I’ve been musing over a lot of things about music and its healing effect this week -- starting with a Monday morning meeting with the new Arts in Health director at Stanford Hospital where I had been playing harp for patients, staff, and visitors since 2003 – up until March of 2020. She gave me the great news that the program will start up again bringing back the bedside musicians first (then gradually add in the art, massage, and guided imagery programs) in September or October. I have missed playing bedside harp music, and am looking forward to starting that up again!

But it also got me thinking about all the other musical endeavors I have added to my schedule throughout the pandemic, and how very healing these aspects of music have been both to me and to others.

First, I began teaching Saturday workshops on Zoom, and met harpists from all around the world, who not only took in what I had to offer, but gave back so much to me, particularly the joy and gratitude knowing that they were benefiting from the workshops.  In our isolation, we created quite a sense of community through some of the workshop series. All my workshops are also recorded and available as video links here: https://verlene.com/workshops.html

Then after things opened up, I was asked to play a concert at an assisted living facility, and found that to be once again, healing both to those listening and singing along, and to myself. I would feel such satisfaction seeing how the songs brought such lovely memories to so many. This concert turned into a monthly gig, and also branched out to 3 other facilities that have me playing monthly concerts. One of the favorite sing-alongs is "What a Wonderful World." I did a YouTube video of this one you can see at: https://verlene.com/videos.html#wonderful 

And that brings me to another new music activity during the pandemic – making videos! I did a lot of virtual ensemble videos with friends, Harpers Hall, and also me, myself, and I! And posted them all on YouTube, with a wish and a prayer that they will be soothing and uplifting to anyone watching. You can find these videos at: https://verlene.com/videos.html

And finally, in January I became a third member of a band that plays Celtic music – not the expected soothing Celtic music, but the exciting, rich textured music that brings joy to audiences and to ourselves as well! Does that count as healing music? I am going to say “yes!” since I know it lifts my spirits and from the smiles on faces in our audiences, it’s safe to say they’re experiencing some healing after all these long months of no live music! Here’s a video sampler that shows some of the variety of music and instrumentation in the band: https://youtu.be/ox-tBtUmB40 And you can see how much fun we are having! Although we did these in Alison’s backyard, there is also a live performance someone took at one of the venues we play: https://youtu.be/uvoOzZOpRd0

I love all these new parts of my practice of “healing music” but will welcome the deep connection with patients, staff and visitors that comes from sharing music in such a stressful environment at Stanford Hospital once again. One patient told me on a second room visit that the music I had played stayed in her head for hours after I left, and was like a reminder of the calm she experienced while I was there.  What a great indication that the music has a lasting effect!

I will wish for you never to have a reason to hear me play harp at Stanford Hospital --- but if you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, and would like to hear Gaelic Muses, please visit my website calendar at https://verlene.com/calendar.html! It also lists upcoming online workshops which are available to all.  Or better yet, join my email list at: https://verlene.com/contact.html#list and check the box to get emails about workshops, live performances, online performances, or new books and recordings – or any combination!