With World Music Therapy Day being celebrated on March 1st, we thought it would be a good opportunity to shine a light on the field of music therapy and learn why programs like “Together in Music” have a positive effect on wellness. Our Friends of CenterLight Foundation director Shelly Colley sat down with world-renowned music therapist and IMNF Executive Director/Co-founder, Dr. Concetta Tomaino, to discuss ways in which our CenterLight participants and their caregivers can incorporate music into their lives.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Shelly: Thank you for meeting with me. Can you tell me about what made you go into music therapy?
Dr. Tomaino: It is my pleasure to speak with you – I am always excited to talk about the benefits of music therapy. I have been working in the field of music therapy for 44 years. By the age of 10, I was playing the accordion. In high school, I played the trumpet. I always thought I would be a medical doctor. So, I enrolled in Stony Brook University as a pre-med student. There I played in their music ensemble and decided to double major in both music and pre-med. One day in my junior year, I saw an advertisement from New York University (NYU) about music therapy. I thought this was exactly what I was looking for. I received both my master’s and Doctor of Arts in Music Therapy from NYU, and I guess the rest is history as they say.
Shelly: How does music therapy benefit older adults?
Dr. Tomaino: Well to answer that question, it is important to address why music therapy has such a profound impact on older adults. What we have discovered over the past two decades is that music is processed through a system of neural networks that "talk to each other" when processing music. For example, we have seen the powerful effects music has on dementia and Alzheimer's patients. With the "right" kind of music and songs, people with dementia who could not previously have meaningful conversations come alive with memories and singing. The reason for this is because diseases like Alzheimer’s often mean losing access to certain kinds of memories. But research has proven that music—in particular, songs that hold special meaning to an individual, can serve as a window to their memories. It can also help stimulate cognitive functions like speech and even emotional connection. What we have also discovered is that musical rhythm can drive fundamental motor areas in the brain into action. Rhythm "turns" on these parts of the brain that are associated with movement and gives the patient something to synchronize his/her movement to. This discovery is the reason that many of our patients who are recovering from a stroke are able to walk faster and with better control when using musical rhythms. Likewise, for patients with Parkinson’s disease, we know that music and rhythm can quicken movements and serve as an auditory trigger to keep the movements going and prevent “freezing,” which occurs frequently in Parkinson’s patients. I know that was a long explanation, but it is important to understand why music therapy really works.
“If a person has cognitive decline, finding music that he/she relates to can trigger conversations and connections. ”
There are so many other examples that I can speak to where we know music therapy benefits older adults. Just to mention a few more–music therapy can also help with pain management. When a patient focuses on the music, he/she may feel energized and uplifted, thus diminishing the pain. Also, a music therapist will use the music to foster dancing of any kind. When an older adult moves his or her body there is more balance to the body, and less risk of falls. We also use music therapy to help manage PTSD disorders. Right now, I am working with a veteran’s group, and we are seeing great results with managing their PTSD with music. I could really go on and on about all the benefits, but I know this will be too long.
Shelly: I know you instruct many in-person music therapy classes. But what if a person can’t go to a class? What can she/he do at home to use music to feel more fulfilled and less isolated?
Dr. Tomaino: Let’s start with what you have at home. If you have a device such as a smart phone, tablet or mp3 player that you can make playlists on, do that. Or if you are a caregiver who has the device, make a playlist that your loved one will enjoy. If the person has cognitive decline, finding music that he/she relates to can trigger conversations and connections. Maybe mealtimes are a difficult part of the day. If this is the case, start the music before the meal to help alleviate any stress. The music should be played in 15-minute increments throughout the day to have a significant effect.
Also, if you are home alone during the day and have access to online videos, you can search for concerts, musical artists, and song lists. Sing along to your favorite songs. Get up, dance, and move. You don’t need much, but it is important to be consistent. Each day tell yourself that for the next 15 minutes you will listen to your favorite music. Then take a break, and maybe during dinner, play more music for 15 minutes. Once this becomes a consistent pattern, you may wonder how you ever did without your daily dose of music.
Shelly: Thank you so much again for your time. I have one last question: I hear that you have a book coming out in November 2023. Could you share the name of it?
Dr. Tomaino: Oh yes, I am really excited about my book. The title of the book is, “Music Has Power® in Senior Wellness and Healthcare: A Music Therapy Best Practice Guide.”
Shelly: When the book does come out, we would love to have you come to one of our CenterLight PACE centers for a book signing. I know our staff and participants would love to read it.
Dr. Tomaino: Just say when and where, and I will be there!
CenterLight PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their doctor regarding their care. If you would like to learn more about CenterLight PACE, please call: 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711), 8AM - 8PM, Monday - Friday. Representatives or message service also available on weekends.
Image for illustration purposes only.
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Last updated March 1, 2023
About this article
This blog post is part of our “Experts” series aiming to help educate our participants, their caregivers, and community members about health and wellness.
Shelly Colley is the Director of the Friends of CenterLight Foundation.
Dr. Concetta Tomaino is a world-renowned music therapist and Institute for Music and Neurologic Function Executive Director/Co-Founder.
