An extensive series of peer- reviewed scientific publications has documented statistically significant improvements in quality of life, including physical, emotional, and social benefits. The link between playing a musical instrument and stress impact is supported by seven published experimental investigations by Dr. Barry Bittman that utilized specific RMM protocols as effective bio-behavioral modulators.

Employee stress: One peer-reviewed published research study conducted on long term care workers demonstrated a 46% improvement in mood disturbance (depression, anxiety, anger, tension, fatigue, hostility, vigor and confusion) 62% improvement 6 weeks post intervention. 18% reduction in employee turnover and improved overall employee retention. Advances in Mind Body Medicine Fall/Winter 2003, Vol.19 No.3/4.

At Risk Youth: Another study documented the utilization of this program as a catalyst for non-verbal and verbal disclosure leading to improved quality of life for inner-city youth in a court referred residential treatment program. The results suggest that the protocol could be utilized as a meaningful step toward enabling adolescents to build self-control, self-esteem, respect, empathy and tolerance for others. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine Spring 2009, Vol. 24 No..1

First Year Nursing Students: The study utilized an RMM protocol focusing on group support and stress reduction. Burnout and mood dimensions were accessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Profile of Mood States respectively. Statistically significant reductions of multiple burnout and mood dimensions as well as TMD scores were noted. Potential annual cost savings for the typical associate degree nursing program ($16,800) and acute hospital ($322,000) were projected by an independent economic analysis firm. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship & nbsp; Vol. 1 2004.

Corporate Employees: The effects of a Recreational Music-making (RMM) group drumming protocol were evaluated on Japanese male corporate employees. A total of 20 volunteers participated in a one-hour RMM session while 20 volunteers engaged in leisurely reading for one hour(controls). After a six-month interval, the groups switched activities and underwent one session each. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected using mood state questionnaires and blood samples. Med Sci Monit 200713 (2):CR57-70 

Older Adults: A study conducted at two continuing care retirement communities showed that Recreational Music Making (RMM) reverses the biological response at the DNA level that can lead to the development of a host of common diseases. Research showed 10 of 45 gene markers reserved when individuals engaged in a RMM program in contrast to 6 of 45 gene markers reversed when individuals relaxed and read newspapers and/or magazines. Med Sci 2005 11(2)BR31-4

Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A study conducted at Walter Reed Military Medical Center documented Recreational Music Making (RMM) as a mode of stress reduction following stress induction was more effective at alternating the expression of molecular pathways than quiet reading. In participants randomized to RMM, 12 pathways showed significant dysregulation, compared to only two pathways in participants randomized to quiet reading. Med Sci Monit, 2013: 19: 139-147

Dr Barry Bittman MD: Is a neurologist, author, international speaker, researcher and population health innovator who serves as the Chief Population Health and Quality Officer for the Inland Empire Foundation for Medical Care (IEFMC) in Riverside, California.

Working with Physicians, hospitals, healthcare institutions and health plans, as well as for the Foundation Accountable Care Network, a Medicare ACO, he is a recognized thought leader for health care transformation. Dr Bittman’s health care initiatives include the development of community care networks and accountable care organizations, as well as the optimization of medical practice workflows and continuous care protocols for physicians, hospitals and health systems throughout the nation.

Dr. Bittman’s serves as the faculty Chair of the Population Health Management Academy, as well as for the nation’s first Population Health Fellowship Program that began in 2021.
Bittman also serves as Chairman and CEO of the Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute, a non-profit organization actively engaged in both education and research arenas. He is widely published- having served as the Principal Investigator for several peer-reviewed scientific publications including two molecular research studies focusing on stress reduction on the genomic level utilizing novel creative music expression pathways in patients with coronary heart disease, was performed with researchers from Walter Reed military Medical Center.
Dr. Bittman’s latest peer-reviewed research investigation entitled, Gospel Music: a catalyst for retention, engagement and positive health outcomes for African Americans in a cardiovascular prevention and treatment program, has received national attention as an effective strategy for boosting people’s engagement in the pursuit of health (2020. He has presented his work at leading conferences throughout the world.

As the former host of the first nationally syndicated integrative medicine weekly Public Radio program, Mind- Body Matters, Dr. Bittman interviewed 115 of the world’s leading visionaries. His program featured cutting-edge in-depth perspectives that scientifically substantiate the utilization of integrative strategies within conventional healthcare. DR. Bittman’s more than 250 articles on a host of integrative medical topics have been published in his newspaper column, Mind Over Matter.

His work has been featured on CCN Headline News and in numerous leading publications throughout the world, including USA Today, Business Week, Time, Prevention, Discover, O (Oprah Magazine), the New Your Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Washington Post, Scientific American, Men’s Fitness and Health and others.

Dr. Bittman has also received several patents for his work in human physiology and disease exacerbation predictive modeling.