The healing power of music

This story was originally written for Headlines by Lilia Simeck, and was adapted to appear on Health Lab.

In a health care setting, the only true constant is that things are always changing. However, the unwavering support for patients and team members remains steadfast throughout the hospital.

A special program at Michigan Medicine, called Gifts of Art, recently joined forces with Duderstadt Audio Studios to amplify their mediative music to patients with an album release.

“Music is such a powerful tool for healing,” said Sam Vandiver, bedside music coordinator for Gifts of Art.

“Bedside musicians see it every day. Music brings a calmness or stillness to patients and families during challenging and uncertain times, and there is evidence that shows its impact.”

Across U-M, a team of eight bedside musicians play daily for patients and families, often reaching 20 to 30 people each day.

After their visits, units on the hospital floors frequently make referrals for follow up visits with other patients.

Team members, patients and families often share their appreciation for the peace music brings to their floors, with one noting how calm it made a stressful time feel.

“When I got to the ER, it felt like chaos and panic. We just wanted my husband to find some comfort before he passed,” said the partner of a palliative care patient. “When we came to this room, a harpist was playing and everything melted away. I never dreamed a hospital would provide that level of comfort.”

And that comfort is a concerted effort led by Bedside Music Program team.

“The team works very hard to be with as many units as possible each day,” said Desmond Bratton, a bedside musician.

“Sometimes even seeing a large instrument like a bass violin in a hospital can brighten someone’s dark day.”

New spaces

The idea for the meditative music album, titled Spaces, began with a single song for a patient.

The idea quickly developed into a full-length album of mostly original contemplative pieces, created and recorded in the Duderstadt Audio Studios by the cohort of bedside musicians.

Also contributing to the album were volunteer musicians from the Music While You Wait program, run by Gifts of Art, who regularly perform in public spaces throughout the hospital.

Vandiver brought the idea to Elaine Sims, the arts program director, and together they collaborated with Christina Wright, the associate director of spiritual care, to evolve the concept.

“Our goal was to create an album that would be easily accessible for patients to listen to on their own,” said Vandiver.

“This album is for anyone who needs a sense of calm during overstimulating or exhausting times.”

The chapel inside the hospital now includes a speaker system that plays the album every Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Listen or download Spaces for free

Get more information about the programs  or contact the team at [email protected] or 734-936-ARTS (2787).