Elements of Sound: A Full-Spectrum Exploration of Sound and Consciousness
By Adrian DiMatteo
Sound and silence are as essential to the human experience as breath and light. Like music, the universe is vibratory. Frequency is woven into the fabric of space and time.
Elements of Sound explores these underlying aspects which can be harnessed for physical, emotional, mental and spiritual purposes. Sound allows us to connect and inspire, to heal from suffering and to transform.
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Elements of Sound explores the relationship between sound and consciousness at the intersections of science, spirituality and music theory. DiMatteo's approach draws inspiration from ancient and modern thinkers, scientists and indigenous wisdom-keepers, relating sound as both a primal mystery and a practical tool for communication, healing and transformation.
Weaving together diverse perspectives, Elements of Sound compares global traditions of song, poetry, storytelling and sacred language. It invites us to consider how sound and silence frame our innermost thoughts, and to be aware that sound itself constitutes our beliefs, identities and the words we use to define reality.
Influenced by such classics as The Mysticism of Sound and Music by Hazrat Inayat Khan and The Kybalion by Three Initiates, Elements of Sound penetrates the cosmology, esotericism and philosophy of sound and music, suggesting that thoughts are subtle forms of sound which impact our psychophysiological health.
Drawing from decades of experience in academic, clinical and ceremonial settings, DiMatteo conveys the relevance of sound, music and language across human culture. Spiritual seekers, curious minds and students of music will find an oasis of inspiration in his work, along with a common language to discuss what might otherwise seem ineffable.
Neuroscientist and cognitive psychologist Daniel Levetin wrote, "Music may be the activity that prepared our pre-human ancestors for speech communication and for the very cognitive, representational flexibility necessary to become humans." Music and language are prehistoric, but traces of our ancient origins remain preserved in the mythologies and aural teachings of humanity's living traditions.
To learn, to express and to share are intrinsically human. They connect us through sound to the power of creation, and to vibration as a property of reality. Elements of Sound encourages us to consider how we relate to sound in our daily lives-what we hear, how we interpret it, and how we respond to the world within and around us. "Music is a limited term. Sound encompasses melody, harmony, speech, thought and a universe full of vibrations." - from Elements of Sound
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“This is not just a book, it’s an experience. Well-written, thought provoking, educational, enlightening, fascinating—the list goes on. ‘Full-spectrum’ is a perfect way to describe it. Elements of Sound is a book within a book, a masterpiece of literary art on the subjects of sound and consciousness. This is certainly a book to be read again and again.”
— Kathy Lord, CEO, Music that Heals
“Congratulations on Elements of Sound. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on a musical life centered in awareness and flow. There are many life lessons throughout the book.”
— Chris Azzara, Professor of Music Teaching and Learning, Eastman School of Music
“A comprehensive overview, not only of basic elements of music, but also of spirituality and metaphysics and how they all interact. There is no end to learning, and I suspect that I will continue to return to this wonderful compendium for more insight into what I know and what I don’t know about sound and consciousness.”
— Peter Blum, Hypnotherapist and Sound Healer
“Adrian DiMatteo is a gifted musician, theoretician, and dedicated spiritual practitioner. Elements of Sound is where these three aspects of his being come together in an exploration of sound and consciousness.”
— Netanel Miles-Yépez, Pir of the Inayati-Maimuni Order