2 weeks Ago By Dr. Scott Anderson
Professional healers sometimes encounter non-practitioners who falsely claim their skill set. For example, a friend or bartender might identify as an “amateur psychologist, but a lot less expensive.” Undeterred by this trope, I confess to embracing an amateur musical therapy role for the past three years.
I played accordion at a memory unit where my father resided (the Elder Ashram in Oakland). Residents sometimes considered me a hired hand, although I received no financial recompense. The therapy was two-way, broadly considered.
Strolling without sheet music helped me improve my musical chops, which still fall far short of virtuoso level. I recall an interview with the Smothers Brothers. They advised aspiring musicians to play in front of others, rather than remaining at home.
Good advice, really. After playing in the Elder Ashram, I felt more confident. Sharing music represents a symbiotic endeavor.
Music communicates symbolically and artistically, fostering warmth and understanding. I tailored my music for residents and employees. For example, I played "O Sole Mio" and the theme from the Godfather (called Il Padrino) for my Italian American listeners.
The Latin American contingent fancied "Bésame Mucho" or "Cielito Lindo," and the Filipinos brightened when I played the melodramatic "Dahil Sa Iyo (Because of You)." I also discovered the utility of sing-alongs, including "You Are My Sunshine," "Tennessee Waltz" and "Home on the Range." Special occasion tunes included "Happy Birthday," "The Anniversary Waltz" and military songs for Veterans Day.
Realist painter Louis Gaillait (1810-1887) painted a brother comforting his sister next to a tomb, by playing the violin. In the play "The Mourning Bride" (1697), English poet William Congreve insisted that “music hath charms to sooth a savage breast,” (often misquoted as “..
.savage beast”), suggesting therapeutic benefits. Music therapy is ancient, even if formal recognition developed more recently.
The American Music Therapy Association describes an allied health profession that nurtures “...
clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals,” within a therapeutic context. We are told that, “Modalities include the use of melody, harmony, and instrumentation, fostering physical, mental, and social benefits.” Target audiences for music therapy include premature infants, autistic youth, stroke patients and individuals with dementia, among other categories.
As a geriatrician visiting the elderly, I was struck by the extent to which elders with major cognitive deficits may still recall the words to old songs, often expressing joy as buried memories come alive. Trained musical therapists work as a team with doctors, nurses, caregivers and families. If you aspire to becoming a music therapist, check out the website of the American Music Therapy Association.
The mission of this organization is to “advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world.” AMTA offers services to 3,500 members focusing on “..
. education, professional development, networking, and advocacy opportunities through an annual conference, academic journals, research efforts, government relations activities, social media and volunteer activities.” If I were a young person with an interest in both music and helping others, I might check out music therapy.
These intrepid allied health professionals work in schools, psychiatric facilities, adult day care, group homes, forensic settings and the Veterans Administration. Alas, my gig at the Elder Ashram ended this month, as my father was transferred. Who knows, perhaps I may play there again to see old friends.
The challenge of aging faces all members of the human family. Moreover, music is an art that fosters ongoing connections. A relative, however, advised me not to play my accordion at Bob’s new home.
That’s OK. Accordionists are a resilient crew. As singer Gloria Gaynor put it, “I will survive!” Dr.
Scott T. Anderson ([email protected]) is a clinical professor at UC Davis Medical School.
This column is informational and does not constitute medical advice..
