Thanks
for visiting
musicfromthestart.com
topics and conversations. Here I want to address music
therapyissues and concepts as they relate to education, health and wellness.
This is part one of three posts where I will describe music therapy interactions that are indicative of music being very meaningful, enriching and sometimes life changing!
Music and memories...
Yesterday at a local nursing home I was called in by a hospice RN
to visit an actively dying, elderly woman who reportedly had a very
rich music history, particularly with her family and church. When I
arrived, the family initially was not sure about a music therapy (MT)
visit, then said yes. They said they had been singing favorite/family
hymns to their dying Mom (two children and one in-law were present).
The family spoke of their mom and dad's favorite hymns that they had
sung for years. I sat next to patient and began to sing some of their
favorite hymns. One daughter held her mom's hand singing softly,
kissing her forehead at times and smiling throughout. The other
family members sang and cried. The patient appeared to be comfortable
throughout and family were very thankful for this (last) music
experience with their mother.As it turned out this patient died soon after I left. For me it is an honor to be with patients and families during this truly precious time. And to think that my music was the last music they experienced on this earth, is very special and humbling.
So, "Why music??"... to stimulate positive reminiscence and provide a vehicle for
family honoring and memorial
experiences.
In upcoming posts I will continue with “why music???” as I describe other music therapy experiences that are indicative of why music is so meaningful, enriching and life changing.
My
prescription this week???
Think back of music experiences that are very special to you and your
family and re-visit that music. If possible, do this with your family.
Maybe then, journal about your “re-visit” experience and share
this with your family. We don't have to wait until we're on our death
bed to experience this!!!
And again, listen to YOUR favorite music and enjoy!!!!
I want to let everyone know that my new site: musicfromthestart.com, still very new, is in the process of producing more offerings. Right now there are three offerings, i.e., two music albums available, David's Basics in Education and Lyrical Imagery and one educational lecture titled The Purposeful Use of Music From Pregnancy Through Toddlerhood (including Labor and Delivery). The second album, Lyrical Imagery, and the childbirth lecture are a free download for a limited time.
As a reminder, the main thrust of the music therapy/childbirth lecture is to support moms (and dads) as they put together their own music listening playlists or CDs to support rhythmic breathing, act as a positive diversion from pain and stress, etc., to be used during labor and delivery.
I want to let everyone know that my new site: musicfromthestart.com, still very new, is in the process of producing more offerings. Right now there are three offerings, i.e., two music albums available, David's Basics in Education and Lyrical Imagery and one educational lecture titled The Purposeful Use of Music From Pregnancy Through Toddlerhood (including Labor and Delivery). The second album, Lyrical Imagery, and the childbirth lecture are a free download for a limited time.
As a reminder, the main thrust of the music therapy/childbirth lecture is to support moms (and dads) as they put together their own music listening playlists or CDs to support rhythmic breathing, act as a positive diversion from pain and stress, etc., to be used during labor and delivery.
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