MHTP: Making Your Music Matter for 30 Years

Caption: CMP Sheila Gioia provides live therapeutic harp music at the bedside of a patient in Parker Adventist Hospital, Denver, Colorado

"The music eased me into good sleep. Before the music, I couldn’t sleep."

Patient at Parker Adventist Hospital, Denver Colorado

The Birth of an Idea

The year was 1994. Mary Radspinner, owner of the newly opened Melody’s Traditional Music store in Houston, Texas, invited harper Laurie Riley to give a workshop titled “Music for Healing” on March 27th. Martha Lewis and Maryann Schulz, both harpists, attended the workshop. The following day, the four women met again in a back room of the store to discuss how there needed to be an educational program to train and certify musicians in how to use their musical skills to help patients in their healing. On that day, March 28, 1994, they articulated their vision of, what they named, the Music for Healing and Transition Program™ (MHTP).

 “Imagine…your music and your compassionate heart, changing the world, one patient at a time.”

Carol Spears, Chief Executive Officer of MHTP

Hyperbole? Actually, no. A multitude of research shows that live therapeutic music may decrease pain, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, stabilize heart rate, ease a patient through the dying process, and more. The world of each patient, their loved ones, and the staff who care for them is comforted, supported, and can become whole again.

The outcome of the birth of MHTP is Certified Music Practitioners (CMPs)®, the professional title of the close to 1,100 musicians who have graduated from MHTP over these three decades. They are taught to apply the intrinsic healing elements of music in specific ways to address the condition of the patient in the moment. This is not performance music, but rather live therapeutic music. Every day, on five continents, CMPs bring to life the vision of the founders of MHTP; to use their musical skills, therapeutic music training, and the teachings of being a healing presence, in service to others. Through a short YouTube video, hear/see some of the remarkable stories of CMPs, patients and healthcare staff who have benefited from live therapeutic music.

“We followed our dream, even though we didn’t have all the pieces of the puzzle.”

Martha Lewis, co-founder, first Executive Director and current Board Director of MHTP

Caption: CMPs Martha Lewis (L) and Laurie Riley (R) receive Special Achievement Awards at the 2014 20th Anniversary MHTP Conference, in Navasota, Texas.

The Formative Years

Once the idea was formulated in 1994, the hard work began to make MHTP a reality. Monthly meetings were held in person in Houston with Martha, Mary and Maryann and communicated to Laurie, who lived over a thousand miles away, by phone and mail. The curriculum was created along with additional requirements for graduation.  One of the early decisions of MHTP was to include certification of musicians playing all kinds of melodic, acoustic instruments.

Martha served as the first (volunteer) Executive Director, from 1994 - 1997. Laurie served as the second (volunteer) Executive Director 1997- 2000. From Martha’s corporate background and contacts, in 1994 she pulled together an Advisory Board which included an attorney, marketing, advertising and development experts, accountants, educators, musicians, and others. In the days before the wide use of email, home computers, file sharing, texting, and even cell phones, they worked together quickly that year to write the mission statement, bylaws, strategic plan, and paperwork to structure the organization as a nonprofit, governed by a Board of Directors. Between 1994 and 1996, there were over 40 people involved in the development of MHTP.

We train and certify musicians to provide personalized live therapeutic music at the bedside to create a healing environment.

MHTP Mission Statement

Teacher and Board meetings happened in Vashon Island, Washington (Laurie’s home area), and in Houston, Texas (Martha’s home area). Annual fundraising concerts began. The first MHTP classes started in the fall of 1994 in Vashon Island, with Laurie providing instruction on the musical aspects and a hospice nurse the medical education. In January of 1995, the first Houston classes were led by Martha Lewis. The first MHTP graduation was in 1995 in Washington followed by a Texas graduation in 1996.

Fast Forward 30 Years

Caption: CMP Max Eve provides live therapeutic harp music at the bedside of a patient in Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Braselton, GA

Currently all of MHTP’s science-based modules are taught live, virtually, through interactive Zoom videoconference. Students don’t encounter the expense of travel and board to attend the modules. MHTP maintains a strong community of both students and CMPs through many activities and events, including biennial conferences, special virtual events and Enrichment Days. This 30th anniversary year is also a conference year. Typically, attendees join in across 14 different time zones for the multi-day conference, which will be held in October of this year, as we celebrate the past and envision the future. 

