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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: katlaughing Date: 25 Mar 99 - 12:31 AM One more lullaby, folks. The one my dad and mom sang to me. Dad said today it used to be a popular one:
Prairie Lullaby
Tumble in bed, my pretty little sleepyhead
Saddle up your pony I'll try to post the tune tomorrow. |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: BK Date: 25 Mar 99 - 12:18 AM Wow! Another fantastic thread. I can only agree emphatically with the previous comments. I have used music to calm my own racing pulse ("music hath power to soothe the savage beast"). My partner in Texas had a father in law with severe dementia, but if you put his mandolin in his hands, & started playing his old favorites, before long he would come out of wherever-he-was and start to focus, and in a little bit he would join the other musicians and begin playing rather well for his advanced age. The rest of the time he was pretty much out-of-it. My college folk group used to play in nursing homes and on hospital wards. We frequently saw people who were largely unresponsive to other stimuli clearly express their pleasure in our music. Night Owl: You should also try to listen to the CD by Priscilla Herdman which has on it all the lullabies and children's songs; I think it is called "Star Dreamer." It may provide you with some additional good ideas. Its a truly wonderful CD for adult listening, as well. Cheers, BK |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Night Owl Date: 25 Mar 99 - 12:17 AM I'm too exhausted, (emotionally and physically) tonight to respond to the hearts showing on this thread. Can't begin to say thank you, and how validating it was/is when I came home from work tonight and read it, because I WAS feeling that I was the only one who knew what my music did today for one of my patients!.....and Catspaw....THANKS!!....if you only knew how I agonized over whether or not to start this thread...I'm going to bed with good tears....some day I'll learn to trust my instincts more. |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: catspaw49 Date: 24 Mar 99 - 11:27 PM Lord knows I love words and respect their power, as I also cherish and respect the power of music and humor. But at this point I have no idea what to say. Like you, I've had experiences with the elderly, the terminally ill, and those special kids whose numbers include my son Tristan. But that is not what I want to post. I have followed this thread with obvious interest, but also, and more, with a growing sense of ...of what? Awe? Pride? Humility? Honor? Appreciation?......Is there a word that encompasses all of those ... plus some? Without a doubt this is the singularly most amazing thread I have encountered at the 'Cat. I have spent time teary eyed and enthralled each time I came back to it. I am deeply honored and humbled to share this community with you. How did such a place come about and why are we drawn to it. So many of you on this thread with such diversity ... and a glaring sameness. Though related to our love of the music, this thread sings loudest about the people we call "Mudcateers." We use the word as a little joke...it should be a badge of honor. Thank You. katlaughing...If you ever write that book, THIS is the thread to begin to explain the 'Cat. You are as Mick said...I echo his thoughts completely. But let me add that you MUST leave your posts in these threads; our village is not whole without you. catspaw |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: DonMeixner Date: 24 Mar 99 - 10:27 PM Allison, Have you tried combining music with Facilitated Communication with your son? We use FC at the center I work in. The Speach Pathologists are very supportive of the notion as is Doug Bickland at Syracuse University where considerable research has been done in FC. As well as considerable controversy generated there in. My opinion is I have seen it work and I have seen it not work. Which leads me to think it works for some and not others. (A staggering conclusion I know.) But if 10% of all who try FC find it a benefit then it may be another step in understanding the riddle of autism. I don't know how to incorporate Music with Facilitation but the research may payoff. Don |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 24 Mar 99 - 12:48 PM These stories are so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing them! Kat, I love the story of Melcina and the one about your mom. I don't have any wonderful healing stories but I just know how music keeps me sane and my children (so far) prefer the tonal harmonies of folk and classical to anything their peers listen to- that's healing enough! My autistic son loves Mozart and bebop (we called him "Bebop" in utero; his sister was "Rebop"- calm music keeps our household calm. Most of the time! Allison |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Uilleand Date: 24 Mar 99 - 12:14 PM To Night Owl: I'd be glad to talk more about sound healing if you wish. (e-mail: Uilleand@aol.com) I'd also enjoy reading all the success stories about using music as therapy. Is there anyone out there who has had experience with patients working with toning? Or a combination of using sound and light for healing. Uilleand |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: katlaughing Date: 24 Mar 99 - 10:26 AM yes, Night Owl, I'd heard that about the cows, too, and the students. Still haven't dug out the article on mom, but briefly, she's had cancer years before, got sick, the docs did every test imaginable, found a tumour behind her bladder, prepared her for surgery. The whole time she was in and out of consciousness. This was before walkmans, so we put a little tape recorder near her head and played Mozart for