Barbara A. Minton, PhD, is a trailblazing psychologist, musician, and neuroscientist whose innovative work bridges the powerful intersection of music, neuroscience, and emotional healing. As the driving force behind the album “Calm the Storm,” Dr. Minton has dedicated her career to harnessing the therapeutic power of music, drawing on both rigorous scientific expertise and profound personal devotion.

Educational and Professional Background
Dr. Minton earned her BA in Psychology, summa cum laude, from the University of Denver, followed by PhDs in Psychology with an emphasis in developmental and child clinical practice. Demonstrating her deep commitment to brain science, she is Board Certified in Neurofeedback and holds the distinction of Diplomate in Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG).

Her diverse career includes private clinical practice in Boise, Idaho, serving as Mental Health Education Coordinator for the State of Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services, and as Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Alaska Southeast. These roles have allowed her to cultivate expertise not just in psychological assessment and neurofeedback, but also in the deeply human areas of giftedness and hypnotherapy.

Thought Leader in Neuroscience and Healing
Dr. Minton’s approach is uniquely rooted in science and soul. She draws on cutting-edge neurobiological principles to compose and curate music that activates key regulatory systems in the brain, supporting parasympathetic activation, reducing stress, and fostering deep calm. Her musical projects are informed by EEG analysis and sophisticated biofeedback, highlighting measurable impacts on brain networks. Her expertise is widely recognized—in recent years, she has presented at international conferences, including the Biofeedback Federation of Europe and The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, and contributed to major reference works on quantitative EEG and neuromodulation.

But Dr. Minton’s artistry carries something transcendent: a quietly transformative and loving energy, arising from collaborations with world-class musician Peppino D’Agostino. Her music offers listeners a sacred pause and a place to return to themselves, aiming to create profound spaces for healing, restoration, and self-connection—especially vital in today’s culture of anxiety and overstimulation.

Community Engagement & Workshops
Beyond her clinical and research endeavors, Dr. Minton is a passionate educator and workshop leader. She crafts transformative experiences—such as “Awaken Your Authentic Self” retreats and Neuroscience Informed Music workshops—inviting participants of all backgrounds to explore music as a tool for enhanced mental health, brain optimization, and emotional well-being. Through visualizations, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback, she guides groups toward self-discovery, empowerment, and joy.

A Vision for Wholeness
Whether supporting clients through neurofeedback, presenting groundbreaking brain research, or inspiring audiences through music, Dr. Minton’s work is a testament to the healing potential of integrating science, creativity, and compassion. The album “Calm the Storm” embodies her mission: to provide a gentle, spacious, and deeply personal invitation to rest, emotional repair, and wholeness.

Peppino D’Agostino stands as one of the world’s most innovative and respected acoustic guitarists, renowned for his expressive playing, masterful compositions, and cross-cultural collaborations. A native of Italy, D’Agostino has made a profound international impact since arriving in America 40 years ago, captivating audiences with his artistry and relentless creative curiosity.

A Remarkable Musical Journey
D’Agostino’s journey began in Italy, but it was in the United States that he solidified his status as a visionary acoustic guitarist. His creative versatility has earned him global acclaim: in 2017, Guitar Player named him one of the “50 transcendent guitar superheroes of all time.” His landmark CD “Every Step of The Way” was awarded the Bronze Medal for Best Acoustic Album of All Time by Acoustic Guitar Magazine’s People’s Choice Awards. His signature Seagull acoustic guitar has also been celebrated as one of Guitar Player’s ten best signature guitars, underscoring his influence on musicians and audiences alike.

To date, Peppino has recorded 19 albums and performed in more than 35 countries, gracing prestigious concert halls and international festivals. His stage collaborations include living legends such as Larry Carlton, Eric Johnson, Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Martin Taylor, Roland Dyens, and David Tanenbaum, demonstrating a creative generosity and musical breadth that is rare in the industry.

Master Educator and Composer
Beyond performance, D’Agostino’s passion for sharing knowledge has made him a sought-after educator and composer. He leads guitar workshops, master classes, and seminars worldwide, and his instructional methods and original compositions have been published by Truefire, Alfred Publishing, Hal Leonard, and Acoustic Guitar Magazine Books. His artistry and technical skill continue to inspire students at all levels, nurturing the next generation of acoustic guitarists.

Artistry in Service of Healing
D’Agostino’s most recent work demonstrates the healing potential of music on both a personal and collective level. His involvement in the “Calm the Storm” project with Dr. Barbara Minton is a testament to his commitment to using music as a tool for well-being. The project is informed by neurobiology and seeks to support parasympathetic activation and alleviate stress, with D’Agostino’s soulful guitar creating spaces of gentle transformation. Inspired by a desire to help chronic pain sufferers and individuals faced with anxiety and isolation, Peppino has channeled a lifetime of musical mastery and compassion into this therapeutic artistic collaboration, designed to be a companion for emotional repair and self-connection.

Speaking about his work, renowned guitarist Leo Kottke praised D’Agostino: “Peppino writes wonderful guitar pieces. He’s one of my favorite composers for this cranky instrument. Plus, he’s a tone player. I love his sound… gets the resin and the wood.” Acoustic Guitar Magazine notes his place as “one of the most capable composers among fingerstyle guitarists.”

A Visionary for Musical Wellness
Peppino D’Agostino’s artistry transcends genres, cultures, and continents. As an artist deeply committed to the healing power of music, he continues to inspire both the mind and the heart—contributing his signature sound and spirit to projects like “Calm the Storm” and beyond.