Dr. Gislason wears several hats. You can find him every morning, reviewing the
scientific literature and updating his articles and books. His first interest
was brain science which he pursued since he was a premedical student in his
teens. Dr. Gislason graduated from the University of Toronto Medical School in
1967 and practiced medicine in British Columbia from 1971 to 1995.
Stephen Gislason, a Brief Music History
Stephen is a physician, author, musician and composer. He is the chief
composer, performer, arranger and studio engineer at Persona Digital Studio. He
records as the P2500 Band, Em4U, and the Persona Classical Consort. The
Classical Consort first appeared in 2007 to record pieces by JS Bach, Amadeus
Mozart and other composers in the classical repertoire. Stephen's review of
popular music brings him pleasure and inspiration to develop new compositions.
He states that he has been most attracted to beautiful ballads, modern jazz and
lyrical melodies. He studied piano for many years, beginning a at age 5. As a
child, he was immersed in classical music. In high school he played the trumpet
in concert and dance bands and continues to play trumpet and flugelhorn parts on
the keyboard. In the early 1970s, he learned electronics, began building
synthesizers and experimented with psychoacoustics. His study of neuroscience
integrated nicely with his study of electronic sound processing and sound
processing in the brain.
Stephen's arrangement cover a broad range of musical styles, including Jazz,
Rock and Roll, Pop, Latin and Electronica. He selects Pop and R&R classics with
good melodies and the potential for interesting instrumental arrangements. He
experiments with new techniques of sound production, exotic rhythm instruments,
unusual scales, and algorithmic composition. His interests include hypnotic
sounds, meditation music, cool jazz, trance dance, chill, new age soothing
music, and minimalist composers such as Philip Glass. He has stated that a
meaningful inquiry into the possibilities for authentic new music will involve
philosophy, neuroscience, acoustic science, technology, and a growing
understanding of human nature. Some new music experiments are
recoded under the title Em4U. More about Em4U
Stephen developed his Bach masterworks interpretation of the Art of the Fugue
and a Jazz series that honors Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter and Joe Zawinul. He
developed the Digital Bach for the 21st century series, featuring 4 albums in
the Counterpoint for Genius series. Album 1 was first released in 2011
The entire series has been revised and remixed for 2017 release. His 2011 book, the Sound of Music
has been revised for 2017 both in printed and download versions
from Persona Online.
Here are examples of his recordings
Little Linda (Spyro Gyra)
Joshua- Miles Davis - Jazz
Philosophy, Psychology & Neuroscience
Dr. Gislason had an early start in the study of philosophy and neuroscience.
At age 16, he decided his main life task would be to pursue understanding the
human mind. In the intervening years, he studied neuroanatomy,
neurotransmitters, electronics, computer science, neuropsychology and at the
same time he studied Buddhist philosophy and practiced a variety of meditation
techniques. His medical career veered toward general practice in rural areas,
because he wanted to live outside urban environments and loved the natural world
of British Columbia. He attributes much of his education to living in close
relationship with the pacific ocean, with wind, waves, plankton, fish, sea
mammals and ocean birds." They taught me about life, minds, communication,
networks and the interconnections of all living things." In 2000, he resumed his
study of neuroscience topics and began assembling noes from over 30 years of
study and contemplation to write books in the Philosophy, Psychology and
Neuroscience Series. The Human Brain, acts as a bridge between the practical
and medical emphasis in the Health Education Series and the Philosophy Series.
Neuroscience Notes is a more detailed technical examination
of brain function. The first book in the Philosophy Series, Existence and the Human Mind (2005) was
an introduction to the essential topics that link Philosophy, Psychology and Neuroscience.
This large book became the parent of the entire Persona Digital series. The catalogue of
Persona books is continuously updated and can be downloaded as eBooks in the PDF
format.
In his preface to the first book, Existence and the Human Mind, Dr. Gislason
stated:
Persona Music Recordings: Our Music Catalogue includes recorded performances
under the titles Persona Digital, P2500 Band, Em4U, and the Persona Classical Consort. Music online is offered to illustrate music history, advance music education and appreciation. The recordings presented online demonstrate Persona
Studio's arranging, recording and mastering techniques. All the recordings are
arrangements and performances completed in house by Stephen Gislason. The music selections and their history
are explained in the book, Sound of Music.
Topics presented at Persona Digital Studio are from the
The Sound of Music by
Stephen Gislason Click Download to order the eBook