Neurologically Based ‘Music For Medicine’ Helps Stressed-Out Medical Staff and Caregivers Recover Along with Patients
The global foundation Listen For Life has spent the past two years developing, donating and distributing a neurologically based way to help COVID-19 patients and others in hospitals, hospice centers and care facilities around the world, through the healing power of intentionally created music. But we recently discovered another urgent benefit to our unique program: helping to heal the psychologically overwhelmed and exhausted caregivers and medical staff who are resigning in droves due to a basic need for self-preservation and emotional recovery.
We're now trying to alert every medical professional, hospital staff member and caregiver that this new “music-for-medical-healing” program exists, and is immediately available to them and their patients, free of charge. It’s being offered as a way to help combat the stress and anxiety they encounter on a daily basis, and hopefully reduce staff resignations, while also helping their patients of all ages, in all types of care facilities.
Recently, Listen For Life’s Music For Medicine project was selected as an Anthem Awards winner by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). The Anthem Awards “celebrate the purpose and mission-driven work of individuals, companies and organizations worldwide.” Music For Medicine was selected as a not-for-profit Bronze winner in the global Health Services category.
The Music For Medicine project began in 2020, after Donna Stoering, a world-renowned classical musician and the founder of Listen For Life, learned that a leading U.S. neurologist was seeking a way to deliver a specific type of relaxing music close to the ears of his ICU patients being treated for COVID-19. His purpose was to help steady and entrain their breathing while also blocking out the noise of the constant beeping of hospital monitors and nonstop ICU activity; preventing neurological damage from the effects of the noise, anxiety, exhaustion and isolation, for both patients and medical staff.
Donna had already recorded a collection of stress-relieving classical music improvisations titled Into the Stillness with another international musician, Erin Nolan. Fortunately, the musical structure of the audio tracks was found to be within the precise parameters for producing the desired health outcomes. At the encouragement of neurologists and clinical care nurses, Listen for Life began donating and distributing the recordings on digital downloads, CDs and special wireless mp3 players (placed on patients’ pillows) for use with COVID-19 patients and others in ICUs, hospital wards, respiratory therapy, stroke rehab, nursing homes, at-home recovery, and palliative care or hospice situations. We continue to donate and distribute these resources to any medical staff/facility or caregiver wanting to use them, while the foundation is seeking corporate sponsors and distribution partners to help us cover the costs of this highly innovative program.
We're now trying to alert every medical professional, hospital staff member and caregiver that this new “music-for-medical-healing” program exists, and is immediately available to them and their patients, free of charge. It’s being offered as a way to help combat the stress and anxiety they encounter on a daily basis, and hopefully reduce staff resignations, while also helping their patients of all ages, in all types of care facilities.
Recently, Listen For Life’s Music For Medicine project was selected as an Anthem Awards winner by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). The Anthem Awards “celebrate the purpose and mission-driven work of individuals, companies and organizations worldwide.” Music For Medicine was selected as a not-for-profit Bronze winner in the global Health Services category.
The Music For Medicine project began in 2020, after Donna Stoering, a world-renowned classical musician and the founder of Listen For Life, learned that a leading U.S. neurologist was seeking a way to deliver a specific type of relaxing music close to the ears of his ICU patients being treated for COVID-19. His purpose was to help steady and entrain their breathing while also blocking out the noise of the constant beeping of hospital monitors and nonstop ICU activity; preventing neurological damage from the effects of the noise, anxiety, exhaustion and isolation, for both patients and medical staff.
Donna had already recorded a collection of stress-relieving classical music improvisations titled Into the Stillness with another international musician, Erin Nolan. Fortunately, the musical structure of the audio tracks was found to be within the precise parameters for producing the desired health outcomes. At the encouragement of neurologists and clinical care nurses, Listen for Life began donating and distributing the recordings on digital downloads, CDs and special wireless mp3 players (placed on patients’ pillows) for use with COVID-19 patients and others in ICUs, hospital wards, respiratory therapy, stroke rehab, nursing homes, at-home recovery, and palliative care or hospice situations. We continue to donate and distribute these resources to any medical staff/facility or caregiver wanting to use them, while the foundation is seeking corporate sponsors and distribution partners to help us cover the costs of this highly innovative program.
