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Your Weekly Dose!

Posted on April 30, 2013

Fox News had an interesting article on their website this week. It reported on how music can be extremely beneficial to children who were born prematurely.

Joanne Loewy, head of the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, said, “We are learning from the literature and studies like this that premature infants do not necessarily grow best tucked away in an incubator… Neurologic function can be enhanced with music; vital signs can be enhanced through interactive sounds and music therapy.”

It’s so refreshing to see that the healing powers of music are being researched by reputable institutions and reported on by the mainstream media. There is so much great research going on out there.

Read the Fox News article here.

… and now for this week’s New Song Trivia!

Congrats to all of you who got last week’s answer! “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” is now available on SingFit!

This week’s song:

Was written in 1958 by the artist and his eldest brother.

He first recorded it as the b-side to “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town.”

Four different artists have charted versions of this song on the Billboard charts. Flatt & Scruggs released a version on their album The Versatile Flatt & Scruggs, peaking at #45 in 1965.[3] In 1981, Don King took a version to #38, on his Epic Records album Whirlwind.[4] Emmylou Harris sent her version to #51, releasing it as the third and final single from her 1989 album Bluebird.[5] In 2004, Martina McBride recorded the song on her 2005 album Timeless as a duet with Dolly Parton. This rendition went to #50 in 2006.[6] Stevie Nicks also covered the song on her 1989 album The Other Side of the Mirror.

This artist is also known as “the Man in Black.”

Can you name this song? The artist?

Send your answers to Info@MusicalHealthTech.com, and the first ten correct responders will receive super-snazzy SingFit Smile stickers!

Don’t have SingFit yet? Download it for FREE here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/singfit/id442827581?mt=8

Happy Singing!

Brad Colton – Music Producer & Publishing Manager

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Your Weekly Dose!

Posted on April 19, 2013

Our hearts go out to Boston, along with our thoughts and prayers. While music cannot erase the tragedy, it does have a healing power that can embrace the pain, soothe the sorrow, and reveal hope. Here are some quotes from people that we as a people trust, who feel the same way.

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
-Berthold Auerbach

Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.
-William Congreve

Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to the gaiety, and fire to everything. It is the essence of order and leads to all that is just and beautiful.
-Plato

Music is the shorthand of emotion.
-Leo Tolstoy

Music can change the world because it can change people.
-Bono, U2

… music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from…
-Billy Joel

Where words fail, music speaks.
-Hans Christian Andersen

When the music comes the pain goes away.
-Bob Marley

Thank you, Boston, for reminding us that we are far more united than separate, and more helpful than hurtful.

… And now for this week’s New Song Trivia!

Congrats to all of you who got last week’s answer! “You’ve Got the Magic Touch” by The Platters is now available on SingFit!

This week’s song:

Was written in 1908 by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer, and is the unofficial theme song for America’s favorite pastime.

Many in the league replace a lyric in the song with the name of their city’s team. Think of the 7th inning stretch.

Can you name this song? It’s in season now!

Send your answers to Info@MusicalHealthTech.com, and the first ten correct responders will receive super-snazzy SingFit Smile stickers!

Don’t have SingFit yet? Download it for FREE here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/singfit/id442827581?mt=8

Happy Singing!

Brad Colton – Music Producer & Publishing Manager

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Your Weekly Dose!

Posted on April 11, 2013

One of my favorite researcher/authors, Daniel Levitin, published a new paper on his favorite topic, music and neurology. This paper evaluates the evidence that music improves health and well-being through the engagement of neurochemical systems, which is what we’re all about! Read the whole article here. There are a growing number of expert neurological researchers, like Levitin, discovering the effects of music on the human brain. Although this research is still in its infancy, what is already known is so amazing it sounds almost like magic, but turns out to be scientifically viable as well.

…and now it’s time for this week’s New Song Trivia!

Congrats to all of you who got last week’s answer! “This Magic Moment” by Jay and the Americans is now available on SingFit!

This week’s song:

Is by one of the most successful vocal groups of the early rock and roll era. The group had 40 charting singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart between 1955 and 1967 including this song, which charted at #4 in February of 1956.

The group has gone through several personnel changes, with the most successful incarnation comprising lead tenor Tony Williams, David Lynch, Paul Robi, Herb Reed, and Zola Taylor.

Staying with the magic theme, this song also has “Magic” in the title!

Can you name this song? The artist?

Send your answers to Info@MusicalHealthTech.com, and the first ten correct responders will receive super-snazzy SingFit Smile stickers!

Don’t have SingFit yet? Download it for FREE here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/singfit/id442827581?mt=8

Happy Singing!

Brad Colton – Music Producer & Publishing Manager

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Your Weekly Dose!

Posted on April 5, 2013

Mandi, our Operations Manager, is getting married! She’s leaving us for a whole month for her Alabama wedding and European honeymoon. Although we are happy for her, she’ll be singing “Sweet Home Alabama” while the rest of us are singing “All By Myself.”   We just celebrated Mandi’s one-year anniversary as a member of the SingFit team on the rooftop of our downtown LA office, where she made us sing “The Wonder of You” and all of the Elvis songs in the SingFit catalog. She’ll be happy to know that we just got publishing approval for a few more Elvis songs that will be added while she’s away.

