MUSIC IS A DIVINE ART - KISHORI AMONKAR
RAGA MUSIC THERAPY & MEDITATION
WE WELCOME STUDENTS WITH INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
Here at Raga Music School we take pride in creating a safe environment for students with individual needs express themselves through music.
NDIS FUNDED THERAPY PROVIDER
Looking for the perfect therapy to build capacity, emotional regulation and community participation? We currently partner with the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and several of our students in doing so.
RAGA MUSIC MEDITATION
In addition to our music classes, we provide Meditation classes. This combines the soothing and therapeutic qualities of raga music with traditional meditation practices.
BENEFITS OF MUSIC THERAPY AND MEDITATION
- Music meditation offers numerous benefits for stress management and overall health:
- Calm Physiology Music helps relax the body effortlessly, reducing mental stress.
- Mood Enhancement Listening to music lifts spirits and induces positive emotions.
- Breathing Regulation Music can naturally slow breathing, promoting relaxation.
- Stress Reduction Both music and meditation effectively lower cortisol levels associated with stress.
- Improved Stress Management Regular practice enhances stress management capabilities.
- Increased Self-Awareness Meditation fosters awareness of thoughts and feelings.
- Boosted Immunity Some studies suggest meditation can enhance immune function.
- Greater Empathy Meditation fosters empathy and compassion towards others.
- Reduced Anxiety and Depression Both meditation and music alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Better Sleep Quality The relaxing effects of music meditation improve sleep.
Cultural Relevance
Raga Music, deeply rooted in the musical traditions of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Fiji, and Mauritius, is a powerful medium for meditation.
Indian classical music, known for its intricate melodies and rhythms, forms the foundation for ragas.
These ragas are designed to evoke specific emotions and states of mind, making them an ideal tool for meditation and therapy.
Effects of Raga Music and Meditation & Music Therapy
- Research shows promising effects of combining music and meditation:
- Memory and Cognitive Performance Studies have found that both meditation and listening to music positively impact memory and cognitive performance in adults experiencing subjective cognitive decline, a predictor of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Stress and Well-Being Both meditation and music listening improve stress levels, mood, sleep quality, and overall well-being in adults.
- Dopamine Increase Listening to music can boost dopamine levels in the brain, leading to feelings of euphoria and happiness. The therapeutic efficacy of raga-based music therapy can be attributed to several key elements.
- Emotional Resonance of Ragas Each raga is associated with a unique set of emotional qualities, such as serenity, joy, introspection, or contemplation. By selecting appropriate ragas, therapists can tailor sessions to address specific emotional states and alleviate stress.
- Mind-Body Connection Indian classical music, including ragas, emphasizes the connection between mind and body. The rhythmic patterns, tonal structures, and improvisational nature of ragas engage both cognitive and emotional centers of the brain, promoting a holistic therapeutic experience.
- Physiological Benefits Music therapy, including raga-based approaches, has been shown to lower heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and decrease levels of stress hormones like cortisol. These physiological responses contribute to the overall relaxation and stress reduction experienced during sessions.
- Cultural Heritage Beyond its therapeutic benefits, raga-based music therapy celebrates Indo-Pak-Bangla rich cultural heritage. It preserves ancient musical traditions and promotes cultural understanding and appreciation through therapeutic practices.
- Spiritual Benefits Music is often regarded as a divine art form, capable of transcending the ordinary and connecting individuals to a higher spiritual plane. The intricate and soulful expressions found in ragas can evoke deep spiritual experiences, providing a sense of inner peace and connection to the divine.