BrainSound research
Since 2020, Caterina Forte has explored the relationship between listening, the body and psychophysical well-being.
A research journey open to different ways of perceiving.
BrainSound grew from research begun by Caterina Forte in 2020.
The work involves sighted adults and adults who are blind or have low vision, aged 18 to 75. The listening experience is observed through both bodily responses and participants’ descriptions of their perceptions.
The benefits of listening to music
Neuroscience research has widely demonstrated that music is the most powerful regulator of brain activity and human emotional states.
Listening to structured sound activates not only the auditory cortex but also widespread neural networks involved in emotion, memory and motor coordination.
When body and mind resonate with targeted acoustic frequencies, cortisol levels (the stress hormone) decrease immediately and the production of well-being neurotransmitters such as dopamine and endorphins is stimulated, initiating a profound process of healing and relaxation.
Brainwave modulation
The specific frequencies used in the method’s compositions promote brainwave entrainment (neural entrainment).
Acoustic stimuli guide the brain to change its electrical activity, encouraging a shift from beta waves (associated with alert wakefulness or stress) to alpha and theta waves, associated with deep relaxation, meditation and cellular repair.
Research across cities.
Research activities have taken place at the Academies of Fine Arts in Milan, Turin, Naples, Palermo and Catanzaro, at the Institute for the Blind in Palermo, at the University of Palermo and in Venice during the Biennale Arte.
Academies of Fine Arts
- Milan
- Turin
- Naples
- Palermo
- Catanzaro
University collaboration
At the Institute for the Blind, the program was conducted in collaboration with the University of Palermo.
The departments involved include Humanities and Psychology, Education, Physical Exercise and Training.
What is observed.
Measurements examine psychophysical balance and signs associated with activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The aspects considered include:
Heart rate
Blood pressure
Oxygen saturation
Self-regulation and psychological and emotional state
Observations reported within the project suggest favorable changes in psychophysical well-being. Available references are collected in the Literature section.
Breathing, emotions and adolescence.
A project with the CNR in Palermo is nearing completion. It focuses on breathing practices, emotions and the well-being of students at a middle school in a high-risk neighborhood.
Project nearing completionListening can be part of the research.
Would you like to learn about current projects or express interest in taking part? Write to the BrainSound team for information about opportunities, participation criteria and how data is handled.
Ask for informationIn the Contact form, select “Research” as the subject.
Contributions and references.
A place to explore scientific contributions related to BrainSound research.
Effects of the BrainSound™ Method on psychophysical well-being in people with and without visual impairment: a pilot study
Caterina Forte, Marco Mandalà, Marika Tutino, Alessandra Randazzo, Marianna Bellafiore.
ArtEdu 2026, Palermo, February 19–20, 2026. This reference is to the conference program; the full text has not yet been published in this section.
The bibliography will grow as publications and materials become available and are verified.