… and now for this week’s New Song Trivia!

Congrats to all of you who got last week’s answer! “One Fine Day” by The Chiffons is now available on SingFit!

This week’s song:

Originally recorded by The Drifters in 1960, actually charted higher at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 with this “Blue Eyed Soul” band’s rendition 9 years later in 1969.

Was featured on the album “Sands of Time,” an all-cover album of the band’s favorite songs.

This “moment”… is “sweeter than wine” and “softer than a summer night.”

Can you name this song? The artist?

Send your answers to Info@MusicalHealthTech.com, and the first ten correct responders will receive super-snazzy SingFit Smile stickers!

Don’t have SingFit yet? Download it for FREE here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/singfit/id442827581?mt=8

Happy Singing!

Brad Colton – Music Producer & Publishing Manager

 

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Your Weekly Dose!

Posted on March 28, 2013

Easter is here and SingFit is gearing up to take you to church! We’re expanding our gospel category over the next few weeks to include classic gospel songs like “Oh Happy Day,” “Blessed Assurance,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and some more contemporary tunes like “God of Wonders” by Third Day. While we’re getting these tracks ready, you can satisfy your soul with “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “Amazing Grace” and more!

Now it’s time for this week’s New Song Trivia!

Congrats to everyone who got last week’s answer! “Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin is now available on SingFit.

This Week’s Song:

Reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100; its R&B chart peak was #6. The single was an international hit charting in the UK (#29), France (#18), and New Zealand (#6).

Ranked #460 on Rolling Stone Magazine‘s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

This female trio is named after a sheer fabric commonly used on evening gowns, and is the French word for “cloth” or “rag.”

This group’s previous #1 single has one of the same word as this song in the title, as does their followup single:  ”He’s So ____,”  ”One ____ Day” (this week’s song!) and “A Love So ____.”

Can you name this song? the artist?

Send your answers to Info@MusicalHealthTech.com, and the first ten correct responders will receive super-snazzy SingFit Smile stickers!

Don’t have SingFit yet? Download it for FREE here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/singfit/id442827581?mt=8

Happy Singing!

Brad Colton – Music Producer & Publishing Manager

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Your Weekly Dose!

Posted on March 22, 2013

This has been a very busy week for us here at SingFit. We’re proud to announce that we broke our previous record of downloads for single week and reached #15 on the iTunes Health & Fitness Chart! Hooray! And a very warm welcome to all of you new SingFitters! Check out our latest tutorial video  if you need a little guidance on how to start singing with SingFit.

Also, co-founder Andy Tubman has been touring the country showcasing SingFit at a variety of events. This week, he started in Chicago at the American Society on Aging where SingFit was a sponsor of their Leadership Reception, and now he is in Savannah, Georgia, where he is a speaker at the Georgia Partnership for Telehealth. If you’ve never heard Andy, a certified Music Therapist, speak on the topic of music and health, you’re missing out, but not for long! Our free ask “Ask Andy” Webcast is coming up on April 3rd at 11 am Pacific Time. Sign up now to reserve your seat!

…and now for this week’s New Song Trivia!

Congrats to all of you who got last week’s answer correct! “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin is now available on SingFit!

This week’s song:

…is another song made famous by the “Queen of Soul.” Written by Franklin’s sister Carolyn, the original background vocals feature their eldest sibling Erma and vocalist Cissy Houston, who sang the memorable high notes during the bridges and dramatic ending.

Released as the b-side of her top five hit, “(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone,” this song peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #9 on the Hot R&B Singles Chart in 1968.

Christina Aguilera performed the song to great acclaim in a tribute to the artist during the 53rd Grammy Awards. Also, Amber Riley, who portrays Mercedes Jones in Glee, covered the song for the show.

Lyric hint: “___ ___ ___” for me to love you, if you won’t let me.

Can you name this song?

Send your answers to Info@MusicalHealthTech.com, and the first ten correct responders will receive super-snazzy SingFit Smile stickers!

Don’t have SingFit yet? Download it for FREE here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/singfit/id442827581?mt=8

Happy Singing!

Brad Colton – Music Producer & Publishing Manager

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Your Weekly Dose!

Posted on March 14, 2013

Get out your green! St. Patty’s Day is here and we have some FREE songs to help you celebrate!

“Danny Boy” is a new addition to the “Free & Shareable (Always)” category, where you’ll also find “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” To get to the “Free and Shareable (Always)” category, select the “Featured” tab on the upper left-hand side of the app. Depending on the device you’re using SingFit on, you may have to click on “Songs” (also in the upper left) before you see the “Songs” column.

…..and now it’s time for this week’s New Song Trivia!

Congrats to everyone who got last week’s answer correct! “Inseparable” by Natalie Cole is now in the catalog!

This Week’s Song…

-Reached number one on the U.S. R&B chart, staying there for four weeks, and went to number two on the pop chart in January 1968.

