Music & Spirit: Dr. Tony Cicoria

There is a special connection between music and spirit. As far back as human history goes, religion and spirituality have been joined with rhythm and vibrating sound. Though we have no way of knowing when music was 'invented' or discovered by humans, it is believed to date as far back as language and some scholars believe it may have predated it.

Whether through song, percussion, woodwinds, or string instruments music has been used to further our connection to the spirit realm and to our souls' lifeforce. Religion has furthered the advance of music throughout history and music has enhanced our connection to spirit.

^{(Photo by Felix Mittermeier)}

Music can accompany birth, death, marriage, and many other rites of passage. Some of our most intense memories often relate to music. We even refer to some songs as the 'soundtrack of our lives'. Music stays with us in good times and bad, linked to love and loss, coming of age, and so many other precious and profound moments. It can mirror our joys and sadness, amplifying our emotions or making us feel less alone. 

Many near death experiencers recall beautiful or even indescribable heavenly music in their journey to the afterlife. Some have even attempted to recreate those sounds here on Earth.

We want to explore some of the amazing stories and possibilities where spirit and music intersect. This is the first post of our new Music and Spirit series where we will feature some of the amazing stories of music and near death as well as posts written by Jim Duncan, a singer/songwriter using the spiritual potential of music to share, transform, and heal. Jim's beautiful work is featured in The NDE Song Project. 

In this clip, Dr. Raymond Moody and Lisa Smartt Interview Dr. Tony Cicoria, Orthopedic Surgeon, NDE experiencer, and Concert Pianist.

After being struck by lightning, Dr. Tony Cicoria had a life-changing experience when he found himself, for the first time in his life, called to play and compose music. He has since learned to play and write music and has shared his new passion and abilities around the globe.

In this video excerpt (pulled from the complete interview, featured in the Music and NDE section of The NDE Consciousness Forum), Cicoria answers a viewer’s question about how to have the discipline to follow the difficult path of learning a skill or pursuing your calling.

You can read Oliver Sacks' account of Tony's transformation in The New Yorker HERE or at the PBS site HERE.

 In the above video, Dr. Cicoria performs one of his compositions.

Dr. Tony Cicoria

Dr. Tony Cicoria had a life-changing experience after his near death experience. After being struck dead by lightning, he was resuscitated, and soon after, felt called to perform and compose music for the first time in his life. He has since learned to play and write music and has shared his new passion and abilities around the globe. 

Raymond spoke with Tony at the NDE Consciousness Forum about the orthopedic surgeon's dramatic transformation.