SUMMARY: BioMusic is a trans-disciplinary think-tank of scientists and musicians exploring the musical sounds in all species. In 2000, the BioMusic team presented a ground-breaking series of symposia and concerts, in collaboration with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Academy of Sciences, and National Zoological Park/Smithsonian followed by a closed workshop with education experts focused on the development of education materials for trans-disciplinary learning. In 2001, the BioMusic team published two Perspective articles in the journal, Science, which received worldwide attention including print, television, radio, and internet.

BACKGROUND: The BioMusic project is inspired by the enormously successful 1986 program of the National Academy of Sciences (Academy) and the Smithsonian Institution entitled "National Forum on Biodiversity" which began with a concert celebrating bio-diversity through specially selected repertoire by the Academy's resident ensemble, National Musical Arts. From this dynamic impetus came the creation and focus of BioMusic, a program of National Musical Arts.

OBJECTIVES:
     -To research and reveal the linkages between musical sounds in all species.
     -To explore, exploit, and expand the vast and varied aural interfaces and interactions within and between species: the music of nature.
     -To explore the musical sounds produced by humans and other species considered in this context: the nature of music.      -To reveal new meanings and modes of experiencing and appreciating our environment through the world of music.
     -To support and implement the objectives of "Goals 2000: Educate America Act" and "Project 2061," the benchmark education studies of this decade, through the development of education materials and the building of the trans-disciplinary network.