Welcome to a new blog series, written for caregivers, music enthusiasts and all those who understand the transformative power of music as a conduit to wellness. Whether you're a caregiver seeking respite from the demands of your day to day or simply someone intrigued by the idea of integrating music into your wellness routine, you're in the right place. As a wellness practitioner deeply rooted in the belief that holistic approaches pave the path to health and wellbeing, I'm thrilled to introduce this blog series. Throughout these posts, we'll explore how sound and music, in its myriad forms, can serve as a buffer against stress, fatigue, and burnout. Our aim is to craft a space where science and spirit converge, offering strategies backed by peer-reviewed research and enlivened by personal passion. We know that the sounds of nature and music serve us far beyond pure entertainment, but that they can access and stimulate parts of our brain sparking joy, encouraging, and motivating us to move our bodies, to connect to the natural world, all while deeply affecting our soul, psyche and our thoughts and emotions. The origins of music are found in the very evolution of modern man and respected in every culture on earth for its therapeutic potential, offering solace, rejuvenation, and connection in times of need. Our journey will take us into realms of discovery where we will explore the answers to what makes walking so healthful; how rhythmic movement harmonizes with melodic inspiration to elevate both body and mind. We'll embark on soundscapes of serenity, immersing ourselves in the ethereal realms of sound baths and sleep-inducing melodies. And that's just the beginning. We will delve into why tuning into healing sounds of the natural world, actively listening to the rustle of leaves and the melodies of the breeze, not to mention the calming effects bird song has such positive effects on regulating our nervous system. Each installment of this blog series will be crafted with care, offering you not only practical strategies but also a source of inspiration to fuel your ongoing mental health and wellness goals. Together, we'll unlock the transformative potential of music, weaving its melodies into the fabric of our daily lives.  So, whether you arrive on our page to seek solace from the chaos of our demanding lives or are curious about the healing powers of music, let’s take this journey together, one note at a time. I hope you join us for what promises to be a symphony of wellness, experiencing the rhythms of resilience.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also called dyspraxia, is a chronic condition affecting fine and gross motor coordination. Impacting nearly 6% of school-aged children, risk factors include being born prematurely or with a low birth weight, as well as a family history of the disorder. In kids with dyspraxia the issue is not with their muscles, but rather the communication between their brain and their muscles. Coordination problems happen because the brain has a hard time telling the body what to do. Symptoms of DCD include difficulty with fine motor skills such as using a pencil, eating with a spoon, making hand gestures or getting dressed, as well as gross motor skills such as walking, running, kicking and throwing. As a result children with DCD often avoid activities like drawing and writing or playing sports. While there is no cure for DCD, therapy can help children improve their coordination by being taught how to do an activity by breaking it into smaller parts and practicing them regularly. Activities can also be adapted to make them easier, such as using special grips for utensils. How does music come into play? Music activates different regions of the brain, creating alternative routes for the transfer of information. In fact, research shows that music activates the motor cortex. The structure and predictability of music helps the brain to time our movements - this is called priming. Moving rhythmically is important for full body regulation and allows the brain and the muscles to communicate more efficiently. For example, crossing the midline activates both sides of the brain. When we execute this movement to music we are strengthening the connection between our right and left hemispheres, as well as practicing reaching and trunk rotation. A music therapist might set up an instrument target, such as the drums or chimes, for the child to hit to practice this function. To target fine motor skills, a child can learn an instrument such as the piano to practice finger dexterity exercises that will make tasks like tying their shoes or fastening buttons easier. Improvisational instrument playing that involves the use of a mallet or drumstick can also improve grasping and reaching movements which can help with self-feeding or drawing and writing. To target gross motor skills, a music therapist can create different musical patterns that reflect a desired movement to provide spatial, temporal and force cues. For example, if you want a child to practice reaching you might play high on the piano versus low for touching the ground. Music and movement is an effective way to target coordination. Not only does the rhythm provide structure and timing, but the music can create a safe and motivating space to practice movements that a child with DCD might be struggling with.

