The practice of music-thanatology was founded by Therese Schroeder-Sheker in 1992. She was Academic Dean of The Music-Thanatology School at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula Montana. She used the harp and her voice in what is described as a “prescriptive manner”. This approach of helping the dying “let go” or be at peace, allows the biological changes of the patient’s blood pressure, temperature, and respirations, known as their vital signs, to signal musical changes by the musician, almost as in rhythm with the patient’s body. This approach is not intended as a distraction or as entertainment. Rather, it actually is used within the last 24-48 hours of a patient’s life. In many cases, at this stage, the dying person is not verbal, usually has closed eyes, and minimal responses to stimuli. The amazing thing to note, here, is that the person is still able to hear. Beautiful harp music or a gentle voice, playing softly during this time, can ease fear and agitation and allow for letting go, or unbinding from this life. The goal of music-thanatology is that the practitioner, or musician, can bring about solace, dignity and grace; ease pain and restlessness, sleeplessness, and labored breathing into a sense of serenity and comfort. One description I particularly enjoyed learning was that emotions such as sadness and grief could be relieved as the dying person rests into the beauty and intimacy and compassionate music of the musician.
There is no need for words.
The patient can be guided to this place, as can the family who may be present.
As part of palliative care, which is designed to optimize qualify of life, the inclusion of music-thanatology could optimize the quality of one’s life, seizing the opportunity to provide comfort care. Someone practicing this form of caregiving would perform ‘prescriptive vigils’ with music, to support the patient’s overall condition. Studies have shown this musical comfort care does decrease levels of agitation and wakefulness, slow the breathing, and decrease labored breathing. Family members also felt they were able to focus on the positive benefit of increasing calm and relaxation often as much as the patient.
Music vigils could be considered therapeutic for the dying person and their loved ones as they can bring about a means of release, open communication, and opportunity to share emotions that perhaps were difficult to share before. This could allow last wishes, last words, or final sentiments to be vocalized in this beautiful, peaceful setting. This form of music care could be provided in the home, the hospital, or the nursing home. Data shows even a single session provided these positive results.
Personally speaking, that is how I would want my last hours of life: my family by my side, beautiful music playing in a room filled with peace, love, and serenity. I don’t use the word ‘serene’ often, but my mind’s eye sees serenity as a beautiful green meadow with blue sky above, the yellow glow of the sun, and the kaleidoscope of colors brought through wildflowers. When that image comes to my mind, the only emotion I feel I’d want at that moment is peace.
As you ponder this idea of the harp being able to bring about a rhythmic synchronization with the body of a dying person, I hope you can imagine the benefits for all who are present during the music vigil, and perhaps you may request this be performed for your loved one, or even yourself at the end of your life.