The healing power of music

Therapeutic music lifts up Palliative Care patients

“Music is a universal language,” reflects Lisa Catalano, LICSW, ACHPSW. It crosses generations and cultures. And from her perspective as a lead clinical social worker, “it’s a healing art form.”

As facilitator of the new Therapeutic Music pilot program, she has continually seen its powerful effect on patients being supported by the Palliative Care team at Newton-Wellesley.

Two days a week, Alethea Khoo, a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP), visits and plays for patients on the hospital’s medical-surgical units as well as the Intensive Care Unit.

“Even with a patient who has dementia,” Lisa reflects, “there’s a lightness in their eyes. They’re transported. They find a happier place and time in their life.”

A soothing soundscape

Emotionally, “music is a grounding force,” Alethea reflects. She describes what she creates as “a soothing soundscape.” It lifts people’s spirits and eases stress and anxiety.

She sees how her music relaxes patients. Their facial muscles and body become less tense. The family may see a loved one’s heart rate going down. Breathing may become steadier.

From her training as a Certified Music Practitioner, “I let the music do the work,” Alethea explains. “I make each encounter new and personal—and beneficial to patients in whatever way I can.”

The pilot’s beginnings

It all began when the director of the Longy School of Music’s Music as a Healing Art Program reached out to Newton-Wellesley with the hope of having the hospital serve as an independent practicum site for the school’s Therapeutic Music program.

Lisa agreed to oversee the interns on the NWH side, knowing “this would be very close to my heart.” She guided three Longy students over a year and a half— including Alethea.

Spurred by its success, Kosha Thakore, MD, Sullivan Family Chief of Palliative Care, presented a proposal for the pilot program and received funding for a per diem position from NWH’s Palliative Care Council.

A beautiful moment to experience  

Alethea’s experiences growing up opened her eyes to music’s impact. A classically trained pianist, she began learning to play at age 6. In high school, she and her mom would perform together for residents at nursing homes, and Alethea kept it up in the summers during college.

When she performed, “their faces would light up,” she says. “The whole ambiance changed as soon as the music started. The room came alive. It’s a beautiful moment to experience.”

Studying piano performance at Longy, she discovered therapeutic music through a faculty mentor and received a full scholarship to pursue certification.

“It’s taught me so much about the healing power of music,” she says.

A delicate time in patients’ lives

As part of the Palliative Care team, Lisa works to support patients with serious or progressive illnesses and help them with navigating difficulties.

“We’re dealing with patients at a delicate time in their lives,” she reflects. “It can be lonely. And they’re often in a very vulnerable space.” At such a moment, “music has a very therapeutic value,” she adds.

The pilot has already exceeded her expectations. She’s heard applause from patients, their families, and NWH staff.

Going forward, the Palliative Care team’s goal is, first, to sustain the program and then to broaden its scope. To Lisa, it could be something that sets Newton-Wellesley apart.

The ripple effect

Beyond what the program means for patients, when the music lofts from their rooms, “there’s a ripple effect,” Lisa notes.

At times, a hospital floor can be bustling. When Alethea plays, people will stop and be filled with music. They’ll tell her, “That was beautiful,” or “It’s so calming.” They enjoy a moment to clear their minds and recenter themselves.

“Personally, I love using my music to connect to others,” she says.

As she tries to explain it, Alethea recounts how one elderly patient broke into a smile as she started to play. The woman’s husband came to her bedside and held her hand. They silently looked into each other’s eyes, connected by the music.

Sometimes music, like love, goes beyond words.