SCROLL FOR MORE
ABOUT
Composer/pianist Michael Strening Jr. creates and records piano solos to be used for relaxation, stress relief, meditation, and healing. A life-long composer, Strening pulls inspiration from the contemplative moments that pop up in everyday life, as well as when the natural world interacts with urban environments. Through his music, Strening explores such themes as the day-to-day magic that is all around us, the gifts each season brings, and those moments when memory eases between melancholy, contentment, and hope. When we are able to calm our nervous systems and become one in the moment, we are truly able to appreciate and see the truth and beauty that is usually unnoticed or ignored. This undercurrent runs through each track that Strening brings to life.
Strening understands the importance of slowing down and allowing the body to rest and mend. After struggling with injuries that threatened his solo and touring career, Strening worked extensively with a Licensed Massage Therapist who crafted a rehabilitation plan that allowed Michael to continue his musical career. To show his gratitude for his recovery, his family, and all the beautiful gifts that life presents, Strening has dedicated his solo career to writing music specifically for relaxation, stress relief, and healing. He hopes you will join him on this journey.
–
Short Version: Composer/pianist Michael Strening Jr. creates music to be used for relaxation, stress relief, meditation, contemplation, and healing. When we are able to calm our nervous systems and become one in the moment, we are truly able to appreciate and see the truth and beauty that is usually unnoticed or ignored. This undercurrent runs through each track that Strening brings to life.
LATEST RELEASE
PHOTOGRAPHY
REVIEWS
"Michael composes and records music for massage therapy, having found this calling when massage therapy provided clinical and quantitative healing which literally saved his music career. ... With each new play, you'll notice another layer you missed previously."
— The Massage Toolbook, www.massagetoolbox.com
"Michael Strening Jr.'s Falling Water: Music For Relaxation is a collection of piano solos he composed specifically for massage therapy. (A Chicago schoolteacher by day, Strening was able to return to his piano playing after massage therapy helped his carpal tunnel syndrome, and this collection is part of his payback.) Put on these nine original songs—romantic melodies played with grace and finesse—and let the music work its quiet magic, relaxing and unwinding tension in the room and within the listener. Strening's luminous melodies embody the intuitive skill and gentle healing of many massage modalities. The synergy between the two art forms—music and massage—makes this collection an exquisitely sensitive companion to healing work."
— Clare La Plante, Massage Therapy Journal, Winter 2009
"I am not a professional music reviewer, but I will tell you why these albums are great for a massage. Both albums are piano solos. Nothing more. Simple and easy. Both albums are over 75 minutes. One is not better than the other in my opinion, both are equally impressive. This is music a majority of clients will appreciate. It is not New Age, ocean noises, Celtic drums, Indian guitar, or a babbling brook. Just beautiful piano solos. Like a massage, the music is soothing, therapeutic, and calming from beginning to end.This is music a majority of clients will appreciate. It is not New Age, ocean noises, Celtic drums, Indian guitar, or a babbling brook. Just beautiful piano solos. Like a massage, the music is soothing, therapeutic, and calming from beginning to end."
— Ivy Hultquist, massage & "bloggywork"