Certified Music Practitioner

After the tragedy of September 11, 2001, I felt moved to make my music more meaningful but at first I was unsure about how to accomplish that. Then, a couple of years later, I saw an ad in the UTNE Reader magazine about the Music for Healing & Transition Program (MHTP). MHTP is a national program, training musicians to provide therapeutic music at the bedside for hospital and hospice patients. The program consists of intensive courses in medical and musical studies.

I immediately applied and was accepted into the program and graduated in 2005. After completing my internship at the University of Virginia hospital, I was hired as a Musician-in-Residence after 2 years of volunteer service. It has been an intensely rewarding experience. Here are a few things I’ve learned.

Scientific studies show that live music can assist in:

• Reducing awareness of pain
• Transition for the dying
• Providing a segue for grieving
• Providing hope, comfort, soothing balm for the body, mind and spirit of patient
• Providing comfort to grieving family members
• Blood pressure reduction
• Reduction of pharmacological drug dosages required for pain & anesthesia
• Relaxation of voluntary and involuntary muscles
• Memory recall for dementia patients
• Equalizing and slowing down brain waves
• Stabilizing the heartbeat, pulse and respiration
• Reducing muscle tension
• Affecting body temperature
• Increasing endorphin levels
• Boosting the immune system
• Reducing stress

Please contact me at blueoconnell@gmail.com or 434-882-1184 for more information.