As we step into the 4th decade of MHTP, there is deep gratitude to the founders and the multitude of others who have nurtured what they started. MHTP has grown and matured through traveling down a couple of pathway twists and turns and lessons learned. Throughout that time, the mission statement of MHTP has been a true guide. But what has kept the program relevant are the students of MHTP, the graduate Certified Music Practitioners, the Board Directors, Executive leadership, Teachers, Advisors, Area Coordinators, Clinical Practicum Coordinators, other staff, benefactors, supporters, and healthcare employers of CMPs. They are all living the vision that was lovingly inspired 30 years ago by Martha, Laurie, Mary, and Maryann. Here’s to the next part of the journey of their innovative idea!

Information in this article came from interviews of Martha Lewis, Laurie Riley, Mary Radspinner, and Maryann Schulz in 2014

12 Days of Your Holidays: Top Tips for Bringing Peace with Live Therapeutic Music

On the first day of Your Holidays, bring peace to the ward,

With live therapeutic music, let the healing chords be poured.

Certified Music Practitioners, the CMPs do their part,

To soothe patients and staff and calm each worried heart.

On the second day of Your Holidays, in the hospital's cheer,

 Let CMP's soothing melodies wipe away the fear.

With harps, flutes, and guitars, the healing songs commence,

Bringing comfort and solace to aid in convalescence.

On the third day of Your Holidays, as the holidays draw near,

 Use music's gentle touch to ease each family's fear.

With CMPs by their side, loved ones find relief,

In the midst of uncertainty, it offers sweet belief.

On the fourth day of Your Holidays, staff stressed and overwrought,

Deserve moments of respite, let them not be forgot.

CMPs can serenade them, their burdens they'll unbind,

Filling hearts with gratitude for the peace they will find.

 On the fifth day of Your Holidays, in the quiet of the night,

CMPs bring dreams of healing, making everything right.

With lullabies and ballads, they softly play their part,

Ensuring restful slumber for every weary heart.

On the sixth day of Your Holidays, bring solace to the soul,

Through CMP's loving care, let broken spirits be made whole.

With melodies that uplift and lyrics that mend,

CMPs and their music prove to be a true friend.

On the seventh day of Your Holidays, when joy and sorrow blend,

Use music's gentle touch, on CMPs you can depend.

Their compassion and their skill, together they unite,

To provide a sense of comfort in the darkest of nights.

On the eighth day of Your Holidays, as the season's spirit soars,

CMPs bring healing, opening life's doors.

With grace and empathy, they touch each life they meet,

Guiding patients through transitions, making their journeys sweet.

On the ninth day of Your Holidays, let the world take heed,

Of CMP's great work in moments of need.

Their music heals the body, the mind, and the heart,

Ensuring that each person gets a fresh start.

On the tenth day of Your Holidays, let the story be told,

Of the peace that CMPs bring, more valuable than gold.

Their tunes, a source of comfort, their presence, a delight,

Bringing hope and healing, making spirits take flight.

On the eleventh day of Your Holidays, let compassion be our guide,

With CMPs and their music, let love be magnified.

 In times of celebration, or when hearts are feeling low,

Their melodies are healing, wherever they may go.

On the twelfth day of Your Holidays, our message rings clear,

CMPs and MHTP bring peace throughout the year.

With music's gentle power, they light the darkest night,

Bringing healing and tranquility, making everything right.

In the spirit of the holiday season, let us remember the incredible work of Certified Music Practitioners® trained and certified by the Music for Healing and Transition Program™. Their live therapeutic music spreads peace and comfort to patients, families, and staff alike, making the world a more harmonious place, one healing note at a time.

The Gift of Giving and its Impact on Small Nonprofit Organizations like MHTP

In today’s world, the concept of giving back has become more significant than ever, especially for small nonprofit organizations such as the Music for Healing and Transition Program™ (MHTP). For all musicians and those passionate about the arts, understanding the transformative power of live therapeutic music can be a revelation. As we reflect on the end of 2023, it's a poignant moment to reflect on the benefits of donating to such causes.

Live Therapeutic Music: A Healing Harmony

MHTP, a pioneer in offering live therapeutic music certification, has for 30 years demonstrated the profound impact of music on healing processes. This isn’t just about music; it's about the best music for healing. The organization leverages the best instruments for live therapeutic music to provide comfort and solace to individuals in healthcare settings. The skilled graduates of MHTP, known as Certified Music Practitioners (CMPs)®, undergo rigorous CMP professional training to master the art and science of healing through music.

