Description
Tuesday October 27, 7pm ET
MUSIC as MEDICINE—an interactive workshop with Cathy DeWitt, senior Musician in Residence at the University of Florida/Shands Arts in Medicine, and therapeutic harpist for IHTP.(www.harprealm.com)
Have you ever wanted to do more with your music, taking it beyond performance and exploring the uses of music as a healing modality? What ARE the ways music can be brought into different kinds of healthcare settings and situations, and what do you need to know to do it successfully?
25 years ago I was led on an unexpected journey that turned into an incredibly rewarding career—starting with playing music for a new project called Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida hospital. This program is now an international leader in its field, but when it was brand new we were all flying by the seat of our pants! Those years of on-the-job training led me to the creation of a renowned Music in Medicine program. Hope you can join me as I share stories, songs, tips and tools for best practices, such as:
- The relationship between preference and repertoire
- The difference between music therapists and other kinds of music practitioners
- The 5 I’s of entering the room, for those who wish to do bedside work
- When and why it can be best to play non-familiar (or improvised) music
- Why music is such a powerful tool for people with Alzheimers, dementia and other memory disorders
- Interactive engagement versus performance…where each is appropriate
- The value of creating a playlist for our loved ones –and ourselves!—to be used when verbal communication becomes limited, i.e. in times of severe illness, trauma, or end of life.
This workshop is for artists, musicians, and caregivers who are interested in using the expressive arts in public health, healthcare settings and personal situations.
Cathy DeWitt is an award winning songwriter, recording artist and performer. She’s been a Unity music director, radio host and music teacher. Cathy is the senior Musician in Residence at the University of Florida/Shands Arts in Medicine, and therapeutic harpist for IHTP.(www.harprealm.com) She has worked with UF Health Arts in Medicine and Arts & Aging for over two decades. More info at www.cathydewittmusic.com
