Even after ten years of experience, I am constantly amazed at the meaningful moments created by the use of the right music in the right way at just the right time. 

 

Moments when a non-responsive person moves their hands and whispers the words to a beloved song while I sing and strum my guitar quietly at their bedside; moments when adults feeling burdened from big life changes make music in a group session, connecting with others in their new living community with joy reflected in their smiles; moments when a dying person and their spouse experience a deep reminder of their love, outside of the day-in/day-out roles of caregiver and care receiver, because “their song” was played for them with their names sung in the chorus; moments when glimpses of the true person hidden under the cloud of dementia are evident- their personality and spirit shining through the fog when the right music is used in the right way at the right time.

 

Each moment matters, no matter how small. They matter to our patients who feel seen and heard when their own words and emotions are reflected in the music. They matter to their loved ones who carry memories of joy and harmony with them even as they remember their loved one’s final days; they matter to the people we serve who can be themselves for a time- to sing, be successful, and enjoy the company of others while they experience the right music used in the right way at the right time. And these moments matter to us at Moments Music Therapy. It is our honor to be able to help create moments that matter with every song we share and each note we play.