LOS ANGELES, September 27, 2024 – Torrence Brannon-Reese, renowned musician, educator, and social justice advocate, participated in the prestigious Idea Salon on Music and the Brain, jointly hosted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) on Tuesday, September 24. The event, held at UCLA’s campus brought together experts to explore the fascinating intersection of music, neuroscience, and society.
Brannon-Reese, Founder and CEO of FA-MLI, Inc. (Foundation for Arts, Mentoring, Leadership, and Innovation), shared his insights on music’s impact on the brain, particularly in the context of his work with young people and communities. His presentation drew from over 30 years of experience empowering communities through arts and education.
The Idea Salon, organized by the UCLA-CDU DANA Center for Neuroscience and Society, featured a panel of distinguished speakers including Dr. Stephanie White, a neuroscientist studying songbirds, and Dr. Bar Yosef, who researches brain responses to beat. Dr. Marco Iacoboni, Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA, and Dr. Denese Shervington provided introductory remarks.
Brannon-Reese’s participation highlights the growing recognition of the vital role that community-based arts programs play in understanding and harnessing music’s effects on the brain and human behavior. His innovative programs, including “See a Man Be a Man” and “Princess 2 Queen,” as well as his “Music Saved My Life” project, were points of discussion during the event.
“It was an honor to participate in this engaging conversation about how music impacts the brain,” said Brannon-Reese. “I’m excited to continue exploring the intersection of neuroscience, music, and community empowerment.”
This Idea Salon represents a significant step in bridging academic research with community-based practices, potentially leading to new insights and collaborations in the field of music and neuroscience.
About Torrence Brannon-Reese: Torrence Brannon-Reese is a native of New Orleans and a true Renaissance man – a recording artist, poet, guitarist, writer, mentor, educator, and social justice advocate. As Founder & CEO of FA-MLI, Inc., he has spent over three decades empowering communities through arts and education. Brannon-Reese is also co-founder of the internationally renowned a cappella group Street Corner Renaissance and tours as a vocalist with the legendary Delfonics.
