Certified Music Practitioner

Certified Music Practitioners (CMPs) are musicians who play live therapeutic music to provide a healing environment for all present, especially those who are ill or transitioning. Certified Music Practitioners work in various settings including hospitals, hospice, nursing homes as well as other non-traditional settings. The music is provided as a service and is not intended as a performance.

Certified Music Practitioners (CMPs) are trained through The Music for Healing and Transition Program (MHTP.org), which is accredited by the National Standards Board of Therapeutic Musicians.

Therapeutic music is an art based on the science of sound. It is live acoustic music, played or sung, specifically tailored to the patient’s immediate need. It is is a gentle non-pharmaceutical intervention to promote well being.

I am employed at the University of Virginia hospital since 2004. In addition, I serve many nursing homes in the area.

Scientific studies show that live therapuetic music can assist in:

• Reducing awareness of pain
• Transition for the dying
• Providing a segue for grieving
• Providing hope, comfort, soothing balm for the body, mind and spirit of patient
• Providing comfort to grieving family members
• Blood pressure reduction
• Reduction of pharmacological drug dosages required for pain & anesthesia
• Relaxation of voluntary and involuntary muscles
• Memory recall for dementia patients
• Equalizing and slowing down brain waves
• Stabilizing the heartbeat, pulse and respiration
• Reducing muscle tension
• Affecting body temperature
• Increasing endorphin levels
• Boosting the immune system
• Reducing stress