NAMM and IFMR Co-Sponsor New York City Music Research Conference in Collaboration with Institute of Music & Neurologic Function

With support from NAMM, the International Music Products Association and its nonprofit affiliate, IFMR, the International Foundation for Music Research, The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function will present a full-day conference called Dialogues Across Disciplines: Cognitive Neuroscience and Music Processing in Human Function on December 2, 2002, at the Hudson Theatre and the Millennium Broadway Hotel.

During the event, 18 international music researchers will share their work concerning music processing and motor function, language and cognitive functioning. NAMM and IFMR believe this type of exchange between key music researchers will help reinforce the music products industry’s continued claims of health benefits from music making activities. Robert Zatorre, Ph.D., of McGill University, and an IFMR grant award recipient, will be honored at a conference luncheon.

The conference will conclude with a reception and the second annual Music Has Power Awards presentation to three honorees. Joel Thome, GRAMMY Award-winning composer, conductor and percussionist will be honored for his advocacy for music and healing. Thome conceived and conducted "Zappa’s Universe" at the Ritz Theatre in New York City and provided critically acclaimed arrangements to Zappa’s repertoire for symphony orchestra, rock musicians, classical soloists and vocalists. Thome's Polygram/Verve recording of "Zappa’s Universe" received a GRAMMY Award for Best Rock Instrumental in 1994.

Honoree Mathew H. M. Lee, M.D., is the Howard A. Rusk professor of rehabilitation medicine at the NYU School of Medicine in New York. Dr. Lee will be honored for his efforts to raise public awareness of the positive effects of music in the rehabilitation process. He has authored numerous books and publications, including “Rehabilitation, Music and Human Well-Being.” A special service award will be given to Congressman Eliot L. Engel for his support for research and program development. A leading advocate for improved health services and a lifelong resident of the Bronx, Congressman Engel represents the 17th Congressional District covering areas of the Bronx, Westchester and Rockland County.

Other performances will include music by 2002 GRAMMY Nominee Jim McNeely and other prominent jazz artists. McNeely’s latest recording, “Group Therapy,” has been nominated for the 2002 GRAMMY for best large jazz ensemble album.

Parties interested in attending the conference and/or awards reception can purchase tickets by calling 718.519.5840. Additional information is available on the Web at www.musichaspower.org.

About The Institute
The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function is an affiliate of the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services, based in New York, which provides health-based services to more than 3,000 people each year.

About IFMR
The International Foundation for Music Research (IFMR) was founded in 1997 to support scientific research to explore the relationship between music and physical and emotional wellness, with particular attention to the elderly population, the impact of music making on at-risk youth, and music education and the effect of music and music making. IFMR also convenes scientists, educators and others around critical issues in music research and disseminates research through its publication, IFMR News, and various online research referral services and archives. For more information about IFMR, interested parties should visit www.music-research.org.