her, guiding her to focus on it instead of the pain, etc. The docs sais they'd be at it for 2-3 hours at least when they took her in. we had all, of course, been seeking divine intervention, too, but the music played on as well. My heart almost stopped when the docs came out after 30 minutes. I though for sure she was gone. They were very sheepish and told us kids they found NOTHING. Ther WAS no tumour, whatever they had seen in the myriad of tests was completely gone, they were sorry they'd cut her opne and, most importantly, they couldn't explain it. We are sure that by keeping her conciousness tuned to the music it enabled her to be healed. When I worked in a nursing home there was a beautiful old woman, red-hair faded to white, braid past her waist, who'd had a stroke and couldn't really speak. It was maddening for her to try to articulate and she was often very angry. I knew she was Irish and at that point I only knew Too-a-loo-ra. It became a ritual, at night, after I got her to bed, for me to stroke her forehead and sing that song to her. It always calmed her and she would go to sleep with her beautiful smile beaing up at me. It still makes me cry to remember how something so simple could effect her in such a positive way. her name was Melcina. MuscicMan and Don, thank you. I think we'd all love to ehar more of your experiences. And, I know in the case of my dad playing in the rest homes, that it benefits him and literally gives his life purpose, just as much as it does the residents. katlaughing |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: DonMeixner Date: 24 Mar 99 - 08:30 AM Night Owl, I have used Autoharps as a physical Therapy aid both personally and professionally. The slightly resistive nature of the springs and the movement front to back on the chord courses are great for mobility therapy with finger injuries, In my case a table saw but it is fine for arthritis as well. Watch out for Carpal Tunnel issues with the Autoharp when held upright however. Muscle attrophy in casted or immobilized limbs can be lessend with music therapy. Especially when the individual is a participant with an instrument. Try a kazoo band. even if you can't tap a toe you tend to move muscles to a beat, cast or no. Please take note of my minimal success. While I can still play a bit, I can't type any better than before and I spell worse. Don
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Beeswing Date: 24 Mar 99 - 08:15 AM Musicman ...Your message moved me to tears. If the day ever comes that I am shut up in a hospital, I pray that someone like you comes to visit...come to think of it, my mother is drawing up a living will and her one request, should she be unable to express herself at some point, is that she be provided with her music. You sound energized by your work, not surprising as in giving from the heart, we recieve tenfold. |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Night Owl Date: 24 Mar 99 - 02:29 AM Musicman: HI!!!! I guess you posted at the same time I did...I missed your message. Anxious to hear more specifics and will contact you directly THANKS! |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Night Owl Date: 24 Mar 99 - 02:13 AM katlaughing: I heard years ago that cows in Vermont produced more milk when Mozart was piped in the barn. More recently heard about some research being done showing that kids (people kids,not goats)doing homework and/or taking tests scored better while listening to Mozart... I guess we've known forever that music soothes and calms and lowers blood pressure. What I'm just now being able to articulate based on what I've seen up close and personal is that beyond "soothing", some specific kinds of music seems to be able to override brain malfunctioning and find a new path to send messages to the body,like in Bill\Sables story. If we knew more about HOW, people could get off the "zombie" medications and receive doses of specific music instead. I sometimes think medications cause worse side effects than the initial diagnoses. |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Musicman Date: 24 Mar 99 - 02:00 AM Hello there Nightowl: guess what! I am a Music therapist! I spend my days making music in a Hospital setting working mostly with seniors in the Extended Care and Intermediate care portions of the hospital. I also work with folks in the Palliative care ward. You want to know about fufilling work? I have a multitude of stories to tell, success in bringing people back to "life" instead of just "living", helping people and families close the door gently with someone who is dying, young and old. I've worked with kids who push through a handicap just because they want to participate or they like the sound of the instrument. One of the neatest moments is watching the parents faces when they attempt something new - that they are not supposed to be able to do! Many a tear of joy has been shed. The same with staff in the hospital settings when they see a resident participate for the first time. Sheds a whole new light on the individual in their care. Music is infectious. You can't shut it out. It will even affect those who can't respond. Watch breathing and heartbeats, facial expressions. You'd be surprised sometimes. I've had residents come to me and ask me to go and sing for someone who is "not doing too well", and quite often they will join me. I find being the music therapist gives me a special place especially in the palliative care ward. I'm not a care giver, nor a pastor, nor a family member. Sometimes one or two songs opens the door to just talking with the family or patient. I'm not a threat to them, just someone there to help them forget - or remember - for a while. The music I share can take away pain for a few moments. It's amazing