CMP Professional Certification: The Path to Empathy and Expertise

The CMP professional certification is more than just a qualification; it represents a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between music, healing, and empathy, and a commitment to be of service through music. CMP certification courses give students not only musical skills specific to live therapeutic music but also the sensitivity to support the emotional and psychological needs of patients. The Music for Healing and Transition Program’s training and curriculum is meticulously designed and updated each year to create practitioners who can deliver live therapeutic music sessions effectively.

Live Sound Healing Sessions: The Essence of Therapeutic Music

Live sound healing sessions, as opposed to simply providing recorded music, are at the heart of MHTP’s mission. These sessions, provided by expertly trained CMPs, utilize live therapeutic music techniques to support a healing environment for patients in any condition. And just as importantly, the presence of a trained, certified, compassionate CMP brings a new dimension into healthcare. The process is a subtle yet powerful tool in the medical field, providing a complementary therapy that works in conjunction with conventional Western medical treatments.

The Role of Giving in Supporting Nonprofits like MHTP

As we look into the year end, it’s vital to recognize the importance of donations for organizations like MHTP. These contributions are not merely financial; they are investments in the betterment of society. Every donation enables MHTP to continue its valuable work, train more CMPs, and expand its reach to help more individuals in need.

Why Donating to MHTP Matters

For retired, professional, or amateur musicians and supporters of the arts, contributing to MHTP offers a unique opportunity to be part of a noble cause. It’s a chance to see one’s passion for music translated into a tangible force for good. Consider the impact that your support can have on the lives of the ill and dying patients who benefit from MHTP’s training program.

Join the Cause: Support Live Therapeutic Music

We invite you to join us in supporting the mission of MHTP. Your contributions will not only help sustain the organization but also ensure that the healing power of music continues to reach those in need. By understanding and promoting the benefits of live therapeutic music, we can collectively contribute to a world where healing and music go hand in hand.

Let’s come together to celebrate the gift of giving and make a difference in the world of therapeutic music.

What are the Benefits of Live Therapeutic Music in Palliative Care and Hospice?

Often when a person is receiving palliative care or hospice services, the physical discomfort, emotional pain, anxiety, and stress levels are like no other time in their life. Every person going through this life passage has delicate and immediate needs. Their condition can change in a moment. The live therapeutic music being offered, if by a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP), or other trained and certified professionals, can also change to support the patient’s physical and emotional state. When offering live therapeutic music, the practitioner uses their specialized training as well as their science-based intuition to determine what type of music to play/sing, what tempo and volume to play it, as well as other considerations that a CD playing on a machine just cannot offer. 

The Music for Healing and Transition Program (MHTP) trains and certifies musicians to become Certified Music Practitioners to be able to play for all patient conditions, including those receiving palliative care and hospice services. CMPs use a wide range of melodic, acoustic instruments to offer this service including violin, viola, cello, harp, banjo, silver or Native American Style flutes, ukulele, harmonica, accordion, autoharp, hand pan, recorder, piano, hammered and mountain dulcimers, and more. 

Those receiving palliative care and hospice are perhaps the population most in need of relief from suffering. According to the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Music, the following lists some of the benefits of live therapeutic music that may support this special patient population:

•Distracting and disassociating from the present situation
•Altering the sense of time
•Relieving anxiety
•Reducing stress 
•Augmenting pain management
•Bridging communication between loved ones
•Relieving body and mental tension
•Easing the dying during transition
•Stabilizing vital signs of acute patients


A research project published in 2019, Music Intervention as a Tool for Improving Patient Experience in Palliative Care by Cynthia S Peng, Kelly Baxter, Kate M Lally (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30045627), demonstrated how live therapeutic music affected patients. It reported that, “standard care for patients receiving a hospice or palliative care helps to decrease in pain, anxiety, nausea, shortness of breath, and feelings of depression along with a significant increase in feelings of well-being. Opioid use in time periods after the music intervention trended toward decreased usage when compared to the equivalent time period before. Finally, compiled personal narratives of patients' and families' experiences of the music intervention demonstrated common themes of spirituality, comfort, relaxation, escape, and reflection.”

