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Music therapy

by Karla Mramor, MT-BC Now I get it…
“W hy don’t you come and play for our happy hour?” this was not herculean effort. His eyes widened

Mrs. Light* asked when I phoned to schedule
with interest, however, as I set
a music therapy visit for her husband, an Avow
Hospice patient. As a music therapist working in the hospice entertainment… up my Yamaha keyboard. From
the kitchen came the soft, lovely
field for nearly 20 years, I’ve often faced misconceptions about my this was music vocal strains of another daughter,
profession. So, I respectfully asked, “Would you be open to a more therapy for my singing “The hills are alive, with
personal experience, one that would reconnect your family with the sound of music.” As she sang,
music you’ve found meaningful over the years?” Without pause, entire family. I began accompanying her from
Mrs. Light invited me to meet her family the next morning. I knew the keyboard. She stepped into
that she and her husband would be amazed by the tremendous the living room to join us, singing
benefits of music therapy – once they understood it full voice now. Next she asked if I knew the song, “My Favorite
Music therapy is an established healthcare profession, Things:” I said yes and we quickly transitioned into its lilting waltz
grounded in research, with a well-defined scope of practice. Music beat. Mr. Light grinned from ear to ear as she sang and danced.
interventions (e.g. creating, singing, moving to and listening One by one each of her siblings joined the session, calling out
to music) address the unique needs of each individual. As part songs each recalled from their childhood, when music served as
of an Avow Hospice patient’s plan of care, therapists use music a binding thread in the tapestry of their family experiences. In
to alleviate pain, to calm fear or anxiety, to elevate mood and between songs there were reminiscences of important events in
counteract depression, facilitate self-expression and life review, their lives, some that had been but distant memories until the
and provide support to patients and families during the end of life music made them fresh once more. At the request of his son and
process, contributing to the goal of a peaceful transition. with support from all, Mr. Light sang a song from their childhood,
To practice music therapy, one must have a minimum of a bringing tears to the eyes of his loving children.
bachelor’s degree from one of 72 colleges/universities approved by Mrs. Light had been listening from the kitchen while engaged
the American Music Therapy Association, including 1200 hours of in other tasks. The children encouraged her to join them, asking
clinical training. In addition to extensive musical training, music if she could remember the lyrics and motions to a particular song
therapy degrees require knowledge in psychology and counseling, she used to sing with them. Once she began to sing and move,all
human anatomy and medicine. Music therapists must hold the joined the familiar chorus and motions. They laughed and regaled
MT-BC credential (music therapist – board certified) following one another with a flood of happy memories. At the conclusion of
successful passage of the initial certification exam. Credentials are the visit, Mrs. Light walked me to the door, hugged me tightly, and
renewed every five years upon completion of approved continuing said, “Now I get it…this was not entertainment…this was music
education. therapy for my entire family.” Yes! Yes, that’s exactly what it was.
When I arrived at Mr. Light’s home, his daughter (one of five Light* is a fictitious name and has no relevance to past or present
adult children) introduced me to Mr. Light, who was seated in his patients. To learn more about the Music Therapy program at Avow
living room recliner, covered with a blanket. He was obviously quite call 239.261.4404
frail, weak and fatigued. Every word he spoke seemed to require

80 Life in Naples | March 2017