We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback and our goal is to share this resource with everyone who needs it. Neurologists have found that our bodies and brains are wired to respond to music, and that specific combinations of melodies and rhythms can affect our blood pressure and heart rate or produce changes in our mood and behavior. The music we’re sharing is kept within distinct parameters to reduce tension and anxiety, lower blood pressure, promote regular breathing patterns, and assist in the treatment of PTSD and mental health issues. We’ve received reports of specific benefits to stroke victims, premature babies and respiratory therapy patients, and moving testimonials from hospice caregivers. Now, we also encourage medical staff and caregivers to use this gift to help recover from the daily stress and exhaustion they face. (Learn about the Healing Benefits of music for all people.)
“When my husband had a cardiac arrest last year, he spent a week as a patient in a regional medical center in Florida until he passed away,” said nationally known critical-care nurse and educator, Joan Vitello-Cicciu, who worked as a nurse for 45 years and is currently Dean and Professor of the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. “I would sit by his bedside, and when he became agitated I played this CD I had just received from Listen For Life. By the fourth song, my husband had calmed down. I noticed that when his nurses and hospital staff came into the room they all remarked how soothing this particular music was to them. While my husband spent his last few days on earth, I was blessed to have had this particular music available to him and the staff as it was calming and restorative to us as human beings. I would highly recommend it for patients and staff, in any hospital or medical facility.”
Donna Stoering and Erin Nolan have recently recorded a second, follow-up album of neurologically tested, instrumental improvisations titled Quieting the Storm. Listen For Life will soon be releasing this new album and additional albums/tracks performed by specially selected musicians of different countries, cultures and instrumental styles, in a new digital library of “music-for-medical-healing” to benefit more people worldwide. Check back for project updates, coming soon!
Healthcare professionals, medical facility administrators, hospice center workers or caregivers who wish to request a donation of currently available digital tracks, CDs or preloaded, disinfectable mp3 players for immediate use, are invited to contact Donna Stoering at [email protected].
Potential distribution partners, individual donors and corporate sponsors interested in being a part of this critically important and timely project are also urged to contact Ms. Stoering
Healthcare professionals, medical facility administrators, hospice center workers or caregivers who wish to request a donation of currently available digital tracks, CDs or preloaded, disinfectable mp3 players for immediate use, are invited to contact Donna Stoering at [email protected].
Potential distribution partners, individual donors and corporate sponsors interested in being a part of this critically important and timely project are also urged to contact Ms. Stoering
Into The Stillness: Samples from our growing MFM Digital Library of "Music for Medical Healing"
Testimonials And Early Feedback
"I am a critical-care nurse in California, and have shared this very effective resource with some of our doctors already as well. We would love to be able to request enough CDs or mp3 units to use for patients not only in ICUs but also for those with cancer or recovering from stroke, and for soothing premature babies...the possibilities are endless and exciting!" A.C.
"I am a hospice director and have been deeply moved watching patients in transition respond to your intentionally-created music - you are right in teaching prospective users and caregivers that this is not just "soothing background music" - this is something very unique and powerful indeed, to be used with intention for a healing impact on not only the patient but the family members, staff and caregivers as well. " C.H.
"I am a patient in hospital recovering from a stroke. I was given your CD to try, and I was in great need of this today. As I’m listening, it is having a very tangible effect for me neurologically, I can actually feel it....the opposite of how I get scrambled when I try to push too hard with mental and perceptual things. This music is a complete antidote, helping me to shift over to the realm in my brain where I can feel wholeness and unity. I’m so happy that right now, due to your music, I can actually feel the impact of the positive projections from my doctors and care staff, whereas often I’m just sunk in resistance to what is happening at the moment. I hope that all stroke patients can be fortunate to have access to this special music which is profoundly peaceful and healing. Thank you so much for sharing this!" S.W.
“Love it SO much….the peace it gives me is palpable and I play it in the background while quilting or reading, but especially love it for car journeys in stressful traffic. Thank you for sharing your gifts in this way.” M.C.
“The string sound is absolutely gorgeous, and it is fun for me, as a professional musician, to follow the unique synergy of both performers, blending one melody into the next, sometimes quite unexpectedly but very beautifully.” B.T.
“I am a therapist and had trouble finding something to soothe a particular patient until a friend loaned me your CD. Immediate success, and I now use my own copy repeatedly – it helps me, as well!” A.J.
