Harp music elicits a sense of well being. It can affect feelings, create new experiences and renew memories. Used for entertainment, relaxation, enjoyment and reminiscing, people with pain, disability, illness or stress often respond in positive ways to harp music.
Clinically, certain types of music have been proven to reduce muscle tension, strengthen memory and learning, foster endurance and improve coordination.
Research has proven that music can help alleviate some of the classic symptoms of suffering.
Music at the bedside is a patient focused service used in the relief of pain, to promote physical healing and to comfort the ailing.
What is a Certified Music Practitioner?
A Certified Music Practitioner is a trained musician who has completed an accredited program of study which includes medical and musical coursework provided by qualified instructors.
A CMP is trained to be responsive to the patient yet unobtrusive while providing beneficial, therapeutic music.
What is Expected of the Client or Patient?
It is not necessary for a patient to interact physically or even verbally with the Music Practitioner, expecially since a patient may be under medication or anesthesia. Music can be played during surgery and research has shown that even comatose patients can benefit from live music.
There is no need for a client or patient to be able to interact or speak with the CMP unless he or she wishes or is able to do so. Permission is obtained from care-giving staff or family, and when possible from the patient. In cases where a patient does not communicate, each Music Practitioner is carefully trained to recognize physical indicators that help him/her determine response to music.
Location can be at the home of the patient or at a medical facility such as a hospital, hospice or nursing home.
Music Practitioners work independently or affiliate with healthcare institutions, private healthcare providers, and community organizations.
