Even though the term “music therapy” is fairly new, the practice of using music to heal and calm can be tracked back to antiquity. Humans have always used music - during meditation, celebration, religious ceremonies, in preparation for battle, to soothe and calm newborns, to inspire creativity - music has always been a source of inspiration, as well as a means of helping to balance our body and mind.

There are a few differing schools of thought regarding how to utilise music and sound in therapy. However they are all based on the knowledge we have gained from monitoring the effects music has on us, both physically and psychologically.

Music has been proven to help to:

• Relieve stress, apprehension and fear

• Improve mood

• Lower heart tate, blood pressure and breathing rate

• Relieve depression

• Relieve sleeplessness

• Relieve muscle tension and provide relaxation

Music affects the body in two distinct ways: directly, as the effect of sounds upon cells and organs and indirectly, by affecting the emotions, which in turn influence numerous bodily functions. There is scarcely a single function of the body that cannot be affected by musical tones. The roots of auditory nerves are more widely distributed and possess more extensive connections than those of any other nerves in the body. Investigation has shown that music affects digestion, circulation, nutritiion and respiration. Our muscles, including the heart muscle, sychnronise to the beat of music - without you even thinking about it! For example, in some music, and more specifially relaxation music designed for this purpose, the beat approximates the rhythm of the resting heart (60-70 beats per minute). Listening to music of this style can actually slow a heart that is beating too fast. In other words, it can help you to relax.

When your heart is beating at a slower rate and you are more relaxed, other processes happen inside your body as well. In fact your entire system starts to work just that little better. You heal quicker, you are able to ceoncentrate better (and have better retention / recall), you breathe deeper (always a good thing), your digestive system runs more efficiently and once again you really do relax and rewind.

So, listening to music is a good thing. But what sort of music should you listen to so you are able to achieve the most beneficial results?

Well, simply put, any music that YOU find soothing (we’re talking soothing, not your favourite party selection). There has been much written about different musical styles and origins and it is true that specific tempos and rhythm play a definite role - but all this is of no benefit if you simply do not enjoy the music you are listening to.

In fact, it can have exactly the opposite effect that you’re hoping for. If you don’t enjoy classical, it’s okay. There are many modern composers producing work that you’ll likely enjoy.

Gentle, relaxing music specifically designed for this purpose is probably best. This style of music, if properly and creatively produced, can indeed be therapeutic, as well as a completely natural way to ease tension and lower stress. In times of illness and fatigue, relaxation music is a very powerful tool that can greatly promote healing responses by comlimenting both natural and conventional medicine. It is also a natural way to greatly enhance the benefits of massage, aromatherapy and other natural therapies.

When you first listen to the music on Complete Calm, you might wonder at the tempo of the first track. I have in fact produced this album in a specific way.

Unlike many of my other albums, which are designed to enhance an already relaxed atmosphere, the music on this album is designed instead to lead you into a calm state.

You will notice that the tracks slow down in tempo as the music unfolds. This is quite deliberate. The first track is an attempt to match a more heightened state. Then as the album progresses, you are progressively lead into a more and more calm level as the tempos gradually decrease. By the time the last track plays, we are at a very slow and peaceful repeating rhythm. Hopefully by then you are completely calm.

If you cycle the album and play it from the start again, the first tracks will not feel as fast. You are already in a relaxed state and the music will take you further again.

The most important point, as with any exercise or relaxation technique is actually doing it. Take some time, each day if possible and simply sit, unwind and chill out to some music. You’ll feel the difference!

Tony O’Connor - October 2007

"The best music you have ever written Tony!"
"Wow... I thought Mariner was my favourite, but Complete Calm has now stolen the award!"
"Classic Tony O'Connor magic. The melodies just take you away. I find myself playing Complete Calm over and over again. Well done Tony!"
"This latest CD is simply beautiful. I particularly enjoyed the song "When We Sail Away". This is great stuff, akin to the profilic Mariner era. Tony O'Connor is still the best!"
"Just when we thought you couldn't get any better, along comes Complete Calm. A treasure Tony. Some of the most haunting music I think you have ever produced."