About

Therapeutic music is a healing modality, based on the science of sound.

The ability of music and sound to influence our physical, mental and emotional states is well recognised. Music, in its many forms, can have a beneficial and therapeutic effect. When we select music to listen to, based on our mood or situation, we are in a sense self-medicating. Music can uplift or calm us, it can excite us, or make us sad. Using the language of music, musicians can give expression to these feelings and emotions, beyond words, to touch the hearts and lives of others.

In a more focused way, the specially trained therapeutic musician aims to positively impact the wellbeing of the listener by applying the elements of music and qualities of sound therapeutically through live music played at the bedside. Live music has been shown to be more effective than recorded music; and playing live at the bedside allows us to observe the patient’s response and adjust the music accordingly.

Therapeutic music differs from music played for entertainment and performance, as the intention is often to relax the listener into a peaceful sleep; playing softly, slowly and continuously. Working through the nervous system, therapeutic music can reduce anxiety, decrease one's perception of pain, and help to stabilise vital signs such as heart rate, breathing and blood pressure.

Meet Wendy...

My happy place ~ I feel most at home in a quiet setting in the natural environment, and being around animals. My life does not feel complete without at least one dog by my side.

My career ~ My early career focused on animals, from zoo keeping and veterinary nursing, to track-riding race horses. Eventually, my inclination towards animals, science and health led me to an academic career in canine nutrition and health. Some of the most satisfying experiences in my career came from my involvement with animal health programs in remote communities that delivered significant improvements in animal health and welfare. I especially enjoyed working in different cultural settings which helped me to see the world through a different lens.

Becoming a therapeutic harpist ~ I had always wanted to learn to play the harp, but it was not until my retirement from my animal science career that I had the opportunity to do so. What started out as a hobby, soon became much more, as I enrolled in Harp for Healing's clinical musician certification program and began training as a therapeutic musician. I love the sound of the harp, and its mellow tones and strong resonance make it ideally suited to therapeutic music. One of the best things about being a therapeutic musician is meeting people wherever they are on their journey, and sharing meaningful moments through music.