Music Is Medicine

Using universal spiritual virtues, intention, imagination and the ancient technology of sound and indigenous music, Martin Klabunde takes the reader on an inner journey to discover the spiritual meaning of music, and how music connects us to the infinite wisdom of the universe, our inner being, our cosmic memory and the sacred wisdom of the Master within each of us. The book combines ancient, divine and cosmic knowledge around sound, music, culture, community, awareness, perception, energy, spirituality, ritual and ceremony. Martin includes a case study of the Bamana people of West Africa combined with his own spiritual experiences to provide a context for these new and ancient spiritual concepts. Music is Medicine contributes to the field of music, energy and spirituality by highlighting the practical implications of utilizing music to shift our perceptions and expand our awareness. Through an intimate sharing of his own personal transformations and mind-opening encounters with indigenous cultures, Martin provides a candid and compelling account of the unique power of music--a power that remains unclaimed and unexplored in the majority of our modern society. With the ultimate goal of reminding us of a potent spiritual tool that cultivates a direct connection to our own Master Within, Music is Medicine offers a refreshing yet timeless perspective where each of us becomes the phenomena of healing sounds as we give up our needs to understand music and the world in a specific framework and open ourselves to unlimited possibilities.

Using universal spiritual virtues, intention, imagination and the ancient technology of sound and indigenous music, Martin Klabunde takes the reader on an inner journey to discover the spiritual meaning of music, and how music connects us to the infinite wisdom of the universe, our inner being, our cosmic memory and the sacred wisdom of the Master within each of us. The book combines ancient, divine and cosmic knowledge around sound, music, culture, community, awareness, perception, energy, spirituality, ritual and ceremony. Martin includes a case study of the Bamana people of West Africa combined with his own spiritual experiences to provide a context for these new and ancient spiritual concepts. Music is Medicine contributes to the field of music, energy and spirituality by highlighting the practical implications of utilizing music to shift our perceptions and expand our awareness. Through an intimate sharing of his own personal transformations and mind-opening encounters with indigenous cultures, Martin provides a candid and compelling account of the unique power of music--a power that remains unclaimed and unexplored in the majority of our modern society. With the ultimate goal of reminding us of a potent spiritual tool that cultivates a direct connection to our own Master Within, Music is Medicine offers a refreshing yet timeless perspective where each of us becomes the phenomena of healing sounds as we give up our needs to understand music and the world in a specific framework and open ourselves to unlimited possibilities. Who is this book for? Everyone listens to music from time to time and many listen or play music regularly. We can all agree that music meets us on an emotional level and everyone can relate to the power of music to shift our emotions or bring back a special memory. This book is for both the musician and the non-musician. It is for anyone who has ever experienced the power of music to alter our emotions and who is looking for a greater sense of freedom in their life. Music is Medicine provides a deep awareness into who we are as human beings. It reminds us of the absolute power of intention and music, combined with the universal virtues of compassion, forgiveness, humility, serenity and unconditional love to create a life of freedom, deep contentment and meaning.

Martin Klabunde is an author, and international musician. His mission is to provide a path of awakening (freedom, joy and love) through music. With over 20 years of teaching, performance, and workshop facilitation experience, Martin has helped people from all walks of life to achieve inner peace and heightened awareness through an intentional use of music. Endowed with a unique connection with drumming since childhood, Martin achieved professional skills in both Western and African drumming. Between 1991 and 2005, Martin immersed himself in the indigenous cultures of East and West Africa, studying drumming with initiated drum masters. In 2005, Martin was certified as Professor of the Djembe at Mamady Keita’s Tam Tam Mandengue International School of the Djembe. In 2006, Martin began playing other indigenous instruments such as the Adungu (Ugandan bowl harp) and the Akogo (Ugandan thumb piano). As the director of The Dambe Project, a non-profit organization that utilizes West African performance art in youth mentorship, Martin has taught music in over 75 schools and facilitated drum circles and interactive presentations for 10 to 800 people and for audiences with a diversity of backgrounds. In addition to his extensive exposure to the healing ceremonies and traditional rites of passage in East and West Africa, Martin is also an advanced student of a master healer from Mexico who has taught Martin the ancient rites of Portal Drumming and Healing Ceremonies. In 2009, Martin founded Collective Awakening, an organization committed to providing pathways for spiritual awakening to all people. Integrating his unique experience in music and healing, along with his own spiritual awakening, Martin brings a wealth of artistry, knowledge and wisdom to the workshops and retreats he facilitates around the country.