how much relief that can offer. THere is so much more that I could share - including music - Don't forget 'You are my Sunshine' - If you want to chat more, email me or look me up on ICQ @ 129234225. Enjoy what you are doing, they are, more they you will ever know or realize. Paul (Musicman) |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: katlaughing Date: 24 Mar 99 - 01:39 AM Night Owl, Forgot to relate this. Not exactly therapy, but more a good start in life. When I went to see my two-week old grandsons, last year, I bought a tape of Mozart music for their parents to play to them to help get them to sleep. I also bought several others, plus their parents have many tapes of very diverse music. Anyway, they are 10 months old and my daughter told me the other night that they will NOT go to sleep without their tape I bought them last year. They can be fussy, crying, etc.; their parents will try any other soothing tape they have, including some the kids love in the daytime, but they aren't happy and won't go to sleep until they have their Mozart. |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Night Owl Date: 24 Mar 99 - 01:29 AM Clementine is perfect! thanks..adding it to my list for this week. Part of the problem is my struggle to keep it simple because there's so many trees in the forest!(And in my own brain) Bill, your experience is exactly what I've been seeing happening and what I was also hoping to hear about from others in this thread. Thank-you. I'm the only musician on staff and it can be very isolating. |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: bseed(charleskratz) Date: 24 Mar 99 - 12:00 AM Night Owl--a few of the songs mentioned above might require three chords, but here are a few genuine two-chorders: "My Darling Clementine," "Skip to My Lou," "Jimmy Brown the Newsboy," "Pastures of Plenty," and hundreds more. Keep up the good work. --seed |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: bill\sables Date: 23 Mar 99 - 07:37 PM Thanks katlaughing it was close to tears for us to on that night |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: katlaughing Date: 23 Mar 99 - 07:17 PM Bill: I am laughing through my tears at the joy your story brought to my heart and mind! How wonderful! |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: bill\sables Date: 23 Mar 99 - 06:24 PM Both Sam pirt and myself play in the band Shananikins.Two years ago we played for an M.S. group when one of the patients asked us to play Masons Apron. I thought this was an unusual request so I asked him how he knew the tune He was a man in his thirty's and it seemed he used to be a fiddler in a folk band and he let us hear a tape they had recorded before he contracted M.S. He was a good fiddler but could not hold the fiddle let alone play it now. We said we would be back to play in six months and he said he would try to play for us then. Sure enough six months passed and when we went back he joined in playing fiddle. Music seemed to help him and give him a respite it was one of the best nights we have had. Cheers Bill |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: katlaughing Date: 23 Mar 99 - 05:44 PM Night Owl, Since I am his chief typist, copyist, printer, booking agnet, etc., at least up til now, and since all of his stuff resides at my house, all ya gotta do is email me with whatever you want. I will also email you with my number if you need to talk directly and can put you in touch with him. The books, at this point, keep in mind, are small booklets, but they are packed with important information etc. They were also printed on an old 386, hand-pasted, and copied, so quality is not the best. I expect I'll have to redo them on my HP one of these days. We're concentrating on getting the new earthquake prevention one done first and finding a new publisher for it. (My husband and I quit trying to be everything for my bro, recently.:-) I'll include more info in my email. His rhetoric is different from mine and the new edition of the earthquke book is going to be much more in-depth and better written (in my opinion). Anyhow, I will shut up and go email you now. Thanks for asking and no, I don't think he's aware of the DR. in Montreal, because he is a typical artist in some respects, totally self-absorbed unless doing research or teaching, right now he's writing and recovering from the loss of our mother in January. He will be thriled to know you are interested and has some beautiful tunes of his own which he uses. katlaughing |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: katlaughing Date: 23 Mar 99 - 05:39 PM Night Owl, Since I am his chief typist, copyist, printer, booking agnet, etc., at least up til now, and since all of his stuff resides at my house, all ya gotta do is email me with whatever you want. I will also email you with my number if you need to talk directly and can put you in touch with him. The books, at this point, keep in mind, are small booklets, but they are packed with important information etc. I'll include more info in my email. His rhetoric is different from mine and the new edition of the earthquke book is going to be much more in-depth and better written (in my opinion). anyhow, I will shut up and go email you now. Thanks for asking and no, I don't think he's aware of the DR. in Montreal, because he is a typical artist in some respects, totally self-absorbed unless doing research or teaching. katlaughing |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Night Owl Date: 23 Mar 99 - 05:22 PM You guys are REALLY good....thanks for responding. I've been unsuccessfully lecturing myself to keep this short,..so please bear with me. Sam: the work I do and my music are my soul food. You sure have learned a lot in nineteen years and sound