Tag: Therapeutic Harp

UTHN meeting of 5/12/2020

Attending:  Laurel Wright-Feighery,  Pam Archbold, Kate Dougherty, Peggy Cann, Angela Scothern, Chris Watts, Kristen Rogers-Iverson, Cyndi Bowen, Heidi Jaeger

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic we chose to meet via Zoom so everyone could stay home and participate who was able. Pam hosted and led the meeting on Home Self Recording.

  1. General Discussion while we waited for everyone to login and throughout Pam’s presentation (see her notes which are cut and pasted into section II).
    • Angela reported she had taken a course on recording through Coursera, a free online educational platform.  She learned how to layon tracks for other instruments or singing. Mainly Angela uses it for instruments. Angela promised to send us information about her Coarsara course . and show us how she uses
    • Kate reported she had used Garageband and Fourscore for recording purposes.
    • Heidi reported she had used Audible (for Windows based systems)
    • The iPhone has a good sound recording system. Recordings can be uploaded to free Youtube channels and security settings can be applied to limit viewers from the public to specific individuals which Cyndi is doing with her music students. Heidi shared her recording on Youtube created with her  iphone10x of the Salt Lake Valley Threshold choir https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hElg72h9b1c
    • Peggy learned how to use Garageband through a tutorial by the Apple store staff.
    • Audible is a free download for Windows Operating systems.  There are special features that can be applied to your recording with this program. Garageband has similar features but is designed for Apple devices.
    • Voice Record 7 is an easy to use voice record system and can be downloaded for free from the app store.
    • Everyone agreed, no matter what software program you use, it requires a lot of trial and error to find the one that works best for your purposes and situation while some are more user friendly than others. There are many reasons to record yourself from just listening to yourself to help with identifying problems you don’t hear when playing, to creating something to share with the world. It doesn’t require a lot of expensive technical equipment but takes time to perfect the sound you want.  Microphones can help with sound quality but make sure you get one with a USB port connection or adapter. Of course, if you want the highest professional quality without the DIY hassle of learning new technology and skills and you have lots of $$$$$, you can always book a recording studio and sound engineer.
  2. Pam shared her screen so that we could see her Garageband program on her laptop. Unfortunately, the ipad version is very different than the laptop version.  See the Garageband User’s Guide for iPad. The following are Pam’s notes which she wrote and I cut and pasted below with her permission.  

Simple Options and Tips for Self-Recording by Pam Archbold

Why Self Record?

  • For current clients and as marketing tool for new clients
  • Sharing, including a CD of your music, with patients, friends and family
  • As a practice tool

Space Considerations

  • Space that will sound good with your instrument: work in the largest room possible, avoiding low ceilings and close walls.
  • Avoid background noise such as traffic, dishwasher and HVAC running, computer fans etc.
  • Microphone placement: goal is full, clear sound without production noise such as finger placement, pedals shifting.
    • Depends on many factors including size of room
    • Use trial and error, selecting spot where you hear the clearest, most even sound in all ranges.
    • Often 20-45 degrees off the front of the harp, 5-6 feet away, 3-5 feet high depending on size of harp. Adjust height to optimize clarity in all ranges.

Basic recording equipment

Recording software

  • Voice memo recorder on your iPhone/iPad/Macbook, using builtin mic, per Kristina Finch, is “surprisingly clear.”
    • Can convert voice memo files to MP3 files
    • Can upload voice memo files to your laptop or to Dropbox
  • Can use free app GarageBand, which comes included with all Apple products.
  • Logic is updgraded pro version of Garageband, for $199.

Microphone

  • Can add external mic for additional sound quality
    • XY microphones create stereo audio. Examples: Zoom H1N, Tascam DR-40, Zoom H4N.
      • Pros: focused sound with stereo capability
      • Cons: Use of two microphones may be redundant for solo instrument recording
    • Omnidirectional microphones capture sound from every direction. Two microphones face away from eachother. Examples: Tascam Dr-05, Roland R-05, Tascam Dr-100.
      • Pros: true-to-location sound picks up more room ambiance
      • Cons: more expensive; more likely to pick up unwanted background noises
    • Hybrid microphones: multiple advanced options; not recommended for beginner.

