Pacific Harps: [Harps Unlimited International] July 4th | Music Therapy

Friend,

• From The Manager: Fourth of July

• Feature Article: The Power of Music Therapy

• About Carolyn & HUI: The Pasadena Showroom

• Carolyn Recommends: Book Corner: Treat Your Own Back

Please add "carolyn@pacificharps.com " to your white list or address book in your e-mail program, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!

July 4th - Summer and Sparklers

Holidays, holidays, holidays - the summer is a wonderful time for them with fantastic food, friends, family and of course music! Our history is full of musical traditions and play a key role in celebrating our culture and way of life. Patriotic songs of stars and stripes have long been enjoyed on Independence Day and are embedded in the hearts of many Americans who use them to remember, honor, celebrate and share. This July 4th, enjoy all that music offers our happy traditions - and of course don't forget to enjoy a sparkler or two as well!

The Power of Music Therapy

Having a couple of students who have played at the UCLA Medical Center for their music therapy program, I think its appropriate to mention how beneficial this wonderful avenue of alternative healing can be. Many people comment to my students how much they appreciate the music, and been told heartwarming stories about how their music has made ailing family members feel better. Not only is music therapy touted by patients and their families, there is also science to back it up, as the research below shows!

Music Therapy Used for Pain Management
www.hemaware.org

Music’s ability to affect the perception of pain relates to the gate-control theory, Gallagher says. “If you’re focused on something like playing an instrument, singing or listening to music, that’s what’s going through the neurotransmitters (which relay the pain message to the brain) at the time. It shuts the gate on the pain, because it’s hard to focus on two things at once.”

The body produces its own pain relievers—serotonin, noradrenaline and endorphins—all of which can decrease or block pain signals. “Music can set off the endorphins, and you can actually, in some cases, feel happier and better,” Gallagher says.
“Live music is always better, because it can be controlled,” Gallagher says. “If the patient is short of breath or agitated or really anxious, I might start playing at the tempo they’re breathing.” By gradually slowing the tempo, Gallagher helps slow the patient’s breathing, which eventually matches the rhythm of the music. “Music therapists are like quarterbacks who can change the play while it’s happening,” Tachdjian says. “They can shift the cadence or tone or sound quality to help the patient.”
Studies have shown that music therapy produces positive effects. Gallagher’s 2006 study of 200 adult palliative medicine patients assessed pain, anxiety, depression, shortness of breath, mood and some behaviors. “All of the eight factors we looked at improved with music therapy—at a clinical significance and statistical significance,” she says. Another 2006 study of 60 patients with chronic pain published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing reported that those who listened to music experienced a reduction in pain, depression and disability.
Music is considered a universal language that all of us can speak via self-expression. Don’t let your lack of musical ability or experience hinder you, says Gallagher. “You don’t have to be a musician to benefit from music therapy. It can work for almost everyone. It is cost-effective and does not have unpleasant side effects.”

“A lot of patients feel hopeless against the pain,” says Tachdjian. “This helps restore hope.”

Australian harpist Carolyn Sykes has been performing in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States for the past 30 years. She came to Los Angeles fifteen years ago to study for her Masters Degree at the California Institute of the Arts, and has been a manager with HUI for the past three years. The showroom in Pasadena features two sections, one for pedal harps and one for lever harps. Carolyn has also established her private teaching and performing studio Pacific Harps, which you can see more of at www.pacificharps.com. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to schedule a harp appointment!

Contacting the Pasadena Showroom:

Email: carolyn@pacificharps.com

Call: 626.791.6262

Visit: 922 N. Craig Ave.

Pasadena, Ca

91104

"Treat Your Own Back" by Robin McKenzie
I have recently purchased this amazing book, which came highly recommended from one of my students who - after severe back injuries - began using the techniques shown in this book and now says that she never has to visit the chiropractor! This easy-to-follow book presents over 80 pages of education and clinically-proven exercises to help relieve pain and prevent recurrence. The simple and effective self-help exercises have helped thousands worldwide find relief from common low back and neck pain, and though I have just started reading my copy, I feel better already!

	The Triplett Catalina Staveback* with Loveland levers and 34 strings, for $2995 including case (price just reduced!)*
	New! The Triplett* Celtic ll in walnut, 34 strings, for $4595 - stave back!*
	New! The Triplett Celtic ll* in cherry, 34 strings, for $4195 flat back*
	The Triplett* Signature in bubinga with 36 strings, for $5095*

	The Camac Hermine, on sale for $2,995 including the cover (discount of $335)
	The Camac Korrigan, including the cover for $3,295 (discount of $535!)
	The Triplett Monterey, offered at $3,775 (10% discount). Includes full levers and case as well as a full seven year factory warranty.

	The Camac Athena, with a straight soundboard and 47 strings, for $13,950 (was $14,950). Brand new ones just in from France - amazing sounding ebony!
	The Camac Athena* extended soundboard, also 47 strings, for $18,950.* Two on sale for $16,950 brand new models just in from France!! Mahongay, ebony, walnut, natural finishes.
	The Venus Penti, with 46 strings and extended soundboard, for $14,750.
	The Venus Encore, red mahogany with gold detailing, for $14,750.