In this post I will write about how I approach the idea of using music as an object of meditation. I have three intentions in writing this article: 1) to better understand the idea of how music helps meditation, 2) offering some ideas about how to practice music meditation, and 3) using this article as a catalyst in coming up with your own ways to meditate with music.

In order to better understand how music meditation works, I want to first define meditation. Oxford Dictionary defines meditation as: “To think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time in silence, or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes, or as a method of relaxation. Aryeh Kaplin in his book Jewish Meditation defines meditation simply as “thinking in a controlled manner”. He goes on to describe two important parts to meditation: 1) using concentration to focus in on the object of meditation and 2) being able to release extraneous or undesired thoughts that do not relate to the object of meditation. His book goes on to say that besides meditating on the breath or a mantra, that we can meditate on many other objects including: a biblical verse, a problem or concern, the physical body, scents, or emotions.

Here we will be using music for the object of meditation. There are two ways I have learned to use music for meditation. The first is to use music as a background to meditate on another object; the second is to use music as the direct object of meditation. I approach music meditation the second way; by using music as the direct object of meditation, using short wordless melodies, called nigguns in the Jewish tradition, or lullabies in the folk tradition. How many of us were rocked to sleep by a very simple soothing lullaby as a child without knowing that this was a form of meditation.

When I select melodies to help people meditate with music (either individually or in groups) they need to have three qualities: 1) it needs to be simple enough to sing, or listen to without stress of mental effort that would detract from the meditation, 2) Music that is medium tempo or slower (Since music effects a persons heart rate and pulse. O. Sacks) 3) the melodic quality needs to lend itself to enriching the persons meditative state. Not all melodies are created equal, and while evaluating the quality of a melody is very subjective, I have experienced how different melodies, even when the other factors of simplicity and tempo are adjusted for, have a pronounced effect on people.

In order to enter, as well as deepen, the meditative experience I have found a few techniques very helpful: 1) focusing on the breath while inhaling and exhaling while singing, 2) focusing on the vibrations the sound of singing makes in the body, 3) focusing on how the music and rhythm makes the body move, 4) focusing on the quiet space between the notes. For more information about the importance of space and rest in music read The Music Lesson by Victor Wooden, one of my favorite books about music and spirituality.

When I do music meditation I use the guitar to play chords to accompany my voice (singing the melody) and the participants. The guitar also helps set the rhythm and harmonic tone for the music. Oliver Sacks in his book Musicophelia writes about how people are drawn in to the rhythm of live music and how the rhythm engages us to listen in an active participatory way. I have experienced this during the music meditation groups. I teach the participants to gently sing the melody, and use the repetition of the melody as the object of meditation. From then on the act of singing and listening to the melody do the work of drawing the person in to the meditative experience. Dr Sacks goes on to say that experiencing live music in a group setting synchronizes the brains and minds and emotions of all who participate. I have seen this happen in the group setting, which can make it easier for each individual participant to engage in the meditative experience.

Don Campbell, in his book The Mozart Effect, discusses how music has a positive effect on the heartbeat, pulse rate, and blood pressure, reduces muscle tension and unpleasant feelings. Very important to meditation, he also discussed how music can slow down and equalize brain waves from ordinary consciousness called beta waves to, alpha waves, which lead to heightened awareness and calm. Deeper states of meditation lead to theta waves, which can lead to deep meditation and connection with one’s creative essence.

Members of my individual and group music meditation sessions frequently experience these positive effects that Don Campbell and Oliver Sacks discuss. The books mentioned in the bibliography are great references to further understand the effects of music on the body and mind, including meditative states. Finding some simple lullabies or nigguns to sing and meditate on is an excellent way to get firsthand experience. Please feel free to write with feedback and questions- I welcome your input.

Bibliography:

Campbell, Don (1997) The Mozart Effect New York New York: Avon Book

Kaplin, Aryeh (1985) Jewish Meditation New York: Random House

Anonymous (2016) Oxford Dictionary Definition of Meditation Retrieved from: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/meditate

Sacks, Oliver (2007) Musicophelia New York; Alfred A Knof

Wooden, Victor L (2006) The Music Lesson New York: Berkley Books