like you already have a solid base.! Beeswing: One of my favorite slogans from Hospice is: "Dying is no reason to stop living." I find a lot of people are treated as though they're already dead. Even though a body stops working visibly and a brain appears catatonic (unresponsive), I've seen music, over and over, get through and produce a smile or wake up an unused brain cell, thanks. Animaterra: Any info on the book you mentioned-"Sail Away Ladies" would be great. Michael, Swing Low and Amazing Grace I use a lot now. The quick IVI at the end of songs is not a problem...To fudge, we strum once and sing LOUD. Fudging is a constant, as long as the spirit of the song stays in tact. Uilleand: One of the reasons Bill Staines is my "favorite singer" is his voice and musical arrangements have a dramatic ability to reach through the other "stuff"-both physical and mental. Also, Bill "Crofut"'s voice and timing recently affected one of the patients. I'd be interested in learning more about what you're doing, and if you know why these two singers hit home, apart from all the others I've been playing. Can I contact you directly to talk more? Ferarra: I've been using Aunt Rhody for years..and for the first time can't because one of the women is siding with the goose! Among many of the problems she struggles with, she has an amazing ability to visualize words and is Very literal...(we are learning). rita: looked for Little Cowboy in the database (good doobie) and couldn't find it..love the words so far and can use it if the tune is slow. katlaughing....Can we talk???-How would I find your brother's books and research? Is he familiar with the Dr. in Montreal doing neurological research with music? As much as I hate the thought of turning the magic of music into science, if I don't have the right "link" we don't get to go any further. |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: steve in ottawa Date: 23 Mar 99 - 05:10 PM Couple of sad songs: Down in the Valley I Ride an Old Paint
Will Ye Go Lassie Go and Drunken Sailor both are great with just two chords, but some of the changes are a bit quick.
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Ferrara Date: 23 Mar 99 - 11:29 AM kat, I agree, that's beautiful. Wow. |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: katlaughing Date: 23 Mar 99 - 11:26 AM My brother, who is a classical composer and pianist, has had several articles published and written two booklets on the power of music. One article specifically was about our mother being healed through focusing on Mozart's music before a surgery the doctors later admitted the reason for had disappeared after they took her in and opened her up! He was a presenter at the International Forum for New Science in Ft. Collins, a few years ago, where he presented his solidly researched theories, which are written up in his book, "Earthquake Prevention Through MetaMusic". At the request of a publisher, he is finishing up an expanded version of that book. He coined the term "MetaMusic" back in the early eighties and his definition of it was any music which has vibrational tones which have a profound and positive effect on people, animals and their environment. In the thread about men being more musical, someone said maybe there is a correlation between that and math ability. It has been interesting to note the mathematical permutations throughout my bro's piano concertos and symphonies; it's really uncanny because he wasn't that good in anything beyond general math, although he did manage to graduate magna cum laude. He has also developed classes on people's astrological tones, again, well-researched and explained. He was developing his theories and writing about them before the "new age" really caught on, as it is now. His other booklet, which we need to rerelease in an updated format is "Insights of a MetaComposer" and includes reprints of articles he wrote, all having to do with the power of music to be a "Planetary Modifier" as he puts it. As for kids and songs to soothe: my parents took turns tucking me in at night and both sang to me. My favourites were mom singing "Too-a-loo-a-loo-rai (sp) and she and dad both singing "A Prairie Lullaby". I don't think any kid ever went to sleep feeling more loved and at peace. These are also favourites of my kids and I am just getting ready to put them on tape for my grandsons who live too far away! BTW, have any of you heard the lullaby on Bare Naked Ladies' "Stunt" cd? It is so beautiful, I cried the first time I heard it, The tune which goes with it is truly beautiful: When You Dream (words by Steven Page & Ed Robertson; Music by Steven Page) With life just begun, my sleeping new son has eyes that roll back in his head They flutter and dart, he slows down his heart and pictures a world past his bed it's hard to believe As I watch you breathe Your mind drifts and weaves When you dream, what do you dream about? When you dream, what do you dream about? Do you dream about music or mathematics or planets too far for the eye? Do you dream about Jesus or quantum mechanics or angels who sing lullabies? His fontanelle pulses with lives that he's lived With memories he'll learn to ignore And whe it is closed, he already knows he's forgotten all he knew before Bit when sleep sets in History begins But the future will win. when you dream what do you dream about? When you dream what do you dream about? Are they colour or black and white, Yiddish or English or languages not yet conceived? Are they silent or boisterous? Do you hear noises just loud enough to be percieved? Do you hear Del Shannon's `Runaway' playing on transistor radio waves? with so little experience your mind not yet cognizant Are you wise beyond your few days? When you dream what do you dream about? when