For hundreds of years, music has been used by many cultures to aid those suffering physiologically and spiritually. Ample studies have documented the therapeutic value of music in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice settings and other health-care facilities. Music is a valuable tool for psycho-spiritual integration and wholeness through pitch, resonance, rhythm and entrainment.

Therapeutic music is being used successfully with many types of patients, including those who are acutely ill or injured, chronically ill, critically ill, suffering from dementia, premature babies, birthing mothers, comatose and those who are dying.

Currently, I am working at the Lombardi Cancer Center of Georgetown Hospital as one of a staff of therapeutic artists who bring complementary care to patients. As an Artist in Residence for Smith Farm Center for Healing Arts, I play for patients at the Washington Hospital Center Cancer Institute and Holy Cross Hospital Cancer Institute. Patients are also referred to me through Community Hospice of Maryland and Virginia.

A Certified Music Practitioner brings appropriate, live music as a service to the bedside of the ill and dying. I completed the Music for Healing and Transitions Program, a course of study which recognizes live music as a therapeutic enhancement to the healing process and the life/death transition. The course includes both medical and musical classes provided by qualified instructors.

Certified Music Practitioners provide a service, not entertainment. I am a professional who has been trained to be responsible, trustworthy and unobtrusive. My playing is never a performance or concert, but provides beneficial therapeutic music tailored to each patient’s individual and changing needs.

As a Certfied Music Practitioner, I work independently and I am affiliated, as noted above, with healthcare institutions, private healthcare providers and community organizations. If you would like to give a loved one (or even yourself) the special experience of beautiful music played one-on-one, live at the bedside, gift certificates are available for 15, 30 or 45 minute sessions in hospitals, health care facilities, hospice settings or at home.

Special arrangements can be made for vigil situations and memorial services throughout the Greater Washington DC area. Please email me to find out details and make arrangements for me to visit and play.