Music Therapy Can Heal
Guest musician: Woman will perform piano concerts
By Millicent Martin staff writer for Palladium-Item Feb. 5. 2004

Robin Spielberg couldn't visit her 17-ounce premature baby: As a new mom, she was recovering from an infection and fever.

But Spielberg's instinct to play music for Valerie has affected both of their lives ever since.

The professional pianist and composer provided recordings of her own music to hospital staff in the neo-natal intensive care unit, knowing the baby heard the sounds in the womb.

Spielberg wanted to bring a piece of herself to her daughter, who was clinging to life after being born four months early.

Valerie's vital signs noticeably improved when music was playing, and babies within earshot of the music did better too.

That prompted Spielberg to begin researching music therapy on the Internet. She's now a spokeswoman for The American Music Therapy Assocation.

Valerie is now a thriving 5-year-old who beat the odds and walks, talks and ice skates.

Spielberg shared her story at Reid Hospital with medical professionals Wednesday morning.

"It would be very nice for medical staff to come away open to al of the possibilities music therapy has to offer to the medical community and to patients," Spielberg said. She said she hopes interest has been piqued locally about music therapy and how it complements current medical practices.

For instance, a study in The Journal of the American Medical Association shows music played for premature babies can shorten their hospital stay.

Teresa Edingfield also addressed the audience. She's a music therapist for Hospice of Dayton (Ohio) who said music therapy can help with specific needs, such as making pain medication more effective.

The professionals design and use individualized music experiences to assess, treat and evaluate patients. Edingfield says everyone has different preferences and memories associated with music.

The right songs for a person can help bring breathing rates down and keep heart rates under control. Music can also mask the sounds of medical machines. Or it can make the silence of turning off life support less painful for families. Edingfield sings songs such as "Love Me Tender" and "Amazing Grace" for her patients.

Live performances are more effective, but playing recordings also can help, Edingfield says.

Those who aren't trained in music therapy but want to help a loved one should identify how types of music affect a person, such as calming them down or perking up, and plan accordingly for what helps, Edingfield said.

David Garman, Reid champlain for hospice, was intrigued by the discussion of ancient drumming circles helping patients today. He already suggests hopsice patients listen to familiar songs if they'd like. "Old familiar hymns or songs seem to be very comforting with people," Garman said. "It connects their place of center or strength."

Nancy Wilson, a Reid vice president who sings in local choirs, said she learned about music therapy at the session."We all have music that makes us feel better," Wilson said. "We're open to anything that helps our patients. If we can improve an outcome, we're always open to those things."

SPIELBERG EVENTS: Brown Bag lunch concert at Earlham College/Orchard Room. Free 765-983-1410
Friday night concert at Civic Hall; 380 Hub Etchison Parkway 888/248-4242


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