Live therapeutic music is a service offered for comfort, not for entertainment or performance. A difficult and painful situation can be relieved by the use of live therapeutic music. No one has to look at a chart or a calculation to understand the additional benefit of the human connection component at such a time of high need. Imagine how a caring human being, highly trained to support a specific condition, can sit at the bedside, carefully attend to the patient as they play, and create a healing environment with music that promotes relaxation and rest. 

MHTP supports certified therapeutic musicians through special trainings and events including their biennial gatherings, such as the 2023 Enrichment Day in October of 2023 and the upcoming MHTP International Conference is October of 2024. Compassionate and highly skilled CMPs and active students going through the program gather to learn about the latest research in the field of live therapeutic music, attend stellar presentations from community leaders, earn Continuing Education Units, and have an opportunity to discuss their interests and concerns with other CMPs and students, such as their work in palliative care and hospice settings.

MHTP's 2023 Enrichment Day took place on the same day as the annual World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. This day of observance is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the crucial role of hospice and palliative care in providing relief, comfort, and support to individuals with serious illnesses. 

If you have a loved one receiving palliative care or hospice services and would like to learn more about how you can support their condition through live therapeutic music, visit the MHTP website to find a CMP in your area. Additionally, some CMPs offer their services online, making remote services possible. 

If you are a musician with a compassionate heart who wishes to be trained and certified to serve others with your music, learn more about this highly rewarding and supportive work, to make your music matter.

Live Therapeutic Music Instruments: Acoustic and Melodic

Introduction: The Healing Power of Live Therapeutic Music

Music has been a part of human culture for millennia, serving various purposes from entertainment to community-building and ritualistic practices. But one of its most profound impacts is in the realm of promoting a state of wholeness—healing body, mind, and spirit. Live therapeutic music has been shown to have a multitude of benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to aiding in physical stabilization and recovery, soothing emotional turmoil, and supporting someone in the dying process. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a variety of instruments for live therapeutic music, delve into the Music for Healing and Transition Program™ (MHTP), and discuss how you can use your music to make a difference by becoming a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP)®.

MHTP certifies all acoustic (no recordings or amps), melodic instruments (including voice), and keyboards. Strictly percussion instruments, while wonderful in supporting the rhythmic needs in humans, would not be able to provide the full range of live therapeutic music properties in which MHTP trains its students. The list of all instruments that MHTP has certified (so far!) is broad and inclusive. The program welcomes inquiries about your instrument, even if it isn’t on the list.

Meet Some of the Instruments certified by MHTP

The Flute: A Melodic Healer

The flute, especially those in the lower ranges, offers soft, melodious sounds that can help induce a state of relaxation in live therapeutic music sessions. The flute is also relatively easy to learn, making it accessible for those interested in live therapeutic music certification.

Native American Style Flute: The Soulful Alternative

The Native American-style flute brings a unique, soulful tone to the table. Its sound is deeply rooted in some Native Americans’ culture and spirituality, offering a different kind of healing experience.

Keyboard: The Versatile Choice

The keyboard is one of the most versatile instruments out there, capable of producing a wide range of tones and melodies.. Whether you're playing classical pieces or improvising, the piano can adapt to various healing settings.

The Human Voice: The Original Instrument

Our voice is the most natural instrument we possess. Vocal toning, humming, and singing can be incredibly therapeutic.

Harp: Ringing Strings

When you think of a harp, you might imagine angels or heavenly scenes. But many people think of the harp for healing with therapeutic music. Its soothing tones can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and even improve sleep quality. The harp's range of notes allows for the versatility of tones for different purposes.

Guitar: The Accessible Option

The guitar is another versatile and accessible instrument for live therapeutic music. Acoustic guitars produce a warm, resonant sound that can be both uplifting and calming. Many people find the guitar easier to learn.

CMPs have also been certified in violin, hammered and Appalachian dulcimer, cello, accordion, harmonica, clarinet, bassoon, and many others.

Music for Healing and Transition Program (MHTP)

If you're serious about using your musical skills for healing, the Music for Healing and Transition Program is a must-consider. This 30-year-old certification program offers CMP professional training, equipping you with the skills and knowledge of the best music for healing to use music as a therapeutic tool in healthcare, one-on-one with patients. The program is a science-based, comprehensive course, covering, among other essentials, live therapeutic music techniques, how to assess the patient to know what type of music to apply in the moment, the cultivation of abilities to be a healing presence, and self-care.

