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Music-thanatology is a field whose practitioners provide musical comfort, using harp and voice at the bedside of patients near the end of life. The word "thanatology" comes from the Greek word for death, thanatos. The service at the bedside is called a music vigil and is delivered by one or two highly trained music-thanatologists. Its purpose is to lovingly serve the needs of the dying and their loved ones with prescriptive music. Prescriptive music is live music that changes, moment by moment, in response to physiological changes in the patient. Practitioners, therefore, provide music that is tailored to each specific situation, marrying the length of a musical phrase to the cycle of respiration for example, or supporting a particular emotional process through sensitive application of harmony or rhythm, or a freedom from rhythm. In situations where everyone is doing their best, the dying person may still have significant physical, emotional or spiritual pain. A music vigil at the bedside is almost always very beneficial for both patient and loved ones. The music can help to ease physical symptoms such as pain, restlessness, agitation, sleeplessness and labored breathing. The vigil conveys a sense of serenity and consolation that can be profoundly soothing to those present. Difficult emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, and grief can find unspoken comfort as listeners rest into a musical presence of beauty, intimacy, and reverence. Since antiquity, music and medicine have a long tradition as allies in healing. Music-thanatology is a contemporary field rooted in that same tradition. It has developed over the last three decades through the vision and dedication of Therese Schroeder-Sheker and the Chalice of Repose Project, which was based in Missoula, Montana, U.S.A. Persons listed in the directory at this web site have graduated from the rigorous two-year training program of the Chalice Project. As medical technology becomes ever more skilled, its practitioners recognize that there is suffering which eludes even the most advanced measures. Many physicians and caregivers welcome music vigils as an adjunct form of care that offers an opportunity for relieving such suffering. Responses from recipients and colleagues: "Music Thanatology deserves an honored place in the range of support services available from hospitals, hospices and nursing homes . . . it must be experienced to be believed and judged. I strongly urge anyone interested in this uniquely effective therapeutic mode to experience its power and subtlety. I look forward to your continuing collaboration with our Hospice team."Hospice Bereavement Counselor "Thank you for coming into our home and sharing this beautiful music. We will treasure this for many years to come."Wife of hospice patient "Our nursing staff and medical directors recognize that Music Thanatology has greatly enriched our program. After music vigils with our patients, significant physiological changes were documented. The social workers noted that patients and families were emotionally and spiritually comforted. Patients and families have shared that the experience was profound." Executive Director, Hospice "It is so soothing. When I depart, I want this music and your voice there all around me."Hospice Patient |
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