No matter what your personal experience is, music serves as a universal language. You may not have an expertise in music but you can still identify with the melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics. Through music we are able to attune to others and influence the affective states of other humans. It brings people together as a community, and nation. It connects and motivates us.
Accredited Music Therapists (MTA) are trained to give purpose to individual or group music experiences. There’s a reason behind every music activity we do in aims to make progress through a client’s goals and objectives. Within Hospice and Palliative Care, MTA’s often focus on using music to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, agitation, and depression as well as providing means of distraction and temporary relief from pain and discomfort. Music therapy also allows for an opportunity to develop coping strategies, increase empowerment, and provide support, acknowledgement, and validation of life experiences.
A common practice in music therapy with Hospice and Palliative Care is for the MTA and individual to do legacy work. This is where the individual can create a short biography, video, song, or life review by forming a compilation of songs that are associated with milestones in their life. Through the creation of a legacy individuals are able to reflect on one’s accomplishments, understand life experiences, and make amends for past events. Some individuals may choose to record and sing a set songs that have shaped who that person has become today. Creating a legacy is also a therapeutic experience for family and friends as they have something meaningful created by their loved one that will aid in their grieving process after their loved one has passed.
Since January 2015, Find Your Voice Music Therapy has been providing Hospice Kingston clients with individual sessions as well as monthly music therapy sessions with the Client Day Program. Funding for Hospice Kingston music therapy services has been provided through the Community Foundation of Kingston Area and funding will be exhausted in January 2016.
Find Your Music Therapy wants to express sincere gratitude for the opportunity of bringing music therapy to Hospice Kingston. We look forward to further collaboration with you in the future!