Author: Jo-Michael Scheibe

Jo-Michael Scheibe is the chair at the USC Thornton School of Music’s Department of Choral and Sacred Music. He conducts the USC Chamber Singers, teaches choral conducting, and supervises the undergraduate and graduate choral program.
Universal-Traits-Have-Been-Discovered-In-Lullabies-and-Dance-Music | Jo-Michael Scheibe

Universal Traits Have Been Discovered In Lullabies and Dance Music

According to a new study published in Current Biology, dance songs and lullabies from around the globe can be identified by most. Could people guess what songs are for used for dance or soothing a child by their sound alone, without any knowledge about their cultural context? In many ways, yes. Without cultural context or geographical indication, the public could identify dance songs… Read more →

Positivity’s Impact on The Creative Brain

The creatively-minded are considered to be free-spirits or daydreamers, which purportedly sets them apart from pencil pushers and those interested in the sciences. However, did you know that there’s scientific evidence suggesting that anyone can be creative? More than that, did you know that ambiance and mental outlook are fundamental provocations when it comes to creative productivity? There are many components to what kind of environment… Read more →

Highly Creative Individuals Have Better Connected Brains | Jo-Michael Scheibe

Highly Creative Individuals Have Better-Connected Brains

Are you left-brained or right-brained? What if I told you the “right/left brain” theory might be bogus?   According to research published by Duke University during February of the year, creative people have better-connected brains. In fact, this report states, “Highly creative people have significantly more white matter connections (shown in green) between the right and left hemispheres of the… Read more →

How Music Aids Brain Development

  Music is a wonderful way to stimulate brain development in children from infancy through adolescence. Musical training is the best way to encourage this development, but even simple exposure can stimulate a child’s brain. Here are some of the ways that harmonized sounds help young brains. Infants Babies love musical instruments and lullabies. It turns out that these musical… Read more →