Why music?
Music is a very powerful medium and can affect us all deeply in many ways. The music therapists at Keech Hospice Care are highly skilled to use music in a range of ways and are registered with the Health Professions Council. Participants in music therapy do not require any previous music training or experience to attend music therapy sessions and may be referred for a variety of reasons. These may include:
- a desire to explore creativity and discover new ways to express yourself
- anxiety or depression
- help with pain or insomnia
- isolation
- loss & bereavement
“The time we spent on our poems and songs really helped me on the pathway to dealing with my grieving.”
What can music therapy offer?
Making music can be a very helpful way of expressing feelings and emotions that are difficult to say in words.The music therapist is able to work with many emotions and help someone to release these through music in a safe and secure way.The music therapist can spend time with an individual or group listening to, or with them.This can often involve listening to songs or pieces of music together that are important in someone’s life or mark a significant event.
“I’m glad I have someone like you to help me get this out.”
Relaxation
The music therapist is able to provide comforting and peaceful music.This may help if someone is distressed or anxious and may help create a less stressful environment.Playing or listening to music can also give a person the means of escape and enable them to have some protected time for themselves. Family session
Making and listening to music together as a family can be a very positive experience.Time spent together where the main focus is not a medical one and where everyone has an equal voice can be a very special time. “My son has had an amazing reaction to music.It is, and will always be, life changing for him.Thank you.”
Lasting Memories
The music therapist can also record sessions (making CDs or DVDs) which may serve as a lasting memory for a family. Making Music, Sharing Life
We asked some of our patients and their families to tell us about their experiences of music therapy and have recorded this along with some of the songs we use during sessions. We’ve called the collection “Making Music, Sharing Life”*.
To listen to this recording, just download the audio file opposite.
*The copyright in this recording is owned by Keech Hospice Care. © 2009 Keech Hospice Care. All rights reserved.
Unauthorised copying, reproduction, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting of this recording is prohibited.
Further general information on music therapy can be found online at www.bamt.org (British Association for Music Therapy)
