Sarasota, FL – December 14, 2010 – More than just music to the ears, music therapy leads to better health. Research has proven that people of all ages, even premature infants, respond with therapeutic benefit. On January 5, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the Historic Asolo Theater, Dr. Jayne M. Standley -- an expert on the topic -- demonstrates how music therapy in medical treatment enhances development of premature infants, resolves emotional conflict, and reduces pain.
The internationally acclaimed scholar and classically trained musician kicks off a new lecture series by The Florida State University, which runs from January through March, 2011. Based on sound science, Dr. Standley discusses the psychological and physiological responses that result from artistic participation, whether it is listening, performing, composing, moving, or discussing. Videotaped demonstrations of music therapy in action will be shown, including how it reduces pain, enhances the development of premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and distracts children from painful or frightening procedures.
Acoustically different from all other auditory stimuli, the brain responds to preferred music with positive physiological, emotional, and cognitive changes. Music therapy is a research-based behavioral science that combines empirical evidence with predictable, universal, human reactions to music.
“Interest in the field of music therapy continues to grow and we’re delighted to have one of the foremost authorities on the subject, Dr. Jayne Standley share her research and insights on its benefits with residents here on the Gulf Coast,” said T. Marshall Rousseau, Interim Director for the Ringling Museum. “In addition to addressing healthcare, our new lecture series broaches topics near and dear to Floridians, such as the economy, environment, ecology, arts and culture.”
The practice of music therapy has been around for more than six decades. Practitioners are trained healthcare professionals with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and National Certification (MT-BC) work in a variety of settings: medical, rehabilitation, geriatric, special education, counseling, hospice, or mental health. There are more than 70 college and university degree programs in music therapy in the U.S.
Classically trained and talented musicians, such as Dr. Standley, are adept in a variety of musical genres and styles, as well as trained in psychology and health sciences. Jayne M. Standley, Ph.D., MT-BC, is a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor at Florida State University (FSU) and the Ella Scoble Opperman Professor of Music. Her work has been published in nursing, early childhood, and music therapy journals. Most recently, she investigated music therapy for early intervention with premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She directs the Music Therapy program at FSU, the Medical MT and Arts in Medicine Programs in partnership with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and the National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy. Dr. Standley is a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Publication, Merit, and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the American Music Therapy Association, she is also the editor of the Journal of Music Therapy.
Other topics covered during the lecture series, Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Asolo Theater:
· January 19: Oceanographer Dr. Ian MacDonald examines the long-term effects of BP’s oil spill.
· February 2: Author, NPR commentator, and political columnist for The St. Petersburg Times Dr. Diane Roberts opines on her home state of Florida: the “perfect,” “strange,” and “splendid.”
· February 16: The founder and artistic director of Urban Bush Women, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar shares her State Department-sponsored cultural-exchange tour of South America.
· March 2: Paleobiologist Dr. Gregory Erickson shares his fascinating research on bite forces and tooth pressures of alligators and crocodiles.
· March 16: The 14th president of The Florida State University Dr. Eric Barron shares his vision and advocacy of excellence in arts and humanities, sciences, law, business, and medicine.
Tickets are $10 or $5 for Museum Members. For more information contact the Historic Asolo Theater Box Office at 941.360.7399 or visit www.ringling.org.
General Admission includes the Ringling Museum of Art, special exhibitions, Ca d’Zan Mansion, Circus Museum, and Mable’s historic Rose Garden, all on 66 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Adults are $25; senior citizens (65 and over) are $20; children ages 6-17 are $10. Free Admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult, museum members. Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit www.ringling.org for more information.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation. It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Cà d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museum; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
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