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A music vigil is a visit with prescriptive music for the benefit of the patient and family. It is recognized that family members are experiencing grief, loss, change, and a desire to support the patient. Family members and caregivers of the patient are encouraged to be present for the vigil. A quiet setting assists the music to be effective. During the silence between musical offerings, applause or comment is discouraged. The patient and others present are simply asked to receive the music. The vigil usually lasts from forty-five minutes to an hour. What kind of music is used? The music used in a vigil is contemplative music played with harp and voice. The thematic material draws primarily on traditions of sacred song (Gregorian chants, hymnos, prayer and praise songs) and lullabies. While it is important for the practitioner to understand the origin and intent of the themes that are employed, the art and caring craft of music-thanatology has everything to do with supporting the process that is taking place within and around the patient, so the concept of repertoire does not apply. Thematic elements (like rhythm, pacing, dynamic variation, timbre, counter-melody, etc.) are tailored, or prescribed, live at the bedside. The delivery changes constantly in loving, attentive response to the patient. It reaches out and connects patient, clinician and family where we all meet, at the level of breath, pulse, temperature, relief, and peace. In this way, and many others, the music seeks to be an expression of beauty and love that transcends diverse affiliations of faith and culture. Who can be helped by a music vigil? Prescriptive music is found to be effective for patients of any age, whether conscious or comatose, hard of hearing or not. It can address physical and spiritual pain, restlessness, labored breathing, anxiety, sleeplessness, and emotional distress. Patients with various types of cancer, respiratory illnesses, cardiac disease, AIDS, slow degenerative diseases such as ALS, multiple sclerosis, end-stage dementia and Alzheimer’s are aided by music vigils. A vigil also offers a transformative and helpful presence during the difficult experience of removing a patient from life support systems. |
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