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The Certified
Music Practitioner
(Providing Live Music for Healing and
Transition) |
A few words from Anne &
Gary:
We spent a quarter of a century
assisting people with their lives through our counseling practice
(specializing in stress related difficulties). Therefore it was a
natural progression for us to seek certification as Music Practitioners
through the Music for Healing and Transition program.
Because of our belief in the value of
live music at the bedside for healing and transition, we have included
this article to introduce you to this important Integrative Medicine
treatment.
| History of the
Music Practitioner |
Music practitioners were some of the
first and most powerful healers in the medical arts of our primitive
societies. Now, as we move into the 21st century, the value of this
old integrative medical treatment is again being recognized and developed
in a scientific manner through the Music for Healing and Transition
program.
Today, many hospitals and health facilities across the country
recognize the value of the music practitioner and offer this meaningful
treatment of live music at the bedside to their patients.
Benefits of
Live Music
at the Bedside |
Recent scientific studies support the
premise that live music provided by the music practitioner can assist in:
- Pain reduction and management.
- Blood pressure reduction.
- Reduction of patient anxiety.
- Reduction of pharmacological drug
dosages required for pain, anesthesia, and other medical objectives.
- Relaxation of voluntary and
involuntary muscles.
- Stabilization of vital signs in
emergency, surgery and other acute medical situations.
- Memory recall for dementia
patients.
- Facilitation of the birthing
process.
- Transition for the dying patient.
The art of the
Music Practitioner |
The music practitioner specializes in
his/her capacity to note the progression of the patient and to musically
pace the patient's needs and changes. He/she notes:
- Vital signs (breathing, monitoring
equipment, etc.)
- Body language.
- Verbal feedback from patient
and/or family.
- Input from other medical
specialties.
This allows the music practitioner to
continuously gear his/her musical treatment to the changing needs of the
patient.
| Finding a Music
Practitioner |
Our services as Certified Music
Practitioners are available by contacting us:
Anne Wakenhut, MA
Gary Wakenhut, MA
share@collectingconsort.com
Toll Free: 888-227-8679
Box 272
Lakeview, MI 48850
You can also utilize our
recordings. Some of the titles most frequently used for this
purpose are Celtic Meditations,
Reverence, Spiritual
Essence, Earth's Essence,
All Thru the Night,
Friendship a Gift.
Recently, a hospice inpatient unit
social worker informed us that our recordings are the only music CDs
that she is able to leave on indefinitely in transitioning patient's
rooms. She remarked about the "natural" gentleness (not found on
other commercial releases) that makes extended play possible.
If we are not in your area, you
can find a listing of our fellow MHTP graduates at:
http://www.mhtp.org.
This will provide you with a list of
Certified Music Practitioners.
If none are listed for your area,
contact your local hospital or hospice organization. They may be
aware of musicians in your community who offer this type of service (even
though they may not have been trained or certified by MHTP).
Training Opportunities
for Music
Practitioners |
The MHTP training program consists of
5 weekend modules (offered at various locations around the country), a
mentorship, and an internship . Most musicians complete
certification requirements within two years. For certification
requirements, curriculum, class locations and schedules, go to:
http://www.mhtp.org
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