
Music as a Healing Presence
Therapeutic music is the intentional use of live music to support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is not performance. It is connection. It is being a healing presence.
Harp for Healing trains musicians to develop presence, sensitivity, and the necessary musical skills to meet the needs of people in public and private healthcare and healing environments. This includes hospital, hospice, nursing home, long-term care, assisted living, rehabilitation, meditation/worship settings, and similar areas.
Although the harp is the most commonly used instrument, there are several instruments that are appropriate for therapeutic music. Our programs are designed to help musicians on any therapeutic instrument to move beyond just playing the notes and into being a channel of music to provide a supportive, responsive, healing musical presence for groups or individuals. The self-paced home study format delivers high-quality training designed to be flexible to fit any lifestyle and to adapt to unexpected life circumstances.
Our Programs
Public Music for Medical Environments (PMME)
A short introductory and informational course for musicians who are curious about therapeutic music or who want to understand how music can be used thoughtfully and appropriately in medical and public care environments.
Good for: Musicians who only want to play in public areas of healthcare environments and anyone curious about therapeutic music
Format: Self-paced online program that is an introduction to therapeutic music philosophy and practice, as well as guidelines for playing in public areas of heathcare environments
Clinical Musician Certification Program (CMCP)
A comprehensive, accredited therapeutic music certification program that prepares musicians to provide therapeutic music at the bedside and in public areas in clinical and private settings.
This program uses step-by-step instruction to emphasize musicianship, improvisation, presence, listening, and responsiveness - all within healthcare-informed guidelines.
Good for: Musicians seeking professional certification to provide therapeutic music at the bedside and public areas in heathcare or private settings
Format: Two levels of self-paced online training using written and online resources with guidance from a CMCP authorized mentor
Vibroacoustic Therapeutic Music (VATM)
Advanced and specialized training focused on the therapeutic use of live music with vibrotactile stimulation to support deep relaxation, pain relief, tension relief, comfort, homeostasis, and healing.
Good for: Experienced therapeutic musicians interested in advanced and specialized training in the use of music with vibration for healing, including cultural, social, and psychological considerations.
Format: Self-paced online training using written and online resources with mentor guidance
Mary's Music Studio
Mary Stevens offers music services to Northcentral Montana, including playing music for worship services and community events, and individual or small group sessions of Vibroacoustic Therapeutic Music (VATM).
The effect and use of VATM is multi-layered and differs from person to person. It can be used to address physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual issues. Each person will be affected in unique ways. Most experience deep relaxation and reduced tension or inflammation, which results in relief of pain. Some may have a very profound, private, spiritual or personal experience that is moving, rewarding and thought-provoking. Others may utilize VATM sessions as a relaxing time of self-care and mood enhancement. When facing difficult times, VATM sessions can be an oasis to provide strength for what lies ahead.
If you feel called to use music in a deeper, more intentional way,
you are invited to explore our programs and learn what therapeutic music truly is.
If you have questions, please send them to us through the Contact Us button below.