“Good morning everyone! My name is Kaitlyn and I am so excited to be here with you all on this fine Tuesday...I’m going to sing you a song. If you know the words, feel free to sing along or just move to the music. It’s by an artist who most you probably know named Elvis Presley...and it has a little something to do with love.” Now in the second year of my music therapy internship at the University of Toronto , that introduction is one I’ve given many times at a practicum placement in long-term care. I can still remember that first morning last September like it was yesterday. After the temperature checks and the Covid tests we made our way through the winding halls to a back room. Residents were gathered in a circle playing games, patiently waiting for their next activity to start. Now I’ve been in long-term care homes before, probably more times than I can count. But never on this side. Never like this. A new music therapy intern, here to help and learn. I have two grandmothers with Alzheimer’s Disease so it probably wasn’t a surprise to anyone that I ended up here. As I witnessed the deterioration of my loved ones firsthand, I also experienced the profound influence that music continued to have in their lives. On the most difficult days, music continues to be our sole form of communication. When I play songs that remind them of their loved ones, their favorite Italian opera singer or the nursery rhymes they used to sing to me as a child, it sparks a connection between us, even if just for a moment. At that time in my life, I was completing a Bachelor of Music at the University of Toronto, and if I’m being honest, I struggled. I was in a constant state of stress, anxiety and fear, worried that I would never be enough as a musician. All the stress and pressure I had put on myself to succeed as a musician had tainted my relationship with music and my ability to share it with others. The thing that I had once loved, was no longer a source of joy, but a source of pain. Towards the end of my degree I discovered music therapy. Bev Foster even came to one of my classes to talk about Room 217 and her story. New to the world of music and health, I decided to jump in headfirst and apply for a masters in neurologic music therapy. From that first day of school I was in love, but I was also terrified. Terrified of making a mistake, terrified of making the wrong decision. The stakes seemed higher now. The music seemed to matter more now. All those insecurities that had become second nature during my undergraduate degree started to build up again, until one day I noticed they weren’t there anymore. Each time I worked with a client, that fear, anxiety and uncertainty started to chip away. As I learned about their families, their careers and their passions I began to share in their successes and they shared in mine. I developed relationships with others like I’d never known. Relationships that made saying goodbye at the end of the year oh so difficult. After months of working with others, I still hadn’t played for my own grandmothers. And if I’m being honest, it’s because I was scared. While I often sang along to recorded music with them, I had never accompanied myself on an instrument. This year I played music for all sorts of people. Why couldn’t I just play music for the people in my life? For the ones in my life who needed it the most? A couple of months ago I played for one of my grandmother’s in long-term care. Just us and my guitar. Finding music therapy not only allowed me to help others, but it helped me find myself again. To find my voice, my passion and the love I have for sharing my musical gifts with others. It reminded me why I even chose to pursue music in the first place. My grandmother doesn’t care if I play a wrong note or if I sound a little flat. She just cares that I’m there. She cares that I’m with her and for a moment, it’s just us. And even though she has lost the ability to use her words and she hasn’t remembered who I am in a very long time, I know that she loves and cherishes this time together. I watch her foot tap to the music, I feel her hands squeeze mine, and I know she is with me. At the end of every visit I always ask her for a kiss. I bring my cheek to her face and say “Dammi un bacio?” She kisses me every time. All I ever wanted to do was to make people happy with music. I wanted them to experience the same love and joy that music brought to my life. So as I enter my final year of study to become a neurologic music therapist, these are the things that I will keep with me. When those fears and insecurities try to creep in, I will remind myself of where I came from and where I’m going. I will remind myself of the people I am doing this for. Myself. My loved ones. The people I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet. There’s a lot of things to be scared of, but helping others with music like it has helped me, isn’t one of them. At least not anymore. Room 217 was part of my journey to becoming a music therapist. To this day I still have the pamphlet Bev handed out in that class. Her story inspired me . It reminded me why I wanted to use music to help others. It can be difficult to help our loved ones, to know where to start, especially when it comes to using music. The beauty of Room 217 is that it gives us that starting place, guides and supports us as we gain confidence with music in care. So wherever you are in your journey, know that it’s never too late to start to incorporate music into your life, your care visits. While you may or may not become a music therapist, all of us can access music as a means of care for ourselves and others. For more information on becoming a music therapist, visit the Canadian Association of Music Therapists www.musictherapy.ca .

Music care can be received by anyone. From infants who may need soothing, to teenagers who need to express themselves, to mid-life professionals who need to reduce stress, to older adults who need engagement and socialization, music received as care is a beautiful thing. Music care may be received passively, as in listening to a recording. Or it may be received more actively within a therapeutic session, or a 1:1 visit, or in an engaging program. We know that the effects of music are varied. For individuals with dementia, music can be harnessed as a powerful tool to reduce feelings of agitation, anxiety and depression, improve orientation to surroundings and recall memories of the past. Theresa, a registered nurse from Moncton, NB used one of Room 217’s designed music albums Country Roads in her work at a hospital. She describes how one of her patients received music care through this album and the effects it had on him. “The special man for whom I bought Country Road was having a particularly restless morning. He is young – just turned 61. No nursing home will take him. He has a very advanced frontal lobe dementia which, at present, leaves him with little speech except for the occasional "no!!" or a simple yell. He paces constantly. From morning to night, if he isn't pacing, he is sitting only momentarily at the edge of his bed. I brought the music to his doorway, turned it on and was quite frankly