SOMD Assistant Professor Frank M. Diaz is gaining national attention from science and psychology research media outlets for his research exploringhow mindfulness meditation may enhance both music engagement and performance. The study drawing so much attention appeared recently
on the the journal Psychology of Music’s website, and will appear in print in their forthcoming issue.
In his study, Diaz had 132 participants listen to a 10-minute excerpt of Giacomo Puccini’s opera “La Boheme” after listening to a 15-minute recording of a segment produced by the Duke University Center for Mindfulness Research.
Overall, 97 percent of the participants had either one or several moments of flow or aesthetic response. Of the 69 subjects who engaged in mindfulness, 64 percent thought the technique had enhanced their listening experience.
More information on Diaz’s research and methods can be found on Around the O, Science Daily, PsychCentral, and Compelling Wellbeing.
