HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) — Whether it’s instruments, singing, or just a rhythm, music is a universal way to bring people together.
The collaboration of instruments or voices can evoke strong emotions. They can make you dance… or sometimes bring a tear to your eye.
However, for some, it goes beyond that because the power of music offers healing.
“Music therapy is the use of music to work on nonmusical goals,” said Huntsville Hospital musical therapist Jordan Beshears. “It might look really fun… like me bringing in my guitar and singing your favorite songs, but we’re actually working on things like coping skills. We’re talking about how how is your anxiety, you know, let’s lower your pain.”
Every day, Beshears roams the halls with her music cart.
She stops by patients’ rooms to ask how they’re doing and what they’d like to hear.
Then, she opens her cart, pulls out one of her instruments, and transports them beyond the walls of the hospital with a song.
“The most special thing about my job is the fact that I get to come alongside families going through often what is one of the most difficult things they’ve ever gone through, and I get to give them the opportunity to have joy or have the opportunity to cry, or have the opportunity to make music and distract,” she said.
Although it’s not just Beshears who fills the halls with music.
This week, Huntsville Hospital has volunteers who offer their time and talents to guests in waiting areas to help them feel more comfortable during their visit.
“Something to just kind of lift whatever it is that’s weighing on their heart,” said Charlyn Tuter, a volunteer with the hospital. “If it’s challenging, or give them an extra dose of joy and light and make this moment special, if it’s great news, like expecting a new baby to go home.”
“I loved being able to just sit there and provide this little background music to me, bring people some joy and some peace,” Delia Henderson said.
Henderson is a UAH Music major who also played at the hospital this week.
“It’s beautiful because it really does relax you,” she said. “It really does bring you peace, and it brings back so many good memories from maybe growing up.”
World music therapy week is recognized April 10 through 15.
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