The last time I had a mammogram, I got a big surprise. And that was a good result. A string quartet was playing right outside the door of the breast imaging center, and my thoughts quickly shifted from, “What can a mammogram find?” “Is that Schubert or Beethoven?” By the time my name was called, I had almost forgotten why I was there.
This unexpected concert was the work of Holly Chartrand and Rory Kubicek, music therapists and co-coordinators of the Environmental Music Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. But bringing music into hospital hallways is just a side hustle for music therapists. The majority of their time is spent using music to help patients achieve specific goals, such as restoring speech after a stroke or reducing the stress of chemotherapy.
Chartrand is a vocalist and graduate of Berklee College of Music. She realized that she could use music to support others, just as her music had supported her throughout her life, and she decided to become a music therapist. “My favorite part of my job is seeing how much of an impact music can have on people who aren’t feeling well,” she says.
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is a rapidly growing field. People who become certified music therapists are skilled musicians with deep knowledge of how music evokes emotional responses, relaxes or stimulates people, and helps people heal. They combine this knowledge with their familiarity with different musical styles to find specific types of music that can get you through a difficult physical rehabilitation session or guide you into meditation. Whether it’s electropop or grand opera, you can find your favorite genre of music.
Music therapists have very few boundaries. They may even play music for you or with you, or teach you how to play an instrument. On any given day, Chartrand might bring a tank drum, a ukulele, or his iPad and speakers into the hospital room. “Technology has made it so easy to access all kinds of music that you can find and play almost any kind of music,” she says.
evidence of music therapy
A growing body of research proves that music therapy is more than just a nice perk. Medical outcomes and quality of life can be improved in a variety of ways. A sample is shown below.
Improve invasive procedures. In controlled clinical trials of people undergoing colonoscopies, cardiovascular angiograms, and knee surgeries, those who listened to music before surgery had less anxiety and less need for sedatives. People who listened to music in the operating room reported less discomfort during surgery. Listening to music in the recovery room reduced the use of opioid painkillers.
Recover lost languages. Music therapy can help people recovering from a stroke or traumatic brain injury that damaged the left hemisphere area responsible for language. Singing ability comes from the right brain, so by singing your thoughts first and then gradually lowering the melody, you can avoid damage to the left brain. Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords was able to use this technique to testify before a Congressional committee, two years after a gunshot wound to the brain left her unable to speak.
Reduces side effects of cancer treatment. Listening to music can reduce anxiety associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can also reduce nausea and vomiting in patients receiving chemotherapy.
Helps reduce pain. Music therapy has been tested in a variety of patients, from those with severe acute pain to those with chronic pain caused by arthritis. Overall, music therapy reduces the perception of pain, reduces the amount of pain medication needed, helps relieve depression, and gives people a sense of better control over their pain.
Improve Quality of life for people with dementia. The ability to engage in music remains intact even when the disease process slows down, so music therapy can help recall memories, reduce excitement, aid communication, and improve body coordination.
How to find a music therapist
If you are facing treatment or illness, or want a break from the stresses of everyday life, or want help sticking to an exercise program, a music therapist may be able to help. It can be found on the American Music Therapy Association website.
