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Medicine and Live Therapeutic Music
When used with conventional medical interventions, LTM is effective in helping patients stabilize or better manage various symptoms, including pain, anxiety, or agitation. By assessing and continually monitoring a patient’s condition, the Music Practitioner is able to adjust the music based on the patient’s response. LTM complements traditional medicine by providing a safe and effective care plan for the patient.
Differences Between LTM and Music Therapy
LTM is a complementary, alternate intervention that uses acoustic sound (presented in a musical form) as an external agent to impact a patient’s health. LTM helps mitigate unwanted physiologic / psychologic symptoms and can be thought of as a form of sound therapy, since it emphasizes the sonic characteristics of music that positively impacts a patient’s health. LTM is provided in individual bedside sessions and has no specific goal other than to create a healing environment for the patient. LTM sessions are provided by therapeutic musicians, who are trained and certified by the Music for Healing and Transition Program (MHTP). MHTP is an accredited program provider recognized by the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians.
“Music Therapy is where the experience of the music, including the relationship with the Music Therapist, is the vehicle for needed change," according to Barbara Crowe, Author, Music Therapy Professor and former President of the National Music Therapy Association, as quoted in Joshua Leed's book The Power of Sound. Crowe continues, "There are numerous approaches in Music Therapy utilizing many therapeutic models including psychotherapy, behaviorism, neurological intervention and community performance of music.” Music Therapy is prescribed by physicians for specific outcomes that the therapist works to achieve with the patient. Music Therapists may use recorded music, or lead interactive sessions where patients write or perform music with the therapist. In addition, Music Therapy sessions are often conducted in group sessions. Licensed Music Therapists complete a 4-year degree program and are Board Certified.
Certified Music Practitioner playing Live Therapeutic Music on a harp in a hospital room
How The science of sound Affects the human body
Frequency
At the sub atomic level, every known material in the universe moves in constant motion. Neutrons, Electrons, and Protons whirl around nuclei of innumerable atoms. Just because we can’t hear these frequencies doesn’t mean there is no motion. Scientists all know that Motion creates Frequency and Frequency creates Sound.
Resonance and Sympathetic Vibration
Resonance is the frequency at which an object vibrates naturally. Sympathetic Vibration occurs when a passive vibratory body responds to external vibrations with harmonic similarities. Sympathetic Resonance is the harmonic representation of Sympathetic Vibration.
CMPs present various frequencies, tones and tempos until they find the combination that 'resonates' with the patient's body.
Entrainment
Entrainment is the synchronization of two or more rhythmic cycles. When two related rhythmic cycles interact, they synchronize or Entrain. Any two vibrating bodies will entrain if exposed to each other long enough. If you've ever been to a concert and noticed everyone moving in sync with the music, you've witnessed Entrainment.
CMPs are trained to play music that eventually entrains to a patient's body cycles. As the patient responds to the music, CMPs modify various components of the music in an attempt to help calm the patient and initiate the Relaxation Response.