IMNF Music Has Power Awards Honors Innovators of Music and Brain Health
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y.—November 13, 2019—The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing scientific inquiry into music and the brain, and developing clinical treatments to benefit people of all ages, hosted the Music Has Power Awards, held at the Times Center on November 4. This year’s honorees were Jazz guitar legend, Stanley Jordan, professor, leading researcher in neuroscience and music, Nina Kraus and Jay Stark, Chair Emeritus, IMNF Board of Directors.
Photo (L to R) Harry Ballan, IMNF Board Chair, Jay Start, Dr. Nina Krause, Stanley Jordan, Dr. Concetta Tomaino and Dr. David J. Gentner
“My earliest feelings of connection to the Institute were triggered by my perception of how important music is to our emotional well being but I soon learned what it really meant for neurological and physical health,” said Mr. Stark as he expressed his thanks for the recognition and his hopes for IMNF’s research and the “healing and happiness that music therapy provides.”
An all-star performance entertained guests, featuring performances by the Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, four time Grammy-nominated guitarist, Stanley Jordan, Grammy-winning singer Lisa Fischer, recently featured in Netflix’s documentary “20 Feet from Stardom” which highlights Ms. Fischer’s work as a backup singer for renowned musicians such as Sting, Luther Vandross, Tina Turner and The Rolling Stones. Mr. Jordan and Ms. Fischer, together for the first time, performed an amazing version of “Gimme Shelter” to end the show.
Upon receiving his award and giving thanks, Mr. Jordan spoke about the power of music therapy. “Even before I heard about music therapy I had an intuition that music can help with the healing process. A lot of people think they know what music therapy is but there is a lot more to it, he said.” Stanley then spoke of the benefits of music therapy for those with physical, emotional and cognitive issues as well as those battling addiction to decrease anxiety and promote calmness, stimulate memory, increase range of motion and reduce pain.
Emceed by former PBS broadcaster Midge Woolsey, the Music Has Power Awards began with a cocktail reception and then moved into the beautifully appointed theater for performances. Funds raised through this celebration will support patient care along with clinical and scientific research.
“We are thrilled to honor Dr. Kraus for her contributions to auditory perception research which helps inform our clinical work and to recognize Stanley Jordan who has long been a supporter of music therapy,” said Dr. Concetta Tomaino, Co-Founder and Executive Director of IMNF. “It is especially meaningful to honor Jay Stark for his leadership as IMNF board chair during our transition to Wartburg. I thank the Wartburg Foundation and our many donors whose generosity will allow us to broaden our impact not only within Wartburg but nationally and internationally.”
The award given to honorees was designed specifically for IMNF. Past recipients include physicians, scientists, musical artists, performers, and members of the music industry and business community. The event recognizes the accomplishments of exceptional individuals who have brought new understanding to the use of the power of music to awaken and heal. Celebrity performers have graced the stage at previous Music Has Power Awards to honor these individuals including Chris Martin, Dominic Chianese, the Beastie Boys, Michael Feinstein, Bruce Hornsby, Dustin Hoffman, Moby, Vanessa Carlton and Kris Kristofferson.
In 2017, IMNF made its new home at Wartburg, a premiere senior residential and healthcare facility in Westchester County, NY. Through Wartburg’s Outpatient Center, the Institute offers individualized music therapy for those living with neurologic issues such as Aphasia, Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as children with developmental needs. IMNF also hosts free programs such as “Healing Music”, a program for veterans with traumatic brain injury, neurological issues and PTSD and a Parkinson’s support group on Wartburg’s 34 acre campus. “The partnership between the Institute and Wartburg continues to elevate Wartburg’s Creative Aging & Lifelong Learning programs,” said Dr. David J. Gentner, Wartburg President and CEO. “Through best practices, the Institute enhances the quality of life of those we serve, many of whom are medically indigent. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, I am looking forward to next year’s 25th-anniversary event, and my continued gratitude to Wartburg’s Foundation for their generosity and support with this initiative.”
IMNF
The IMNF is a not-for-profit, 501(c) 3 organization. Founded in 1995, the IMNF is driven by over 40 years of clinical observations and research by famed neurologist and author, Dr. Oliver Sacks and renowned music therapist, Dr. Concetta Tomaino, on the actual effects of music on individuals who have different types of physical and neurological disorders. Directed by Dr. Tomaino, the IMNF conducts research on the relationship between music and the brain, provides patients with music therapy, and offers our professional peers around the world the latest music therapy education and training information about best practices. Through the scientific exploration of music and the brain, the IMNF seeks to establish new knowledge and to develop more effective music therapy treatments to awaken, stimulate and heal through the extraordinary power of music.
IMNF Website Homepage: www.imnf.org
IMNF Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/musictherapy.imnf
IMNF YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/imnf2008
Wartburg
Wartburg, located in Westchester County, NY, offers integrated, comprehensive senior residential and healthcare services. Unlike conventional retirement communities, Wartburg provides a wide range of services to both residents living on its beautiful 34-acre campus and people in their own homes. From independent, assisted living and award-winning nursing home care to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, home care and adult day care services, its continuing care approach has earned Wartburg a trusted reputation in Westchester. Wartburg also provides caregiver support at every stage with an array of options to find the level of care that considers the whole family. Wartburg was named one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State” by U.S. News & World Report for the ninth consecutive year in 2019.
Wartburg Website Homepage: www.wartburg.org
Wartburg Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thewartburg
Wartburg Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/thewartburg
Wartburg Instagram Page: www.instagram.com/wartburgadultcare
Wartburg LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wartburg-adult-care-community/
YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/wartburgny