70 Therapeutic Music Performances in Nursing Homes

Summary

Therapeutic Music Day sends the healing power of music into nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. With as many as 70 performances in Martin, St. Lucie, and Palm Beach Counties, Florida, in 2012, we are treating those in facilities that would not otherwise receive this treatment. Our program uses certified music therapists as well as creating an opportunity for students of music to keep the budget low and create the most benefit for those in need.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Our community in Florida is known for having thousands of older Americans. Many of these individuals spend their last days with little resources or family involvement, trapped in a facility enduring pain and boredom.

How will this project solve this problem?

Our program educates music students about the science behind music therapy:Resources saved over traditional treatments,unique successes possible because of this type of treatment, careers in music therapy. Students & certified music therapists perform to heal the elderly and enfeebled. Studies find that patients are"more relaxed & significantly decreased their perception of pain". And increasingly, it is lauded as an effective, non-pharmacological technique for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients

Potential Long Term Impact

Our programs have both positive effect on culture as we create a sustainable market for professional artists to use their art for community improvement,& a positive effect on education as we create beneficial opportunities for students in the arts.UCLA's Dr. Caterral proved the positive effects of arts education on traditional academic subjects as well as several other areas. Hundreds of students of music,dozens of professional artists,& thousands of elderly patients will be positively affected

Project Message

"Thanks for arranging such a wonderful gift of therapeutic music for the Treasure Coast!"
- Karen Heath, Music Teacher with participating students

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources