Transition Process Music practitioners are sometimes pres-
ent in the closing weeks of a person’s life or in the final few hours as they are actively dying. In this case, the music is more highly special- ized and the needs of the patient can change quickly. Particularly careful attention is given to their breathing pattern, and to allowing “spac- es” in the music as the pause between breaths lengthens. Although family members are often present in any music session, they become more important as they gather around the dy- ing person. The room may be filled with tension and anxiety or tears. At these times, the CMP needs to try to bring a sense of healing and peace to the patient and their family as a whole.
Stories from the Field There are some people who think that this
work is always sad, but this is not so. There are often joyful moments or unexpectedly funny moments, such as the gentleman who refused my offer of music because he thought my kantele looked like a harp. As he said with a big smile, “I’m not dead yet, honey! I don’t need any harps.” Then there was the cantanker- ous woman who was driving the nurses crazy. They were sure she would refuse, but she did not. Once I found music that she enjoyed, she happily sang in harmony with me for almost 30 minutes. The nurses told me that she was a transformed woman for the next two days until her discharge. Finally, there was the woman in the ICU who opened her eyes at the end of our session, and told me that the music had been the only thing of beauty she had experienced in her two weeks in the hospital.
Final Thoughts Music in medicine is an ancient practice
whose value is being recognized anew. Yet in spite of all the research, all the theory, and all the training, music for healing at its essence is simple. The music practitioner approaches the patient with centered focus, the intention to heal, and an open heart. The music does the rest of the work.
Kathy King, PT, CMP is a Physical Therapist and Certified Music Practitioner. She is based in Ver- non, CT and gives lectures and demonstrations on healing music to the public and to medical professionals. Kathy is available for private mu- sical visits at the client’s home, medical facility or hospice. For more information, visit www.
healingmusic.vpweb.com or call 860-716- 0312. See ad this page.
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