Headphones

  • Free Apple earbuds
  • Sennheiser HD280PRO
  • Samson SR 150 headphones come with the Samson C01U Pro microphone

Garageband Basics

  • First Steps
    • From launch window, select New Project, select Empty Project =>
    • Create Track: select track type Audio/Record using a microphone or line input
      • Note: skipping over Tempo, Key Signature, Time Signature
      • Audio Input/Output: can select builtin mic or external microphone which will appear in drop down list
    • Track name: double click to edit
    • Sounds => may wish to select Acoustic Guitar => Natural Stereo
    • Mute button
    • Solo button
    • Volume slider: Doubles as level indicator, displaying green, yellow or red. If slipping into red, turn volume down. You may wish to select Automatic Level Control and Noise Gate.
  • Smart Controls
    • Compression, EQ, oh my!
      • Smart Controls display varies depending on what “Patch” you selected. I selected Vocal => Natural Vocal. Controls display with default settings.
      • Click on the EQ tab to see the visual equalizer: You can tap and drag the three different colored dots (orange for bass, green for mid, and purple for treble) to cut or boost a frequency.
      • Analyzer button: tap it to see a visual representation of the track’s frequencies in real time! This gives you the ability to see where a track is lacking or has too much of a certain frequency.
      • Echo: helps track sound fuller.
      • Reverb: similar to Echo; helps track sound “larger than life.”
      • Click on the Compare tab to listen to saved versions
  • Hitting Record
    • May wish to select automated count-in that will count in 1 bar before the point you begin recording. This allows a little extra time to prepare.
  • Save the single track you have recorded as your named project. You can then save the song to iTunes if you wish:
How to share a song in GarageBand on Mac and iOS

References:

Baird, Patrick. The Garage Band Quick Start Guide

The Garageband Guide HomePage

Finch, Kristina. Technical Harpist #1 – Recording Devices. Harpcolumn, June 12, 2015.

Technical Harpist #1 – Recording Devices

Hall, Rachel Lee. Recording in Progress: a practical harpist’s guide for self recording. HarpColumn, March/April 2020.

Sutich, Brian. Understanding GarageBand’s 4 Most Essential Effects. The App Factor, Fabruary 2017.

Understanding GarageBand’s 4 most essential effects
  1. 3. Virtual Gatherings: These are great ways to virtually attend a conference with internationally renowned teachers without the expense and hassle of travel. If you need to get your CEUs this is a great way to do it and relatively inexpensive.
    • Joanna Mell is leading a zoom harp circle Thursday mornings at 11 am. Laurel has more information about that.
    • Edie Elkins is leading a meditation complete with her playing the therapy harp at 4:50 pm MDT.  Send her an email if you would like to be invited to that. Edie@bedsideharp.com. There is no charge for this gift.
    • Summerset Online 2020 is available in July.  Prices range from $200 to view in July; $400 to view for the rest of the year. July 16-19. http://www.somersetharpfest.com/

UTHN Meeting April 23, 2019


UTHN Meeting April 23, 2019 held at Kristen’s house

Attendees:  Kristen, Peggy, Laurel, Cindi Chris, Kate, Angela, Heidi, Tristan

Today was Tristan’s and Chris’s birthday which we celebrated with good food and a potluck lunch.

I: Heidi Reviewed the Generations 2019 conference Music Therapy Track held 4/16/19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center; Peggy, Tamara, Pam and Heidi attended and Peggy presented: 

Conference Session I: A Continuum of Music in Healthcare: From Music Listening to Music therapy

Presenters: E. Christensen, SCMT, MT-BC; P Cann, CMP; S Cheek-O’Donnell, PhD; M. Frani, PhD; M , Hearns, PhD

Massamiliano Frani, PhD is the CEO of Genote  see www.genotelab.com, recorded music to achieve various outcomes working with specific populations. He graciously offered attendees a 2 month free trial if we email him and mention his offer at this conference. He discussed his research using his product with long distance runners and the effect it had on their Ck, Hb, Cortisol, and Testosterone levels. Statistically significant results include an decrease of Ck and increase of testosterone and better motivational and coping skills.  See Youtube videos for more information   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4tiXyX_axzIq1Ty9q7eYA

I’m not sure when this discussion came up but the reference is to an article about a Therapeutic Musician who plays the harp. See the article   http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/19/AR2008121903041.html?referrer=emailarticle&noredirect=on

Sydney Cheek-O’Donnell, PhD, Assoc Dean for Research at UU

Discussed Time Slips, a storytelling method to work with Dementia patients. TimeSlips opens storytelling to everyone by replacing the pressure to remember with the freedom to imagine. The open, poetic language of improvisational storytelling invites people with dementia to express themselves and connect with others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yxxbw7YIys

The UU has an Arts In Health Innovation lab, free yoga at the UMFA for the public and recently produced a play about a blind woman called Molly Sweeney

There will be an Arts in Health Symposium at the UU in the Fall of 2019, see http://artsinhealth.utah.edu/

Maureen Hearns, PhD, Chair of the Music Therapy Dept. at Utah State University, Logan

Music therapy In Dementia Care:

  • Music therapy provides opportunities for:
  • Memory Recall which contributes to reminiscence and satisfaction with life
  • Positive Changes in Mood and emotional states
  • Sense of Control Over Life through successful experiences
  • Awareness of self and environment which accompanies increased attention to music
  • Anxiety and stress reduction for older adults and caregivers
  • Nonpharmacological management of pain and discomfort
  • Stimulation which provokes interest even when no other approach is effective
  • Structure which promotes rhythmic and continuous movement or vocal fluency as an adjunct to physical rehabilitation
  • Emotional intimacy when spouses and families share creative music experiences
  • Social interaction with caregivers and families

Peggy Cann, CMP gave a great presentation on what Therapeutic Musicians do and demonstrated by playing the harp for the group as she would for the NICU patients she plays for. She discussed the differences between Music Therapists and Therapeutic Musicians training and scope of practice. 

