneliness, depression and even despair. Many have used it for terminally ill loved ones. Children respond very positively to the sing-able songs with the positive messages.

“Be who you are
Say what you feel
Only the moment that you're in is real"
SK, from Gathering of Angels on TRANSITIONS

The following is a list of SOME of the many ways people are using the music in their lives.
 

SONGS FOR WELLNESS:

- If I Could Give You Everything (TRANSITIONS)

- Gathering of Angels (TRANSITIONS)

- River Song (TRANSITIONS)
 

- Love (TRANSITIONS)

- Some People Say (TRANSITIONS)

- At The End of the Day (TRANSITIONS)

- Soften 'Round The Pain (TRANSITIONS)

- One Day at a Time (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- Unseen Blessings (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

SONGS FOR SPIRITUALITY:

- Spirit is Calling (TRANSITIONS)

- Gathering of Angels (TRANSITIONS)

- God Is The Sun, God is the Moon (TRANSITIONS)

- Where Is The Light? (TRANSITIONS)

- Dance With Me Spirit (TRANSITIONS)

- Thank You Dear God (TRANSITIONS)

- Well Being Abounds (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- What Color is Spirit? (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- Easier Road (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- Angels are Dancing (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- One Day at a Time (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- It’s About Joy (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- All There Is (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- Unseen Blessings (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

SONGS FOR GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT:

- Some People Say (TRANSITIONS)

- At The End of the Day (TRANSITIONS)

- Soften 'Round the Pain (TRANSITIONS)

- On The Other Side (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

SONGS FOR KIDS - Self Esteem & Joy:

- Well Being Abounds (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- When I Was an Indian (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- Angels are Dancing (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- It’s About Joy (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- All There Is (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- Unseen Blessings (MUSIC IN MY SOUL)

- If I Could Give You Everything (TRANSITIONS)

- Gathering of Angels (TRANSITIONS)

- Love (TRANSITIONS)

- Zachary Aaron (TRANSITIONS)

- God Is The Sun, God Is The Moon (TRANSITIONS)

- Dance With Me, Spirit (TRANSITIONS)

- Thank You, Dear God (TRANSITIONS)

Q: How can positive music be incorporated in a complete healing modality?
A: Happily, I’m not the only one singing music’s praises - even modern medicine has joined the chorus! Scientific studies now show that music does everything from speed recovery from surgery to lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Some hospitals give patients a choice of music to listen to during surgery, others have music by the hospital bed, and still others distribute healing music CDs upon discharge. In fact, I’ve witnessed healing harpist Tami Briggs’ music soothe many a patient in transition from this life - their breathing changes, color returns, calm ensues. Music seems to promote a sense of wellness, beyond the logic of the mind.

There are volumes of research of music’s effects on all types of conditions, from autistic children to Alzheimer’s patients. I’ve watched “challenged” audiences (cancer and stroke patients) release their pain, even momentarily. Have you ever been to a sing-a-long session at a senior citizens center or nursing home? It’s amazing to watch everyone in the room come alive, and tap whatever they can still tap in time to the music.

Q: What’s the best way to use your music?
A: The best way to use my music is to sing with it. Memorize it! Make it a part of you! Some people tell me I go everywhere with them - they listen in the car, where they can sing along unabashedly, and reconnect with a feeling of well being as they go into their day. (One man in his late 70s told me he sleeps with me every night!)

Here’s what happens when you sing along - you make the words and rhythms your own, so you can play them back to yourself whenever you need comfort and encouragement. Sort of like modern-day mantras and chants, in easy-to-understand English. (There’s even an American Missionary in Siberia using my music to teach English!) Some listeners tell me that one of my positive songs will “play” in their heads, just below the surface, uplifting them all day.

The melodies carry some important messages. I want people to feel supported and understood, nurtured and loved. The lyrics for both CDs are available online and are printed an easy-to-read booklet included with the CDs.

Q: Where can I see you perform your positive music?
A: I sing at many types of gatherings - from New Thought churches to hospices, from concert halls to hospitals. Please Join the mailing list to be informed of upcoming concerts.

Q: Where can I find more information about Music Healing?
A: There are some wonderful books devoted to music and sound healing including: The Mozart Effect, Music and Miracles and Music: Physician for Times to Come, all by Don Campbell, The Healing Energies of Music by Hal A. Lingerman, Sounds of Healing by Mitchell L. Gaynor, MD, and Grace Notes: Reflections on the Harp and Healing by Tami Briggs.

Additional websites with solid information include:

http://www.healingmusic.org
http://www.sound-remedies.com
http://www.musictherapy.org
http://www.musicalreflections.com
http://www.appliedmusic.com
http://www.soundhealthresources.com

There is also an Internet music/talk station called Media Positive Radio http://www.mediapositiveradio.com which provides an uplifting listening experience — All the Time! Featuring the finest music from independent and mainstream musicians all focusing on the power and greatness of every individual as well as the collective power of unity and brotherhood. Sandi is also featured on the Positive Music Association website located at http://www.positivemusicassociation.com.

For Heart-centered support for caregivers including music, books, inspiration and more please visit: http://www.sterlingheart.com

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