Live Therapeutic Music Certification: Elevate Your Skills

Becoming a Certified Music Practitioner through programs like MHTP can elevate your skills and give you the professional qualifications and credibility that healthcare administrators are looking for when hiring therapeutic musicians. Live therapeutic music certification ensures that you are trained in the best practices of the field, making you a more effective healing presence.

The Symphony of Healing Music

Music has the power to heal. Whether it's the angelic tones of a harp, the soulful melodies of a Native American-style flute, or whatever acoustic, melodic instrument you use, each instrument brings its own unique healing properties to the table. Programs like the Music for Healing and Transition Program offer professional training for those serious about making their music matter. So, why wait? Dive into the world of live therapeutic music and discover the healing presence resonating within you.

FAQs

Q: What is live therapeutic music certification?

A: Live therapeutic music certification is a professional training program that equips individuals with the skills needed to provide live therapeutic music in various healthcare and other settings.

Q: What are the best music genres for healing?

A: All genres are appropriate as a repertoire base. MHTP teaches you how to apply the basic healing elements of music from the music you already use in ways that are therapeutic in nature.

Q: How can I start providing my own live therapeutic music sessions?

A: You can start by obtaining a CMP professional training certification. Within the training, MHTP teaches how to best find live therapeutic music jobs in healthcare facilities in your area.

Transforming Lives with Music: Creating Healing Environments through MHTP

At the intersection of artistry and healing, lies the remarkable Music for Healing and Transition Program™ (MHTP). This groundbreaking program trains and certifies musicians to utilize the power of live therapeutic music to create transformative experiences for ill and dying patients, their loved ones, and healthcare staff. In this blog, we will delve into the unique approach and profound impact of MHTP, uncovering how Certified Music Practitioners (CMPs)® use the science and intuition of live therapeutic music to foster healing environments.

What is MHTP? Who are Certified Music Practitioners?

MHTP is rooted in the knowledge that live therapeutic music has the ability to touch the spirit, soothe pain, reduce anxiety, promote healing, and more. MHTP has created a science-based curriculum with lots of hands-on experience, combined with the fostering of compassionate, intuitive awareness and connection. The result is extensively trained and certified musicians of a multitude of different types of melodic, acoustic instruments, who can use their live therapeutic music to make music matter in the lives of others.

Certified Music Practitioners (graduates of MHTP) use their musical talents and compassionate presence to enhance the well-being of others. Bringing arts into healthcare,
these highly skilled practitioners introduce the intrinsic healing nature of music into hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and other healthcare facilities. By tailoring the live therapeutic music to each individual's needs in the moment, they create personalized sonic experiences that may support physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing.

The Impact of Live Therapeutic Music

Live therapeutic music is not entertainment music and is not recorded music. The impact of live therapeutic music offered by CMPs extends far beyond the soothing sounds. Numerous studies have shown that music played in specific therapeutic ways has the capacity to lower blood pressure, alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve overall well-being, and more. Through the work of CMPs on 5 different continents, patients in need are enveloped in healing spaces where they can find solace and connection in the midst of pain, stress, and health challenges.

The holistic healing qualities of live therapeutic music lie in its ability to tap into emotions, invoke memories, promote physical healing, and transcend language and cultural barriers. It serves as a universal communication that may unify individuals, promote empathy, and create heartfelt connections that go beyond words.

CMPs not only focus on addressing the immediate needs of patients, but also strive to support the efforts of Western medicine by creating healing environments that foster a sense of comfort, peace, and empowerment. Weaving their musical interventions into the fabric of the care setting, CMPs transform sterile hospital rooms into nurturing spaces, promoting healing on all levels.

Embracing the Future: Advancing the Field of Live Therapeutic Music

As research continues to illuminate the efficacy of live therapeutic music, the demand for CMPs  is rising. The field is expanding, with MHTP at the forefront of this movement. By providing a comprehensive training program, certification, and ongoing professional development, MHTP equips its therapeutic musician graduates to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

MHTP's commitment to excellence ensures that every CMP upholds the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and musicianship. This dedication allows for the continued growth and recognition of live therapeutic music as a valuable and integral part of patient-centered care.

