From the Newsletter

Music Healing and Transition Program

By MARG CHAUVIN
Fall 1998

Several years ago I noticed the harp could have profound effects on listeners. I wanted to learn more. About the same time Laurie Ruley started the Music Healing and Transition Program (MHTP) - a course of study preparing musicians to aid in the healing process of the ill and enhance the quality of life for the critically ill. Not only did the concept appeal to me, but the program could be completed without disrupting my current profession as a public school teacher.

MHTP is scientifically based with studies in both musical and medical subjects; the instructors are practicing professionals in their area of instruction. Major components of the program are:

• Music lessons leading to an acceptable healing repertoire tape
  
• Self-nurturing techniques (Yoga, Tai Chi, TM)
  
• Selected readings and book reports
  
• Weekend classes
  
• Internship
  
• Resume
  
• Program Summary
  

Completing these requirements resulted in increased self-confidence, self-awareness, musical skill and injury prevention. The MHTP and Hospice courses educated me about the healing and dying processes, family interactions, patient needs, hospital procedures, and health care professionals. I attended MHTP classes in Atlanta and Charlotte and was able to "CLEP" the medical courses by attending the full battery of Hospice courses in Mandarin, GA. The classes are discussion and hands-on oriented. They provide a wonderful way to meet other musicians pursuing similar paths, make new friends, network, and an excuse to travel. Another benefit was becoming acquainted with Laurie Riley, who taught the MHTP courses I attended.

The required reading list is impressive and will enlighten you on musical, psychological, health and healing, self-care, and self-awareness issues. I found the list relevant, interesting, and readable. Many would have been read anyway in my quest for knowledge.

As with any program, only so much can be learned academically; the true knowledge and confidence came through the Internship. After calling Hospice, several nursing homes, and a hospital, I located a nursing home that supported and appreciated my internship work, (aided by the fact that the activities director was a former music teach and music therapist!) and what began as a 20-hour internship became two years of volunteer service. On the first few visits I was timid and scared, but confidence grew with experience. The hardest part of this job is releasing a client at their passing, but I would not have missed one opportunity to play for a client - I receive so much more than I give.

It is possible for graduates to work as volunteers or paid staff in a variety of situations. I have used the training to play background music for spiritual healing and meditation services. Following Hospice guidelines, I am currently taking a break due to the padding of a dear aunt. The MHTP training was invaluable in assisting me with my aunt's passing. She lingered for 18 months. Though she never allowed me to play the harp for her, all my skills and education were used in my bi-weekly visits to cheer and support her. If for no other reason I would gladly repeat the MHTP course.

I found the injury prevention class and personal attention to proper folk harp position (which differs from the pedal harp) assisted me with recurring neck problems. I gained an increased knowledge and skill in Improvisation, music theory, healing rhythms; skills to assist my aunt and a friend's mother in their passing; an increase in self-awareness and self-confidence, as well as the release of the fear of death and understanding of illness. For me, MHTP has opened a door; there is more to learn, but what I have mastered thus far will assist others in the healing process and improve the quality of life for all.

Liturgical Harp Conference Inspiring

By Dr. ALBERTHA BOSTON
Summer 1998

Workshop coordinator, Beverly Short, a Lutheran minister from Iowa, made sure everyone who wanted to participate had plenty of chances. There were special "taize" services, at which a song would be played and sung several times and a Scripture read, and a selected conference attendee would provide a prelude and postlude on harp. Workshop topics included healing, effective practicing, and ensemble playing. Vendors sold music and other harp-related items. There were also several concerts, including a husband and wife harp/organ duet.

"The workshops were very hands on," Dr. Boston said. She especially liked getting tips from Moya Wright of Lyon & Healy, who told the participants to practice in sections, and the healing workshop in which the leader "told us to put the harp's weight on our knees, not our shoulders," she said. "That helps." The ensemble workshop was fun, according to Dr. Boston, with 18 harps playing three parts.

Wednesday night's concert was a special treat, the 36-member Czechoslovakian Boys Choir, performed "celestial music" in choir robes, Czechoslovakian patriotic music in national attire, and American patriotic music in which shirts, red vests and bow ties, and grey pants. The American songs were sung in English.

After the last conference service, 28 people attended a wine and cheese party and reminisced about their experiences at the conference before heading to airports or their cars. The 1999 conference is tentatively scheduled for a city on the East Coast; Martha Bailey is the coordinator. Dr. Boston said she will have more information later on, for any FHF member who wants to attend the next conference.

Sue Richards Workshop: Serendipitous!

By SHARON BRENNAN
Spring 1998

The March 7 workshop with Sue Richards was a serendipitous event. Although the workshop was originally scheduled to address Scottich traditional playing, most of the attendees turned out to be rather new or self-taught harpers, so Richards changed gears and gave everyone an overview of basic harp techniques and exercises. She explained the need for finding each player's optimum hand position, with the arms and hands finding the right balance between tension and relaxation.

She then taught us Janet Harbison's composition, "The Bells", which we learned by ear and played in unison and as a canon.

Attendees were: Angel Tagudin, Marie-Jo Thum, Cecilia Clark, Caren Traynor, Bev Hinckle, Muara Johnston, and Sharon Brennan.

Sue's concert the night before with Ensemble Galilei was outstanding. She said that she would be glad to advise FHF on future Scottish games involvement.

Special thank you's to Melody, Muara, Caren, and Allyn for their help in putting the workshop together on such short notice.

Therapy Course 'Refreshing'

By MIRIAM GENTLE
Winter 1997

Imagine a room full of harpists, twelve altogether, playing harps of all sizes. The strains of "Amazing Grace", "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", and even the "Tennessee Waltz" pour out of a small condo in Bolton Valley, Vermont.

This was my experience last October, when I traveled to Vermont for the first module of the International Harp Therapy Program (IHTP). Twelve harpists, all of them women this time, gathered to learn about the harp and its therapeutic uses. This module consisted mostly of a psychology course and improvisational technique.

The psychology course, taught by Dr. James Peterson of the University of Vermont, was titled "Understanding the Client in the Helping Process." In it, we learned the basis of transactional analysis, as well as understanding nonverbal cues, language patterns and other means of understanding client behavior in order to support change.

The improvisation and music development course was taught by Tina Tourin, director of the IHTP. The model improvisation segment was very interesting. I found it very freeing to allow myself to play whatever came to mind while maintaining a left hand pattern that varied in rhythm and tempo.

It was a refreshing week musically and spiritually. I enjoyed the beauty of Vermont in the fall. I enjoyed the sharing of stories, experiences and friendship of fellow harpists, some of whom had not been playing the harp for very long.

Module Two will be in San Diego, February and will cover hospice experience, hospital etiquette, and anatomy workshops. The third module will be in Gainesville at Shands Hospital in April and will cover topics such as music therapy in mental health services.

I am currently on staff in harp music therapy at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Women and Children, and will be working at the Orlando Regional Medical Center in January. I feel fortunate to be able to participate in the healing process and provide a harmonious experience to so many