What is Therapeutic Music?

Heaven came down and we were swimming in music.
​                     – Joan Mooring, Reigning Harps

Therapeutic music is an art based on the science of sound. It is live acoustic music, played or sung, specifically tailored to a patient’s immediate needs. Trained therapeutic musicians practice in homes, hospitals, day cares and rehabilitation facilities. Many instruments lend themselves to therapeutic musicianship and the harp is a premier example. The unique timbre of the harp provides for unparalleled relaxation and soothing effects. As an instrument of healing, the harp has a rich and old archetypal heritage. The harp is one of the earliest of instruments and as been used for centuries to increase relaxation, improve sleep, decrease pain and anxiety, stabilize vital signs and help mood. An end of life harp vigil can promote a peaceful transition.

Therapeutic harp creates an atmosphere conducive to healing. It sets the stage to enable the body’s own resources to transform and transcend pain and stress. Unlike music therapists, therapeutic musicians are not counselors and do not have a bachelor’s degree in using music for specific issues.

Typically, a therapeutic harpist receives training from a therapeutic musician training program. Graduates are awarded a certificate unique to their program. Standards for practice have been established by the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians. Karen is a graduate of the Harps For Healing Certified Clinical Musician Program. She also enjoys private lessons  and finds volunteering her harp skills for hospice immensely fulfilling. Her bedside harp skills are offered as one of Wise Turtle Acupuncture’s modalities. Contact Karen if you or someone you know is in need of therapeutic harp music. (Animals like it, too!)

Therapeutic music is popular at hospitals, burn units, hospice situations, dental offices, pain centers, long term care facilities, yoga and tai qi centers, and rehabilitation facilities as well as at business retreats and meetings.

Clinical situations calling for therapeutic music include Alzheimer’s, cancer, dying, mental health, pre and post operation, recovery and critical care.
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Healing music is a catalyst for the creation of wholeness. It can release blockages thus resulting in a sense of peace.

Music is a principle that unites body, soul, and spirit.
​              – Boethius, 6th century philosopher

Therapeutic music is an art and an ancient science. It doesn’t affect everybody the same way. As Don Campbell said in The Mozart Effect, “The healing power of music varies according to the composition, the performer, the listener, the posture assumed and other factors.”

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