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.