“My friend gave me a copy of your CD as a Christmas gift – what can I say? The music itself IS a prayer – it lifted me up today at a time when I needed it. And it has all my favorites (melodies) on it! Thank you thank you thank you for making this….. PS – I want more copies – where can I get them?” L.P.
“I’ve been listening to this CD in the evenings when I feel like being quiet, especially before bed. The two performers compliment each other beautifully and even though I do not know any of these melodies or songs used, the loving gentleness of the pieces leaves me with a warm feeling of well-being. Thank you so much for doing it!” J.W.
“This particular CD was a healing and peace-giving presence for us both, and a strong part of my husband’s final days and weeks on earth. We would therefore like to use it during his memorial service as well.” K.S.
“When my husband had a cardiac arrest last year, he spent a week as a patient in a regional medical center in Florida until he passed away. I would sit by his bedside, and when he became agitated I played this CD I had just received from Listen For Life. By the fourth song, my husband had calmed down. I noticed that when his nurses and hospital staff came into the room they all remarked how soothing this particular music was to them. While my husband spent his last few days on earth, I was blessed to have had this particular music available to him and the staff as it was calming and restorative to us as human beings. I would highly recommend it for patients and staff, in any hospital or medical facility.” - Joan Vitello-Cicciu, nationally known critical-care nurse and educator who worked as a nurse for 45 years and is currently Dean and Professor of the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
"I am a hospice director and have been deeply moved watching patients in transition respond to your intentionally-created music - you are right in teaching prospective users and caregivers that this is not just "soothing background music" - this is something very unique and powerful indeed, to be used with intention for a healing impact on not only the patient but the family members, staff and caregivers as well. " C.H.
"I am a patient in hospital recovering from a stroke. I was given your CD to try, and I was in great need of this today. As I’m listening, it is having a very tangible effect for me neurologically, I can actually feel it....the opposite of how I get scrambled when I try to push too hard with mental and perceptual things. This music is a complete antidote, helping me to shift over to the realm in my brain where I can feel wholeness and unity. I’m so happy that right now, due to your music, I can actually feel the impact of the positive projections from my doctors and care staff, whereas often I’m just sunk in resistance to what is happening at the moment. I hope that all stroke patients can be fortunate to have access to this special music which is profoundly peaceful and healing. Thank you so much for sharing this!" S.W.
“Love it SO much….the peace it gives me is palpable and I play it in the background while quilting or reading, but especially love it for car journeys in stressful traffic. Thank you for sharing your gifts in this way.” M.C.
“The string sound is absolutely gorgeous, and it is fun for me, as a professional musician, to follow the unique synergy of both performers, blending one melody into the next, sometimes quite unexpectedly but very beautifully.” B.T.
“I am a therapist and had trouble finding something to soothe a particular patient until a friend loaned me your CD. Immediate success, and I now use my own copy repeatedly – it helps me, as well!” A.J.
“My friend gave me a copy of your CD as a Christmas gift – what can I say? The music itself IS a prayer – it lifted me up today at a time when I needed it. And it has all my favorites (melodies) on it! Thank you thank you thank you for making this….. PS – I want more copies – where can I get them?” L.P.
“I’ve been listening to this CD in the evenings when I feel like being quiet, especially before bed. The two performers compliment each other beautifully and even though I do not know any of these melodies or songs used, the loving gentleness of the pieces leaves me with a warm feeling of well-being. Thank you so much for doing it!” J.W.
“This particular CD was a healing and peace-giving presence for us both, and a strong part of my husband’s final days and weeks on earth. We would therefore like to use it during his memorial service as well.” K.S.
“When my husband had a cardiac arrest last year, he spent a week as a patient in a regional medical center in Florida until he passed away. I would sit by his bedside, and when he became agitated I played this CD I had just received from Listen For Life. By the fourth song, my husband had calmed down. I noticed that when his nurses and hospital staff came into the room they all remarked how soothing this particular music was to them. While my husband spent his last few days on earth, I was blessed to have had this particular music available to him and the staff as it was calming and restorative to us as human beings. I would highly recommend it for patients and staff, in any hospital or medical facility.” - Joan Vitello-Cicciu, nationally known critical-care nurse and educator who worked as a nurse for 45 years and is currently Dean and Professor of the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School