Session II:  Music therapy in Utah: Current Trends, Reimbursement and More

Presenter: Emily Polichette, MM, SCMT, MT-BC

MTs can bill for restorative care if their work is in support of other outcomes.  They need an MD to sign off on this.

If insurance companies deny billing, ask to see their exclusion policies.

Utah Association of Music Therapists  has a group devoted to legislative lobbying and they are always trying to get more billable services approved by Medicare/Medicaid See Utah State HB 277 which created the designation of State Certified Music therapist (SCMT).  Only MT-BC people can apply for SCMT certification.

The term “Music Therapist” is not owned exclusively by BC-MTs which is one reason why they pushed for HB 277.  It is important for the public to understand the difference between music therapists and Board Certified Music Therapists. One difference is in the amount of training and internship hours BC-MTs receive versus other certification programs.

Session III:  Music and Mental Health in the Medical Settings

Presenter: Heather Fellows, SCMT, MT-BC

An experiential session.  We all took up instruments, drums, guitars, and played together.  Heather and some of the other Music Therapists present sang. Heather provided stories of her 20 years of practice as BC-MT working with all kinds of patients and how she used music, usually guitar and voice, to hold space for patients.

References: 

  • Group Music Listening with Adolescents for Self-Expression in Grief Recovery (McFerran, 2011)
  • Active music making, songwriting and analysis, and music assisted grief rituals with hospice workers (Wiodarczk, 2010)
  • Singing and vocal improvisation with adults with mental illness in complicated grief (IIliya, 2015)
  • Live Music Based experiences improved pain control, physical comfort and relaxation in terminally ill hospice patients (Krout, 2001)

 Heather told a story about a family member of a terminally ill patient who requested she play and sing Charley Puth’s song, See You Again. 

Session IV: the Power of Your Individual Voice: Songwriting and Voice in Music therapy

Presenter: Brandtley Henderson, MM, MT-BC

Why we sing:  Everybody can do it!

Muisc can create and reinforce neural pathways.

Singing is a way to create a shortcut from the prefrontal cortex (decision making) to the amygdala (emotional processing).

Singing permits the individual to acknowledge and process emotion in a way that is engaging, accessible, and non-threatening.

Another experiential session. Everybody can sing who can breath and make any sort of vibrational noise from their throat. You don’t have to be a trained singer. Brandtley  played guitar and sang songs and had us all write a song in 15 minutes as a group which we then sang.  It was pretty easy to do actually:  pick a rhythm, create a phrase about a preselected topic, attach the phrase to a melody.  Sing.  Brandtley works with the Utah State Hospital patients.  

II. We were all requested to watch the TED talk You Are Contagious by Vanessa Van Edwards

https://www.google.com/search?q=ted+talk+you+are+contagious&rlz=1C1LOQA_enUS668US681&oq=TED+talk+You+Are+&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l4.6794j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

and listen to the podcasts: 

End of Life University  Dr Karen Wyatt  Mortal Wisdom

Episodes:

181  Impermanence

183 How to let go of what you thought should happen

167 Kathryn De Longi and Music Thanatology  (Kathryn is Kristen’s cousin and inspiration).

Using these sources as inspiration we talked about our own experiences when we were not centered and focused on our patients and the effect that had (or did not have) lending support to the concept that our intention and mindfulness is critical to the work we do.

We discussed the importance of focusing on gratitude as a way of improving not only our own emotional and physical health but that of others around us and how HeartMath measures and encourages this practice of cardiac coherence.

Cindi quoted: “Gratitude allows grace to complete it’s cycle”  I cannot find the source for this citation but I did find the following via google search:  https://mentalhealthgracealliance.org/christian-mental-health-and-mental-illness/what-you-get-when-you-give-thanks

Tristan shared an experience she had recently of an estranged family coming together at the bedside of their dying loved one and how the music helped them heal at this critical time before their loved one passed.

We also shared experiences of how times of brokenness can allow us to utilize other gifts we have to make a positive impact on the world in spite of our own disabilities and limitations. Laurel shared her experience from living with a chronic illness for the last 25 years and finding gratitude for all the blessings of her life.

We finished with lunch together and a healing ritual for one of our members using harp, intention and holding space for support.