Our guest today is both an accomplished musician and a fascinating researcher. Dr. Sandra Garrido is a pianist and violinist who holds a PhD combining the worlds of music and psychology. Her work focuses on a question that touches all of us: how can music regulate our mood and improve our mental wellbeing? What's truly unique is that she explores this not just today, but through a historical lens, uncovering how music has always been used to help people feel better. 

In our conversation, Sandra gives us fascinating insights into the paradoxical appeal of sad music. We discussed why the same Adele song might comfort one person while sending another into a negative loop. Sandra also shares how music can be a powerful tool for young people with depression and its surprising role in dementia care.

This makes this a conversation you won't want to miss, with practical tips like how to organise your summer playlist (or the winter one if you are down under).

Show notes

• Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandramgarrido/ 


• University profile: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/marcs/about/our_people/researchers/dr_sandra_garrido


• MoodyTunes website: https://www.moodytunes.com.au


• Dementia resources: https://www.musicfordementia.com.au

Show support

Please choose one or more of the ‘three ways to support the show’:

1. Subscribe to the podcast. Leave us a review — even one sentence helps! I appreciate your support; it helps the show!


2. Tell your friends about the podcast and musicthinking.com


3. Buy the book The Power of Music Thinking and/or the Jam Cards at a 20% discount using musicthinking20 at the check-out of the BIS Publishers website only.