Nancy is a Certified Music Practitioner, playing her harp and singing in many healthcare facilities each month. These locations are listed on the Come Hear Me page.

What is a Certified Music Practitioner?

A Certified Music Practitioner brings pleasant and appropriate live music to the bedside of the ill and dying. Each Music Practitioner is a graduate of a program such as The Music for Healing & Transition Program, a course of study which includes medical and musical classes provided by qualified instructors.

Certified Music Practitioners provide a service, not entertainment. They are trained to be responsible and unobtrusive. While providing beneficial, therapeutic music to individual patients, their playing is not meant to be a performance or a concert.

A Music Practitioner may be engaged by you to play for a friend or family member, or for yourself. Many are employed by hospitals, nursing homes and Hospice organizations.

What is Expected of the Patient?

It is not necessary for the patient to interact physically or even verbally with the Music Practitioner, especially since a patient may be under medication or anesthesia. Whether or not the patient is awake and aware is simply a factor in the style of music played. Research has shown that even comatose patients can benefit from live music.

In short, nothing is expected of patients except their physical presence.

Music Helps

Did you know that Live Music has beneficial effects that contribute to the overall care of patients?
MUSIC CAN...

equalize & slow down brain waves
effect respiration
effect heartbeat, pulse & respiration
reduce muscle tension & improve body movement
effect body temperature
increase endorphin levels (lessen pain)
regulate stress-related hormones
boost the immune system
stimulate digestion
stimulate a feeling of well-being

Music is being used successfully with many kinds of patients including those who are temporarily ill and injured, chronically ill, critically ill, Alzheimer’s patients, premature babies, birthing mothers, the comatose and the dying, and even during surgery.

Nancy Lentz is a Certified Music Practitioner, playing the harp and singing, in north-central Indiana. She has had some wonderful and awesome experiences playing for the sick and dying. Patients have commented how soothing her harp music is, and some have experienced stabilized blood pressure, pain relief, and renewed hope. Nursing home residents look forward to her monthly visits. Family members and employees at these facilities also experience stress-relief and encouragement when she plays.

Nancy is available to present a program or in-service on topics related to how music helps us all, and the value of therapeutic music for dementia patients and the sick and dying. She has spoken to health-care providers, service clubs, and church groups. Please contact Nancy if interested.

For more information about The Music for Healing & Transition Program, or for the name and address of a Music Practitioner near you, please contact MHTP at its national address:

The Music for Healing & Transition Program
22 West End Road, Hillsdale, New York 12529
E-mail: mhtp@bcn.net
Website: http://www.mhtp.org