Level 1

Clinical Musicianship (Level 1)

Overview

This is the first of two levels of an independent study course in the philosophy and practicum of the clinical science and art of healthcare music. It is recommended that student complete the Public Music for Medical Environments (PMME) course before enrolling in CMCP.  All students are required to complete CMCP Level 1 before proceeding to Level 2. The program is a self-paced and accredited home study course for singers and instrumentalists who wish to become practitioners of clinical music at the bedside.

The course is open to early intermediate to advanced musicians. (Teaching beginning music skills is not included in the CMCP curriculum.) Appropriate instruments include harp, Native American flute, guitar, keyboard, voice, dulcimer, viola, flute, and others. Some instruments, such as trumpet, trombone, piccolo, banjo, saxophone, accordion, or other instruments with loud, piercing, or very high-pitched sounds would not be suitable for this work. Please contact the program office to inquire about the appropriateness of your instrument.

CMCP Level 1 provides a foundation in clinical music concepts and therapeutic music skills. In order to complete Level 1, a student will read and write book reports, demonstrate an ability to play the basic therapeutic music styles in a smooth and flowing manner, plus satisfactorily complete the final exams. A student who successfully completes Level 1 is qualified to register for Level 2 for further studies into the science of therapeutic music, self care, business skills, modal music improvisation, and practical skills of bedside music. A student who successfully completes Level 2 earns certification as a Certified Therapeutic Musician with the title of “Certified Clinical Musician" (CCM).

Because the course is a self-study course, no travel is required. The Level 1 tuition includes a PDF edition of the course notebook, access to the online course platform, log-in portion of the Harp for Healing website, up to eight hours of mentoring from an authorized CMCP mentor, final submission assessment, and access to a closed CMCP Facebook, Google discussion groups, online book studies and roundtables. Mentoring is done by email, Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, phone or any mode that is acceptable to the student and mentor. Those who wish to travel may make personal arrangements with their mentor or home office.

Please note:  A reliable internet connection is necessary for successful completion of the course. The course materials are accessed through online platforms and program communications and announcements are done by email. All materials are in the English language, so proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. Students must be at least 16 years of age to enroll. 

Course Objectives for CMCP Level 1

• To gain an understanding of the practice of therapeutic music, its applications and how it differs from performance music
• To gain a broad understanding of the philosophies and science of healthcare music
• To gain an understanding of practices and protocols of healthcare facilities that affect you as a clinical musician
• To gain an understanding of and develop proficiency in basic therapeutic music skills and styles
• To develop a core of musical offerings that provide comfort and flexibility during a bedside therapeutic music session
• To develop and demonstrate the ability to play therapeutic music in an appropriate, relaxed and flowing manner
• To gain an understanding of how to match your music to each patient’s needs and how to determine the effectiveness of the music
• To develop confidence in one’s ability and expertise
• To develop compassion for those in need
• To develop a deeper awareness of one’s own gifts and how to use them

Required Reading: (Purchased by student unless otherwise indicated) 

• • CMCP Level 1 Course notebook in PDF form, provided by home office. A hard copy is available for purchase if desired.
  • Body, Mind and Music – Laurie Riley  (Please order directly from Laurie Riley for best service.)
  • Therapeutic Harp Presentation Video -- Provided by the home office
• • The Healing Musician – Stella Benson--Contact home office for substitutes if this book is difficult to obtain
  • Through a Dog’s Ear – Joshua Leeds and Susan Wagner
  • Why You Love Music--John Powell 
  • Subscription to the Harp Therapy Journal
  • Two other books of your choice relating to therapeutic music (click on link to view suggested reading)

Topics included in the course curriculum

• History of Therapeutic Music
• Terminology, Principles, and Concepts of Therapeutic Music
• Modern Applications of Therapeutic Music
• Service vs. Performance
• Clinical Vocabulary
• Basic Music Structures
• Music as a Language
• Therapeutic Repertoire Styles
• Modifying Your Own Repertoire for the Bedside
• Improvisation and Memorization
• Introduction to Modes and Their Uses
• Introduction to Resonance
• Introduction to Palliative Care
• Introduction to Bodymind Studies and Science Concepts Behind Therapeutic Music
• Healthcare Protocols and Infection Control
• Ergonomics
• Complementary Health Care Modalities

TUITION FOR CMCP LEVEL 1:  $775 USD  plus a non-refundable $50 application fee. This includes the PDF of the course notebook and access to on-line resources through the Harp for Healing website. Students are required to purchase or acquire other required materials on their own. It is recommended that student complete the Public Music for Medical Environments (PMME) course before enrolling in CMCP. 

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