you dream what do you dream about? >I>copyright 1998 Reprise Records Thanks, katlaughing |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: ritajgatti@aol.com Date: 23 Mar 99 - 10:55 AM I have worked extensively with autistic children and find that my lullabyes and guitar playing can be very soothing to them. BTW does anyone remember an album...probably by Vanguard...maybe by Pete Seeger...but I have never seen it in his available work...that included a song called "Little Cowboy"? I learned it way back when and it has actually become my signature song for many years.. Also on the album was a song about swinging on the gate...the context was something like....it was naughty to swing on the gate.... The words to Little Cowboy are: Little Cowboy, put your saddle in the barn Tie your horse up tight, so he'll know no harm. Put your hat and your guns beside you on the chair Don't forget to say a little prayer.......etc. |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Margo Date: 23 Mar 99 - 10:46 AM Try "the Isle of May" Margarita |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Ferrara Date: 23 Mar 99 - 10:42 AM Have you tried "Go Tell Aunt Rhody?" I've done similar things, in a small way. In high school my sister and I took friends to hospitals to have sing-alongs in some of the wards. My sister took her accordion, or someone from the Red Cross wheeled a piano from room to room! We took requests, both of us could play stuff like "Camptown Races" by ear and we were surprised at the amount of participation. Lately I've played for the geriatrics unit of a mental health facility. It was very good for the patients. Old folks who usually fall asleep during the activities were singing, requesting songs and even dancing a little. Doing this makes me happy and I want to do more. It's good for my confidence, too! These aren't critical audiences. They just want to have fun. |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Uilleand Date: 23 Mar 99 - 10:40 AM A fascinating topic. I'm currently approaching it from a little bit of a different angle. I'm studying sound healing which goes some what more into depth on the specific effects of pitches, resonance, overtones, harmonies, and rhythms, on the physical and energetic body. I'd really be interested in observations about what specific songs had noticeable effect on people in general and people with specific dis-eases. |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 23 Mar 99 - 08:40 AM Night Owl, this is wonderful! I teach young children and the autoharp can be a wonderful tool, with the same need for simple chording. There are lots of pentatonic songs with one or two chords- a great book is Sail Away Ladies (I'll look up the info if you want). Songs that come to mind- Michael Row the Boat Ashore &Swing Low Sweet Chariot; only trouble is that most songs have a quick I V I at the end. You could fudge it, I suppose! Good luck! |
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Beeswing Date: 23 Mar 99 - 08:22 AM Hello Night Owl and Sam. What a wonderful topic. Musicians are busy healers, yes. Many of us have felt the joy in sharing our talents with others, be it in schools centres or hospitals. Nightowl, I have a friend in South Africa who once a week, takes his guitar into aids hospices and plays happy music for the orphaned and dying children there. This he does voluntarily and I do admire him for it . He says music there (in the hospice) is a rare thing and I know those children must look forward to his visits with great anticipation. He is 26 years old and doesn't consider himself much of a musician, and would scoff if I were to label him a healer. (but he is!) There is a man here who talks about the auto harp from time to time. I believe his name is Bill. Perhaps he can help you with the specific needs you have... 'till next time, Beeswing.
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Subject: RE: Music therapy From: Sam Pirt Date: 23 Mar 99 - 06:26 AM Night Owl It sounds like great stuff you are doing. I'm 19 and live in the UK and I play Accordion. I often take it into schools and the children get lots of enjoyment from it. I have also played at day centers for people with learning difficulties, Altzimas etc and it is the most rewarding work I have ever done. It seems to me like the REAL reason for playing the music I do, to give enjoyment to people. I think that anyone that can play an instument has a very special skill and also has a capasity to help people enjoy life, whatever it may be like. You often don't realise quite what a skill it is until you realise people often are looking forward to you coming to play for them months in advance. I always like to play in the day centers for nothing, its sort of my thing for the community and I like it! Bye, Sam |
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Subject: Music therapy From: Night Owl Date: 23 Mar 99 - 04:06 AM After reading the best/worst jobs thread, I realized that a few of us are involved in healing professions, as well as being committed to sharing music. I am continually astounded by the impact "silly" camp songs have on patients. Currently working with four mentally and physically challenged adult women and have been teaching two of the women to play Autoharp (one presses the chord bars while the other strums-kindasorta). I'm looking for any suggestions for simple, two chord songs to play on the Autoharp. The songs need to stay on one chord for a few measures before changing. Also hoping for information, advice, stories, experiences from anyone else who may be doing similar work with music. Have brought music to Hospice patients as well which is guaranteed to bring a smile. Any others???? |
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