The music therapy program encompasses Clinical Services for patients, a Live Music Program and the maintenance of a Music Library for patient’s use. It is directed by Barbara Dunn, LICSW, MT-BC (www.barbaradunn.com). To speak to Barbara about the program please call her at 360-678-7656, ext 8436 or 360-321-7656 ext 8436.

CLINICAL SERVICES

Using music as therapy can add comfort and a vehicle for expression and healing, for patients and loved ones. Music can reflect the many emotions one might feel, from anger to fear to sadness or joy. It is a powerful experience to tap into these emotions with the single expression of a song. Music can be the conduit that keeps a patient’s mind focused on healing and recovery. Clinical Music Therapy services are offered in various departments at the hospital and through Home Health Care and Hospice.

What Is Music Therapy?

A music therapist can address physical, psychological, emotional, social and/or cognitive challenges. The therapist uses a variety of techniques that might include instrument playing, singing, relaxation to recorded music, song writing, and improvisation. A music therapist needs to be responsive and adaptable to each patient’s unique needs and situation. A specific selection of music might effect one person in a very different way than it effects another person. People can also use specific music for different purposes (i.e. music to stimulate physical activity verses music for relaxation). A cold and unfamiliar hospital room can be warmed instantaneously by music. A person homebound by illness can use music to address issues of pain or loneliness.

Training for Music Therapy

Music therapists receive training at the BA, MA or PhD level. It includes advanced levels of training in music, psychology, physiology and music therapy techniques. After successful completion of a degree and clinical training, she or he is then eligible to sit for the Music Therapy Board Certification exam. Upon passing the exam they are granted the title MT-BC (Music Therapist-Board Certified). WGH offers a  portion of their training. Music therapists must complete up to 1,200 hours of clinical training before they are eligible to sit for board certification exam.

Who Can Benefit From Music Therapy?

Music therapy can be helpful for the person who is dealing with Cancer, stroke, anxiety, facing surgery, respiratory distress, pain management, physical rehabilitation, cardiac conditions or other chronic illnesses.

How Can Music Therapy Help Me?

• Management of pain that might be related to a variety of physical conditions.
• Use of relaxation techniques to address anxiety or sleep difficulties.
• Addressing nausea related to chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.
• Enhancement of immune support systems.
• Enhancement of quality of life.
• Rehabilitation and other challenges. These services are generally provided in collaboration with OT, PT and/or SLP.
• Addressing physical and/or speech needs related to Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, pulmonary
• Facilitate expression and communication of feelings.
• Addressing anxiety related to surgery.

How Do We Know Music Therapy Works?

Research studies have shown music to be effective in boosting the immune system, decreasing pain and/or anxiety, and enhancing relaxation. Music can also raise pain threshold and reduce use of sedative and analgesic drugs by as much as 50%. One study showed a reduction in anxiety that was equal to an additional dose of a tranquilizer. The surgeons concluded that music could be used with success, especially when used in combination with a regional anesthesia. Music also helped to reduce pre-surgery anxiety. Many studies have found that music is most useful to a client if it has been selected by, is preferred by and/or has meaning to the client. A music therapist can work with a client to select the music that will be most beneficial for their situation.

For more information about music therapy:

•  American Music Therapy Association, www.musictherapy.org
•  Music Therapy Association of Washington, www.musictherapywa.org

LIVE MUSIC PROGRAM

The Live Music Program brings musicians from the community into the hospital or home setting. The musicians help to create a healing environment at WGH. Live music is offered in the lobby, on various units of Whidbey General Hospital, and through Home Health Care and Hospice.

Requirements

• Musicianship must be at an advanced skill level; musicians need to be able to play their instrument with skill and sensitivity while, at the same time, paying close attention to patient and staff responses.
• Complete WGH orientation.
• Be available to play two hours per week (this is negotiable).
• Comfortable meeting new people, working in new situations, working with illness.
• Six-month commitment preferred.
• 16 years or older for hospital, 18 years of age or older for Home Health and Hospice.
• Stringed instruments (especially guitar or harp) or piano/keyboard preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attend quarterly meetings with music therapist and other volunteer musicians. Notify if unable to attend.
• Maintain patient/family confidentiality at all times.
• Maintain weekly check-in with music therapist (via sign-in sheet at hospital or brief phone report).
• Seek information/support/direction from the Music Therapist and staff, as needed.
• Conduct in the home will be consistent with the guidelines and standards for other Home Health/Hospice staff. Home Health volunteers also complete brief session reports for all visits.

Services Provided

• Hospital musicians will play music in various patient care areas around the hospital. In the lobby, this will include checking-in with patients and staff who will be within earshot of the music and paying close attention to how the music is being received.
• In-home hospice might mean playing your music for an extended period of time to bring comfort to patient and loved ones gathered. It might mean playing your music to alleviate pain or assist with relaxation. the Live Music Program team to play for these events.

Additional Opportunity

Musicians are also needed for isolated hospital events (i.e. Cancer Art Show, Remembrances of the Heart) and can range from a singer songwriter o a full band. It is not necessary to be part of the Live Music Program team to play for these events.