therapeutic Music

The Gift of Therapeutic Music

By Beth A. Klahre

In an anxious rehab patient’s room, the steady sound of live harp music creates a 60-beat-per-minute rhythmic pace to support a normal resting heart rate.

In the living room of a dementia care wing, a therapeutic musician softly plays “You Are My Sunshine” to a restless resident in a recliner. The harpist, resident, staff, and even visitors start singing, bringing smiles to many faces and a sense of calm. The planned sedative medication for the resident in the recliner is cancelled.

In a hospice patient’s room, a family struggles to say goodbye. Their strained voices and tears clearly agitate the dying patient as she pulls at her gown and oxygen tubing. The clinical musician begins to improv a song in a minor key. Family members pause to listen, the room becomes quiet, and the hospice patient relaxes into the supportive sound.

These are just a few of the true experiences described by therapeutic musician and harpist Julie Rehder, a certified therapeutic music practitioner and Program Coordinator of the Therapeutic Musicians of Coastal Carolina. Rehder, like the other musicians in this specialty-trained group, is dedicated to using the power of music to help people heal.

michael sasnow shows his harp to children at a hospital bedside. sasnow is a certified therapeutic musician who plays his harp in healthcare settings to enhance a healing atmosphere.

All photos contributed by Julie Rehder

History of Therapeutic Music

Therapeutic music is intended to alleviate physical, emotional, and mental concerns. It is usually played live in healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes to enhance the healing atmosphere.

Music to promote healing has roots in many cultures throughout history. Pythagoras of Greece taught music as a medical science. David soothed King Saul with harp music. Monasteries of the Middle

Harpist Julie Rehder plays to support a heart patient. Rehder is a certified therapeutic music practitioner and Program Coordinator of the Therapeutic Musicians of Coastal Carolina. The specialty-trained group uses the power of music to help people heal. Below: Shari Hancock practices therapeutic music on the harp.

Ages and visionary musicians like St. Hildegard passed on knowledge of the power of therapeutic music.

Medical Benefits

Modern-day studies prove that therapeutic music can stabilize heart rate, blood pressure and respiration rates. It can lead a patient into a state of deep relaxation and increase endorphin production, which may decrease the need for pain medication. Therapeutic music can have a positive influence on protective cells of the immune system. It may aid digestion and reduce stress. It is often used in drug and alcohol detoxification programs and with Alzheimer’s patients and people with learning disabilities.

It’s Science

Rehder became a Certified Music Practitioner in 2017 through the Music for Healing & Transition Program, a two-year study of both music and science.

“I believe that what therapeutic musicians do is a serious blend of

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science and sound,” Rehder says. “I have been training as a musician since I was five years old, but every human who can hear or feel the vibrations of sound develops a connection to music. As a performer, I have experienced how music can change the mood of a room. I especially like the intimacy of creating music for one person.”

Music for Nursing Home Residents

In March 2021, after a full year of research and data collection, Rehder was awarded a grant for $440,080 from The North Carolina Culture Change Coalition, managed by the state Department of Health and Human Services, to fund therapeutic music in skilled nursing facilities. The grant is regulated by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the funds come from Civil Money Penalty Funds.

“The grant provides funding for three years for seven certified therapeutic musicians in eleven skilled nursing facilities in Pender and New Hanover Counties to provide therapeutic music at bedside and in group settings. In October 2022, we will expand our reach to two facilities in Brunswick County,” Rehder explains.

The group is currently composed of one flautist and six harpists. Two more harpists are in training. All musicians are taught how to address patient conditions including anxiety, dementia, restlessness, boredom, failure to thrive, and end-of-life issues.

A facility liaison, nurse, physician, family member, or even residents themselves can make a referral for music. Some residents have standing requests due to ongoing health or mental health issues.

Wendy Russell, a certified therapeutic music practitioner and member of the Therapeutic Musicians of Coastal Carolina. drives from South Carolina each month to provide therapeutic music.

All photos contributed by Julie Rehder

While strict evaluation criteria based on data collected at each session is required, success is not just measured by numbers.

“We have real stories from our musicians, the facilities, the residents, and family members of how music impacts the residents,” Rehder says.

A Final Duet

Rehder recalls playing music for her father when he was dying. Music was the common bond between them. They used to play the piano together.

“Playing for him at his hospital bed was my opportunity to have one last duet with my dad,” Rehder says.

Now Rehder selflessly provides the same experience for others. She has big dreams for the future of the program.