Conclusion

In a world where the healing arts are recognized for their impact, MHTP stands as a shining example of the profound benefits of live therapeutic music. Through their unique approach, Certified Music Practitioners transform lives, create healing environments, and bring solace to individuals in need. As researchers continue to discover the power of live therapeutic music, let us celebrate organizations like MHTP and its graduates for their unwavering dedication to the art of healing through their hearts and their music.

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Post-Pandemic CMP Comeback!

How Katie Goudie, CMP, Made Her Comeback After the Pandemic

Meet Katie Goudie, CMP, who lives in Rocklin, CA. She graduated from MHTP in 2016 and is certified in Harp and Voice.

Katie came to MHTP through the connections she made as a volunteer piano player in the lobby of Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center in Roseville, CA. It was there that she met Aileen Kelley, CMP, who ran the volunteer and CMP programs there.

Aileen generously lent Katie a harp and encouraged her to take a look at MHTP and learn how other therapeutic musicians were providing services. Aileen is part of Music Partners in Healthcare (mpih.org), which is a robust organization that partners with healthcare facilities in Sacramento, CA, and surrounding counties to provide live therapeutic music at the bedside. Katie appreciated how they mentored her as a developing CMP. She says, "It was truly a gift to be able to talk with other CMPs through MPIH."

Encouraged by Aileen and others, Katie took harp lessons and began taking the MHTPs modules to become a Certified Music Practitioner. Being a busy young mom, she had a strong desire to continue to try to make it work financially. She applied for and was granted some scholarship funds through Music Partners in Healthcare, for which she was very grateful. With that help, she was able to continue her training to become a CMP.

As the pandemic came into being, Katie’s work shut down, like many other therapeutic musicians. She remembers, “Right before COVID, I was due to submit paperwork to keep my certification current and didn’t understand how the timing of CEUs worked. We (CMPs) stopped working. I thought, well, I’ll just hold my CEU information and submit it when I start again, but when I did, I realized those years of the COVID shutdown and my not working didn’t matter. Now I understand. Any healthcare credential has to be kept current. However, while I was not working, I started writing songs. The pandemic pushed me to do something that I hadn’t done before. Now being a songwriter, it has helped build a good foundation that I could bring to my work as a CMP providing therapeutic music."

To keep current with her required CEUs, Katie chose a mix of attending an Enrichment Day put on by MPIH, doing two book reports, reviewing two podcasts, and attending a Module training. Katie was also able to apply a CEUs from outside training she was doing that directly applied to her work as a CMP.

Today, Katie works at four facilities; two different hospitals, a memory care facility, and a hospice organization. She enjoys the variety of work as a CMP. She works at Sutter Roseville Medical Center and communicates with the Chaplains for patient referrals.

She also works at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, which is a smaller hospital, First Call, which is a hospice, and a day program for memory care. As a CMP, she encounters a wide range of patients.

Katie has a real passion for using her voice in her work. She shares, "I use my voice a lot. It is really beneficial to patients in memory care. I usually start off with what I consider the safest song, Home on the Range. It is a multiple-generational song. The lyrics talk about the meadow, animals, and the sky. It is one of my Go to songs, and people respond to it really well."

When asked what was one unique feature about using the voice specifically in certain settings, Katie answers, “It is the human voice. It is comparable to a touch or hug, more connected somehow. Like how moms sing lullabies to their children. By experience, I know when it is a good time to introduce the voice or not."

How does Katie feel about the work climate right now as a CMP in our post-pandemic times? “I feel it is a really good time to introduce yourself to healthcare facilities. The patients and family appreciate what we have to offer. With the limitations of COVID lifted now, everyone who works in facilities, especially the administration, is really wanting to have therapeutic music back. The hospital staff know how important therapeutic music is, and it is important to them that they can show the community that they can provide these services."

What does Katie enjoy most about being a CMP? “The connection with people. Sometimes it is really heavy, but I come away feeling calmness and gratitude and grab on to that. You can always find lots of love, from family and staff. That’s what I carry with me when I walk away instead of some sad things we see."

She shares a final thought, "The most powerful experience recently I had was with a person in the ICU. They were plugged into all kinds of equipment. I played for them and then when I stopped, they opened their eyes and nodded their head up and down. I thought about how much energy that must have taken for them. We can communicate with someone without speaking any words.  I love the work."

Well done, Katie, for getting back on board after the pandemic and doing meaningful and rewarding work by providing live therapeutic music. Thank you for all you do!