“Tranquility
Therapeutic Music”
My wife, Wendelin Russell, also plays harp, and is a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP), trained and credentialed by the Music for Healing and Transitions Program (MHTP).
We have recently started a new business venture: Tranquility Therapeutic Music. We have both been working part time in Wilmington NC, with the Therapeutic Musicians of Coastal Carolina. Funding is through a generous grant that is also available to provide services here in the CSRA, to enhance the quality of life for residents of skilled nursing homes. We are in the initial stages of grant writing, while being in dialog with CSRA nursing homes.
Music-Thanatology and Support at End-of-Life
I graduated from the Chalice of Repose Project-School of Music-Thanatology (Missoula, MT) in 2000, and have gotten to do this profound work regularly since then. Briefly, the practice of Music-Thanatology is the use of harp and voice at the bedside to create a space of peace and tranquility that allows for relaxation, processing, and journeying—for the one nearing the end of physical life, and for their loved ones and care givers. We play what we refer to as “prescriptive music”: using the raw elements of music (including melody, harmony, rhythm, texture) to tailor the musical offerings specifically for the individual and what they are experiencing in the moment.
Because playing in this manner can help to relieve such issues as anxiety, depression, pain, restlessness and breathing problems, the same principals can be used effectively when playing for those who are not nearing end of life, such as hospital patients, memory care residents, and skilled nursing home residents. The beauty of the music, along with the individualized care and attention, can enhance the quality of life and feelings of wellbeing for anyone in any of these situations or environments. And feedback from loved ones, care givers, and facility staff show that there is benefit for many others besides just the patient/resident.
As a former full time hospice employee for 9 years, I have also had extensive experience providing acupuncture, acupressure, Acutonics, energy work, and gentle manual modalities for hospice patients, although this is not part of my current work.
For more information about us and our work: TranquilityTherapeuticMusic.com