David Sonnenschein: Sound, Music, and Neuroscience
David Sonnenschein has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of sound, neuroscience, and kindness. As the founder and CEO of iQsonics, his mission is to develop solutions that enhance listening, communication, and brain health. One of his most impactful projects, Sing and Speak 4 Kids, uses music to help children with speech delays, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Backed by grants from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation, this initiative combines neuroscience and creativity to unlock communication pathways for children who might otherwise struggle to find their voice.
When reflecting on kindness, David describes it as generosity of spirit—an intentional act of considering another person’s life, worldview, and needs. Kindness is not transactional. True kindness begins internally, guided by a conscious choice to give without expectation. He illustrates this with moments of spontaneous compassion, such as offering food or help to someone experiencing homelessness, acts driven purely by empathy rather than the desire for acknowledgment.
David emphasizes the importance of self-kindness. Drawing on his personal journey, he explains that without forgiving oneself and accepting imperfections, it becomes difficult to extend authentic kindness to others. This perspective has informed his own experiences in leadership and personal growth, including his time in behavioral recovery programs that helped him confront self-limiting patterns.
Music has been a lifelong companion for David, from classical training to world music and now sound healing. He describes how music, silence, and even subtle sound vibrations can serve as tools for transformation. Beyond performance, music can become an act of generosity and well-being.
Working extensively with neurodiverse populations, David has learned that effective kindness requires adaptability. Communicating with someone on the autism spectrum, for example, often means adjusting language to match their understanding. This flexibility is not just a therapeutic strategy—it reflects empathy and the ability to meet people where they are, even when emotional cues are difficult to read.
David is also developing a podcast, book, and Substack called Prompting the Muse, exploring creativity across personal, interpersonal, and technological dimensions. He has written a code of ethics for interacting with AI, recognizing that kindness and ethics must guide innovation as much as they guide human relationships.
“Kindness starts from your own consciousness and heart of generosity.”
David Sonnenschein is a sound designer, entrepreneur, and advocate for ethical, human-centered innovation. His work blends neuroscience, music, and technology to create solutions that support communication and creativity. Keep an eye out for more interviews.
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