Robert Graham drove 1,400 miles to visit his brother, Bill, who is recovering at the Gallatin County Rest Home. He planned the road trip because he wants to use music therapy to help his brother.
Graham gathered a group of trombones and drove from Virginia for musical performance. His planned to play outside his brother's room. Graham said that the current trombone instructor at Montana State, Jeannie Little, is his old friend. Little used to teach at James Madison University in Virginia.
He said that he called his old friend and asked to put together a trombone section for him. Graham then brought the music, and then there they were. The group of five trombones played varied tunes from hymns to classic brass melodies.
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Music therapy
Graham planned to use the music's therapeutic nature to heal his brother from his illness. He said that the reason he got his trombone together was because of resonance. He explained that you realize that you are connected to people in a non-verbal way when you resonate chords with them.
The same goes for people who are healing. Bill's wife, Chris Delaney, shared her husband's condition. She said that they have a really tough time because her husband is sick and injured. She added that the pandemic has added to the weight of what they are going through, so having to hear Graham play means everything.
Delaney also said that their community is healing with each other. They practice social distancing and stay covered, but it does not mean that they have to be isolated.
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Showing up for his brother
Graham did what he did because he wants to show up for his brother. He said that he wants to be there for Bill. He believes that his brother realized that he drove that far was because he loves him.
Delaney said that there are many decisions in life that we have to make in the future. She is grateful for Graham, who came from Virginia, and the musicians from MSU. What they did has put a little joy in the hearts of the healing during the toughest times.
Improve the quality of life
Music therapy has improved medical outcomes and quality of life of people. It helps ease anxiety and discomfort during procedures, as well as with physical therapy and rehab.
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Other than helping to restore lost speech, it also reduces the side effects of cancer therapy and aids in pain relief. It also helps improve people with dementia's quality of life.
Certified music therapists have deep knowledge of how music can induce emotional responses to stimulate and relax people. They join their knowledge with the varied musical styles that they are familiar with. Then, they use them to help you get through the challenge of physical rehab sessions.
