Soothing Sounds Amplified

By Marne Perreault The world’s oldest known musical instrument, the harp, is a stately presence in the modern-day orchestra. In the patient spaces of Dartmouth Cancer Center, it brings a gentle comfort with sound, and sometimes touch. Through the talent of trained therapeutic musicians or Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioners, harps provide our patients, caregivers, and staff with access to a melodious respite from cancer and stress.

Therapeutic harp was a service offered through the Complementary Care Program that was only available at Dartmouth Cancer Center in Lebanon, but now the service is available in Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire, and St. Johnsbury, Vermont, as well. The expansion of therapeutic harp services for patients and families is made possible by the generosity of Prouty supporters through the Friends of the Dartmouth Cancer Center.

There are three Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioners working at the Dartmouth Cancer Center in New Hampshire and Vermont. Margaret Stephens has been a familiar face in Lebanon since 2008. Joining Margaret is Pam Stohrer in Manchester and Nashua, and Patty Williams in St. Johnsbury. “I have seen how music and the harp have touched the lives of so many patients, caregivers and staff. I have seen needed relaxation, a break from challenging health situations, laughter, tears, lowering of blood pressure and reduction of pain, communication between families and, generally, support and care in difficult personal challenges. The stories go on,” says Stephens, “I am thrilled that more patients and families are having access to this type of therapy.”

A therapeutic harpist observes and intuits a listener’s needs, and then chooses musical styles, tempos, rhythms, modes and melodies that are appropriate to meeting those needs. The goal is to create a “sound space” or a “cradle of sound” for each person. Margaret, Pam and Patty may bring different harps with them – a Celtic lever harp may be used in sitting areas to provide calming sounds for multiple people, or a Reverie harp, for instance, can be played directly on patients’ backs so they feel sound vibration throughout their body.

All of the harp services are complimentary to patients and families through philanthropy.

Margaret Stephens, CTHP, and her harp, provide a melodious respite from cancer and stress.

Dartmouth Cancer Center’s Complementary Care Program, made possible by The Prouty, offers a variety of free programs that enhance the well-being of patients and caregivers throughout the cancer journey and into survivorship. Programs include support groups, massage, yoga, meditation, Qigong, nutrition, creative arts, and more. For more information, contact CancerSupport@hitchcock.org or call (603) 650-7751.

Scan here to listen to the sweet sounds of the Harp Ensemble, comprised of Pam, Patty and Margaret.