stunned to see his reaction. He stopped pacing, stood perfectly still, started to simply walk himself around in a small circle, much more slowly and much more calmly. After four songs, he was able to sit in his glider chair. He even tapped his toes to the beat. Incredible! He had not sat still for more than 4-5 seconds in months. It brought me to tears.” For older adults, singing can help older adults strengthen their speech. Singing can be an interactive way to increase breath support, vocal volume and range - resulting in reduced vocal effort. Singing also allows us to be more expressive by creating opportunities for meaningful connections. Vicky, an activity aide from Minden, ON used Room 217’s dementia singing program, Pathways , with the residents in her long-term care home. She values the connections the music makes. "They want to do Pathways again and again and that is welcome news for an activity aide. The connections have been amazing – between residents themselves and between staff – lots of meaningful moments and connective points.” At the end of life, music can help distract from pain, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide comfort and peace. Music also has the ability to help us communicate sentiments like “I love you” and “thank you”. Music can also help us create something to be left behind and remembered – like a favourite song that can bring peace. It can change the atmosphere in the care space. Beatrice, a chaplain from Hamilton, ON shared her experience using Room 217’s Spirit Wings album with a young daughter and her family. “Spirit Wings helped me prepare a family for their young daughter's end of life journey. I introduced the music gently to the mother and it calmed her down. It changed the atmosphere in the hospital room and made it a very gentle, quite loving space.” If you are a formal or informal caregiver, educator or musician wanting those you serve to receive music care, then become equipped and take our training. It is designed to give you the confidence you need to begin to integrate immediately into your routines. Rhonda, a program manager in a long-term care home in Ancaster, ON took Room 217’s Level 1 Music Care Training . She recounts using what she learned, and the impact on one of her residents who received music care. “I have, in the 2 days since the workshop, found an opportunity to use the training several times. One resident in particular had just come out of a showering experience that had put her into a state of sobbing, shivering, rocking, crying and moaning shock. I was able to use the call and response, the humming, the singing and the breathing to calm her and lull her to sleep. Without your training I may have been at a loss as I have never seen this resident so upset.” Music can be louder than words. It has the power to connect us to ourselves, and to others. And in dark spaces, music can be a light that transcends and comforts us, and those around us. When it is received in the context of care, music can be transformative. For more information on Music Care Training, visit musiccare.org/training or email info@musiccare.org .

Music care can be delivered by anyone. It is the intentional use of music to improve health and well-being. Typically, music care is integrated into a person’s regular scope of caring practice i.e., family caregiver, social worker, health aide, recreation therapist, volunteer, chaplain etc. In this way, delivery makes for a music-rich environment through community music opportunities, regular programming, spontaneous musicking, technology applications and a soundscape conducive to well-being. Music care may also be delivered by professional practitioners such as music therapists, healthcare musicians, harp therapists, music thanatologists. In this case, the person has extensive training and expertise using music with specific goals whether they are clinical or cultural. Music care is also delivered through knowledge development and translation. Using a research-informed approach, musical effects and strategies are passed on through education, training and research. While music care delivery may be inclusive, becoming informed about benefits and adverse effects of music is essential. Room 217 provides training and certification for informal and formal caregivers to learn how to deliver music care more responsibly and effectively. Here are some of the certified music care advocates that are delivering music care within their scope of practice. Meet Dilip Ghosh . Dilip is an activation coordinator in the Transitional Unit of Complex Continuing Care and Rehab at Michael Garron Hospital and Chester Village Long-term Care Home. Here is how he prioritizes the mental and physical well-being of his patients using the music care approach: “In my everyday practice I use music as part of a non-pharmacological approach to treatment for three main reasons. First, I use music in order to reduce responsive behaviors in my patients by engaging them in meaningful musical activities. Second, I integrate music into other programs so that my patients' can continue to develop the social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills that can ultimately help improve their quality of life. Third, I use music to make a connection with my patients to enhance their self-confidence and self-worth, contributing to their overall wellbeing.” Meet Shelley Neal . As a special education teacher, program coordinator and therapeutic musician, here is how she uses the music care approach in her practices: “I use music to help me deliver curriculum content, as well as coordinate movement, communication and language development with non-verbal children. As a therapeutic musician, I use music at the bedside for those in hospice and long-term care to meet their moods and needs at the time. I love coming into care settings to talk to staff about how to use music to reduce isolation and loneliness and improve quality of life.” Meet Corey Jellison . As a human service worker for Key Industries, here is how he uses music care to empower persons living with a disability: “The needs I see music meeting in my care practice is seeing people for who they are, being able to express themselves and finding new ways for people to move forward with the abilities they have. I use vocal breathing, instrument playing and music listening to meet these needs.” Meet Heather Grant . Heather is a recreation therapist with the Alzheimer’s Society of Sault Ste Marie and Algoma District. Here is how she incorporates the music care approach to support clients with memory loss: “From encouraging their participation in physical activities to reminiscing about lost memories, music has the ability to transport them to a particular place and time with just a few bars of a song. It can be a release of emotions or calm someone who is agitated, or it can help an individual cope with anxiety and depression, and aid in pain management. Music helps where language can be lost. When an individual might not be able to speak, they are still able to sing.” If you would like to learn how to deliver music care within your practice of care, contact us at info@musiccare.org .