Sara Leila Sherman and Mort Sherman discuss six things which should be better known.
Sara Leila Sherman is a distinguished classical musician and educator, renowned for her work in making music accessible to young audiences through her children’s concert series, Mozart for Munchkins, and the non-profit Little Mozart Foundation. Blending music and mindfulness, she has pioneered innovative approaches that empower educators and parents to use music as a tool for mindful learning and personal growth at esteemed institutions such as Lincoln Center Kids, The New York Public Library, and Hudson Yards to ensure music is available to all communities.
Morton Sherman, PhD is the retired Senior Associate Executive Director of The School Superintendents Association, known for his visionary leadership during a 25-year career as a superintendent dedicated to elevating academic standards and promoting equitable education. Throughout his career, Mort championed initiatives that addressed achievement gaps and empowered communities, leaving a legacy of systemic change and a commitment to fostering inclusive, impactful learning environments.
Their new book is Resonant Minds.
1. Audiences used to participate in classical music performances.
During Mozart’s time, audiences didn’t sit silently—they clapped between movements, shouted requests, and sometimes even sang along. This challenges our modern perception of “serious” music as something passive. It also shows how music was once deeply social and embodied, not just observed. Maybe it’s time to bring a little of that back.
2. Music has always been a deep part of our lives, socially, culturally, and politically. For example, the song “Amazing Grace” has been used as a tool for healing in nearly every American crisis.
3. Music affects the brain faster than conscious thought. Our nervous system begins responding to music—adjusting heart rate, releasing dopamine, and even triggering memory—before our brains fully process the sound. This is why music can feel like magic: it bypasses our defenses and helps regulate emotion, attention, and stress. But it’s not just a feel-good extra—it’s neuroscience in action.
4. The best leaders intentionally listen like musicians. Great conductors don’t just give cues—they respond to the ensemble. In the same way, great leaders listen deeply, make space for others’ contributions, and understand that timing, harmony, and silence are as important as action. Music is more than metaphor here—it’s a model. Leaders are successful when they resonate with their communities.
5. Groove isn’t just a feeling—it’s your brainwaves syncing with sound. When we listen to music with a steady beat—especially music with a strong groove—our brainwaves begin to entrain to the rhythm. That’s not poetic language—it’s neuroscience.
6. Music builds memory—and memory builds culture. When students or communities sing the same song across generations, they’re not just repeating notes. They’re participating in a kind of living history. Music helps embed shared values, stories, and emotional touchstones that form the backbone of a resonant, ethical culture.
Better Known 