A musician, composer, recording artist, and teacher for more than 30 years, David Ison’s music has been used by hospitals, healthcare practitioners, and individuals worldwide. His music has been played for patients in such esteemed health centers as Bethesda Naval Hospital, Scripps Center of Integrative Medicine, and Children’s Hospital in San Diego. A three-year study by the National Institutes of Health found that David’s music effectively induces the relaxation response and relieves many symptoms of anxiety and stress.

David demonstrated early a creative drive and a passion to nurture others that led him to explore and master many different fields. While still in his twenties, David already operated a successful antique guitar business; in addition, he owned and managed two thriving restaurants. In the late 1970s, he served as executive chef at Cambridge’s famous Casablanca Restaurant in Harvard Square. An accomplished musician since his teens, David booked acoustic musicians and played music himself to entertain customers at The Flintlock, his restaurant and ski resort in Franconia, New Hampshire. People traveled from all over New England to enjoy David’s sublime mix of healthful food and beautiful music.

In the 1980s, David turned his attention to music full-time. He built a recording studio in Cambridge and began writing scores and soundtracks for film and television. David had long been interested in the power of music to heal the body and calm the mind, and he immersed himself in discovering and refining his understanding of music’s power to restore health. Then David broke his back in a serious car accident. Unable to walk and in a great deal of pain, David recovered the use of his legs by using music and meditation to bring his body into balance, an experience that would lead to his development of a new type of music—music that would help to bring balance and healing to the mind, body, and spirit.

In 1989, he founded TheraSound, a company specializing in therapeutic music. Using the compositional techniques that he developed during his long recovery period, David created a large catalog of beautiful and effective music. The compositions that emerged from this work have since been recognized by The National Institutes of Health as the preeminent source for therapeutic and inspirational music. His recordings have sold thousands of copies, and are used in wellness centers, hospitals, and healthcare facilities, as well as by individuals around the country and the world.

After many years of producing his healing music and running workshops in the Ison Method® of emotional balance and self-actualization, David took a break to conceive, design, build, and open the Good Life Café, the Keystone Wellness Center, and TheraSound Studios in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The café features locally inspired organic cuisine and boasts a state-of-the-art performance space and recording studio. Here David books musicians, oversees the kitchen, and also writes and records his TheraSound and original, inspirational compositions.

David continues to explore the effectiveness of sound and music, creating new compositions with his longtime collaborator Paul Wegmann. David regularly lectures and conducts training workshops on The Ison Method™ at conferences and medical centers around the country.

David was born in Waco, Texas, and raised in Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains and later on the New Jersey shore. Following his desire to help himself and others find spiritual fulfillment, David attended the Missouri Valley College with plans to become a minister, but decided quickly that organized religion did not suit or satisfy his varied interests. He left the seminary and began a journey to find his true nature and bring it into balance with the world.

Author Photo © Drummond West