-Won the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and later a Grammy Hall of Fame Award. In 2004, this song was ranked #249 on Rolling Stone‘s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

-The man mentioned in this song is the last in a “chain” of  unworthy relationships.

- The artist who performed this song is a super diva (in the totally good way) and known as the “Queen of Soul.”

Can you name this song? The artist?

Send your answers to Info@MusicalHealthTech.com, and the first ten correct responders will receive super-snazzy SingFit Smile stickers!

Don’t have SingFit yet? Download it for FREE here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/singfit/id442827581?mt=8

Happy Singing!

Brad Colton – Music Producer & Publishing Manager

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Hello AARP Members!

Posted on March 11, 2013

SingFit got a little mention in a big magazine: The AARP Bulletin, which goes out to more than 22 million people over age 50 every month and, boy oh boy, has the response been amazing! Sally Abrahms’ insightful cover story on the hard science and gentle art of using music in the care of people with dementia mentioned SingFit as a tool to enable at-home singing experiences. The concept of using singing as a tool to care for someone with cognitive decline resonated so powerfully with AARP readership that, within four days of publication, it had driven SingFit into the top 15 Free Health & Fitness iPad apps in the iTunes store. Thanks, AARP members!

If you would like to learn more about how to incorporate singing into a healthy lifestyle and cognitive fitness routine, join us for “Ask Andy,” a free monthly webcast featuring certified music therapist and Musical Health Technologies co-founder, Andy Tubman. The next webcast will take place on April 3rd at 2 pm Eastern Daylight Time / 11 am Pacific Daylight Time. Sign up for the webcast, and we’ll send you information on how to join us live and access an archive of the show. Have your questions ready!

Haven’t tried SingFit yet? Download it here for your Apple device.

Have questions about the SingFit app or our SingFit Silver & Gold™ program for senior care communities?  Email us at info@iSingFit.com or call 323-677-2575. You can also email me directly at Rachel@MusicalHealthTech.com.

Rachel Francine, Co-Founder – Musical Health Technologies

 

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Your Weekly Dose!

Posted on March 7, 2013

Reminder! Set your clocks forward this weekend! Did you know that “Daylight Savings” was introduced during World War I in an attempt to save energy by utilizing more daylight hours for war production? I’m not looking forward to losing a very precious hour of sleep, but I am looking forward to the long evenings of spring and summer. Something about the late evening and natural mood lighting makes this my favorite time to sing, and reminds me of this week’s song trivia answer, because it was first recorded during those early days of “Daylight Savings.”

And now for this week’s NEW SONG TRIVIA!

Congratulations to everyone who got last week’s answer, “I Love You (For Sentimental Reasons)” by Nat King Cole is now in the SingFit Catalog!

This week’s song…

Recorded by an R&B singer in 1975, this was her second second straight number one single on the Hot Soul Singles chart from her debut album of the same name.

This artist is the daughter of last week’s new song trivia answer.

This song has a one word title that fills in the blank: If something is unable to be separated, then it is “___________.”

Can you name this song? The artist?

Send your answers to Info@MusicalHealthTech.com, and the first ten correct responders will receive super-snazzy SingFit Smile stickers!

Don’t have SingFit yet? Download it for FREE here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/singfit/id442827581?mt=8

Happy Singing!

Brad Colton – Music Producer & Publishing Manager

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Your Weekly Dose!

Posted on February 28, 2013

Wandering through the aisles of the drug store looking for masking tape,  I am inundated by the new arrival of chocolate bunnies, plastic eggs, and peeps in purple, blue, pink and classic yellow. Is it spring already?  I get to thinking that my closets could use a little work… okay, a lot of work.  I google  ”spring starts when?” and am relieved to discover that I won’t have to tackle those closets for another three weeks.  Cleaning things up is generally not a topic of company blogs; however, I think it would be nice for our fans to know that we are constantly honing the SingFit Catalog. We strive to make our catalog the best that it can be, so when we received feedback from our internal review process (yep, everyone on the Musical Health Technologies staff sings every week and logs their findings), that “Summertime” was a bit too “operatic” to follow for some people, we brought in a new singer to re-record the track. Please always let us know if you any opinions on the music in the SingFit catalog by emailing us at info@iSingFit.com. We love to hear from our singers!

… and now it’s time for this week’s “New Song Trivia!”

Congrats to all of you who got it right last week: “For the Good Times” by Ray Price, is now in the SingFit catalog.

This week’s song:

Appeared on the Billboard Best Seller chart on November 22, 1946, and lasted 12 weeks on the chart, peaking at number one.

Is a very popular song written by William “Pat” Best, later a founding member of The Four Tunes, but reached its greatest success by one of the first African Americans to host a television variety show.

The artist’s stage name is three words, one of them is King.

Can you name this song? The artist?

Send your answers to Info@MusicalHealthTech.com, and the first ten correct responders will receive super-snazzy SingFit Smile stickers!

Don’t have SingFit yet? Download it for FREE here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/singfit/id442827581?mt=8

Happy Singing!

Brad Colton – Music Producer & Publishing Manager

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