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The NoBounds program provided by Rachael Finnerty has given our son now 16 years of age an opportunity to discover a new passion - piano! For years we have tried to locate a teacher and program that could bring the skill and flexibility needed to explore our son's potential to play piano while understanding his challenges. He loves to sit at the grand piano at the conservatory with Rachael and just jam out a tune especially blues and jazz sounds. Most remarkable is he had the confidence and experienced the pride of this pass summer and Christmas to play at two concerts for parents and family at the HCA. As his mom this was truly remarkable and I am so grateful to Rachael for bringing her NoBounds program to Hamilton and our lives. Diane, Feb. 2009  Hi Rachael,
I just wanted to let you know that I was pleased to see you back in General Medicine this week. I believe that Music Therapy brings an important element of healing to an individual in a hospital setting and so it was wonderful to hear the sounds of guitar and singing. I know that many of the nursing staff around me while I sat at the nursing station were somewhat surprised and yet pleased to hear that Music Therapy services were now available to their clients.
I'm also glad that you will be continuing with your study on the use of Music Therapy to decrease pain and I look forward to hearing of the results when it is completed. I can only say that I wish you were here more than just 2 days a week. Even though there is no longer a "Transition Unit" per se, there are still many clients "in transition" in General Medicine and being involved in Music Therapy might help brighten their day, make them feel more "human" and, restore a sense of dignity and hope.
Glad to have you here,
Ingrid, Physiotherapist Music Therapy has been instrumental in the care of the long stay patients primarily the frail elderly but also with younger patients. The therapist has been able to stimulate patients who are withdrawn, help patients to express concerns and fears, calm the agitated, and encourage the depressed. The Music Therapist is a vital part of the interdisciplinary team who contributes through accurate documentation, during rounds, and in patient care planning conferences with families.
Through her interventions, we have seen patients progress physically and emotionally toward their goals and often with a reduced need for medication. Group sessions were particularly effective at raising the self-esteem and improving the communication skills of patients who had language and speech problems due to their culture, their illness, or cognitive impairment.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Murray, CNS/NP Gerontology
Rachael was my son's piano teacher and music therapist from September 2002 until her recent relocation to Hamilton in June 2007.
My son Brendan, now 17 years old, has mild autism. Rachael played a very important role over the last few years in his musical, social and overall development. Over the years they worked together, his skill at the piano has developed to the point where he is probably now ready to take his grade 2 conservatory test should he choose to do so. His success is, in large part, due to Rachael's ability to support and encourage him with his technique, his confidence and his enjoyment level. With Rachael's assistance, he has been able to gain a thorough understanding of theory, play all types of music, and work on his vocals as he plays.
Her kind and warm approach, her caring manner and her musical skill are all key factors to her success as a music therapist, and have made her more than just one of Brendan's caregivers - they are also good friends. They developed a social rapport that is difficult for Brendan to have with most people.
Sincerely,
Michelle
Music therapy is one of the highlights of the week for our residents. It is almost magical for them. Through music they can express themselves by participating. It is a positive bonding time with their peers.
Music therapy enlightens the residents emotionally, spiritually and even physically. During the therapy they smile, sing, laugh and even move those muscles that are so hard to move to use those musical instruments
Safehaven Aurora House Team, September 2003
We are very fortunate to have Music Therapy Services at St. Peter's Residence. The residence has been collaborating with Fermata Music Therapy since the fall of 2006 and it has been a very rewarding experience for both our residents and staff.
Music Therapy has helped our team of recreation therapists better reach those fragile individuals that struggle with motivation and pain issues, depression, social isolation, and those that refuse to engage in meaningful recreation therapy interactions. It has provided this group of residents with the opportunity to express themselves through music and experience social and emotional connections through this professional relationship. Music Therapy has also drawn a number of our residents out of their shells, given them the opportunity to develop positive social interactions with others, distracted them from the struggles of living with pain and other health issues, and has given them purpose and meaning during music therapy sessions and beyond. All our residents deserve to experience physical, social, cognitive, and emotional well being when living at St. Peter's. Through the collaboration we have between Fermata Music Therapy and our recreation therapists we will continue to enhance the lives of our residents that reside at St. Peter's Residence
Andrea Dean, Resident Programs Supervisor
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