NEWS RELEASE 

August 30, 2023

B Sharp! — linking music, brain function, and physical movement 

Everyone can be empowered by B Sharp! — the new book by musician and renowned fitness expert Phil Maffetone. 

In B Sharp! Maffetone channels his decades of experience in the health and fitness world into his new passion of songwriting. The result is a magical mystery tour of healing, movement and music. 

The book guides readers on a personal journey of using the power of music to improve brain and body function and get more enjoyment out of life. Using a storytelling style, Maffetone tells how it saved his life — and can save yours too. 

The book includes something for everyone, from those who are “amusical” to professional musicians. 

Many athletes also are finding B Sharp! helpful in their own fitness journeys. Mark Allen, who Maffetone coached to six Hawaii Ironman Triathlon titles, offered his praise for the new book. 

“As an athlete, I have seen over and over how movement and exercise sparks these same enduring benefits. But it was not until just recently that I started to experience personally how music does the same.” Allen says, “When we become a vehicle for the creative expression of music it goes to the core of our souls and unleashes a powerful cascade of physical changes that keeps our brains pliable, calms our nervous systems and expands our sense of wellbeing in a way that can only be described as profound.” 

“Reducing stress, gaining happiness, experiencing joy and fulfillment, living a life filled with longevity and vitality . . . the list of qualities we all search for is broad,” says Allen. “In B Sharp! Dr. Maffetone explains how participation in music brings us all of this and more.  

Music’s powerful movement connection is an important theme. Maffetone discusses the role of music in sports and exercise, and how to properly use music for better performance. He also emphasizes why and when to avoid it, such as during workouts, for better exercise benefits. 

Maffetone describes how music can be used to help stimulate the growth of new brain neurons throughout the course of a lifetime, and easily manipulate states of consciousness and communicate with the subconsciousness. He also explores the link between personality traits and musicality, how certain foods and natural drugs impact the brain, and the latest science behind cannabis, psychedelics and health. There is even a chapter on using music to heal the heart. 

A former clinician who pioneered various breakthroughs in heart rate monitor training, biofeedback, and nutrition, and authored many books, textbooks and scientific research papers, Maffetone awoke one day with the overwhelming desire to become a songwriter. This yearning to dive headlong into music led him on an almost mystical exploration, and serendipitous connections with some of the music industry’s leading influencers, including producer Rick Rubin, musician Johnny Cash and others. 

Maffetone has since toured the world to share his music and teach about its powers to improve the brain and body. In B Sharp! simple self-care approaches are presented with various music and clinical overlaps tailored to fit the reader’s needs. These include a Five-Minute Power Break that produces a state not unlike deep meditation, as well as other exercises using music to help improve brain function. Says Maffetone, “It’s better than a runner’s high.” 

“Phil is usually 30 years ahead of the curve” says Rubin, known for his work with Cash, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many others.” If he is singing the praises of the healing power of music today, I imagine it will become accepted mainstream care!”  

This holistic approach takes us beyond music therapy to help broaden our personalities, improve memory and creativity, and even address common brain problems. Infused with creative and clinical gems, and part autobiographical — you’ll also see yourself in B Sharp! too. This individualized music-brain-body biofeedback book is a must read for anyone who dares dream to live their life like a song. 

Says triathlon legend Allen: “Once again, Dr. Maffetone is sharing tools we can all use to unlock the best our common DNA has to offer. Thank you, Phil!”