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Power of music gains

new meaning Music is being used as real medicine

to treat local people of all ages.

atients at senior centers, nursing Elliott is a classically trained flutist whose main tools now
homes and even a children’s hospital are the guitar, ukulele, autoharp and mandolin. “I am able to use
Pare being calmed, stimulated, enriched something I am passionate about to help someone through a
and delighted by certified music therapists – difficult time of life,” she says. “It is such an honor.”
some of them trained at Florida Gulf Coast She says Moorings Park values music therapy as “a spoke on
University, one of only three Sunshine State the wheel of wellness.” Her office is next to physical workout and
schools offering a music therapy major. rehabilitation areas. She can help a stroke victim learn to walk
by Jeff Lytle Therapists are excited about their work again with the help of rhythm – step by step.
and its potential to go further – to heal pain, At Shell Point Retirement Community in Lee County,
reach autistic children and perhaps reignite memory capacity, the Arts as Healing program allows assisted living and skilled
as evidenced by patients who may not always recognize family nursing residents access to the new Tribby Art Center’s 400-seat
members but always know who the music therapist is. auditorium, art galleries, a sculpture garden and studios. Residents
That is because, says Carol Bechtold at The Arlington senior are invited to “Artful Afternoons” that feature tours, special
community, music carries all the brain stimuli that make people concerts and poetry readings, while artists can also bring lessons,
happy. And better brain health, she adds, boosts quality of life. lectures and performances to where residents are.
Bechtold explains music programs remain popular as David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health uses various
entertainment for many Arlington residents. But programs music with patients of all ages.
for clients with aging issues delve into cognitive skills, blood Is noted geriatrician Dr. Ron Garry of Naples a believer in
circulation (from clapping or waving hands) and relief from stress music therapy? “Yes, yes, yes,” he says. “The smile that happens
and worry. when patients with Alzheimer’s disease hear their favorite music is
On that note, at Moorings Park, Music Therapy Director priceless. If we could only do that long term.”
Devan Elliott leads memory care groups by removing negative At Golisano Children’s Hospital, music helps patients and
lyrics from popular songs and plugging in new, happy ones families relax where everything is strange and beyond their control.
suggested by clients. Music therapist Tracey Failla’s work, funded by philanthropy,
She likes to build routines, starting programs with a “hello” collaborates with doctors to counter anxiety, pain and isolation,
song that asks each patient “How are you?” and “What’s new?” while helping teach lessons on colors, numbers and animals.
The goal, she explains, is patients opening up with peers and Youngsters, she says, choose the music and can accompany on
being recognized as important for “who I am.” rhythms.
For one-on-one therapy sessions, Elliott relies on referrals At the Naples Senior Center, Manager of Dementia Respite
from nurses or relatives about a patient’s physical pain, anxiety, Activities and music therapist Marisa Luizzi traces her craft to
bereavement or desire to run away. She also is careful to seek ancient times when people were awed by the ground and musical
advice on what music not to play, to avoid unwitting agitation. instruments vibrating, likening music to our bodies’ heart rhythm.

76 Life in Naples | May, June, July 2022