♫ Using violin vibrations for sparking deeper receptivity for those needing physical, cognitive and emotional wellness
My name is Carolyn Cole. I am an accomplished symphony violinist taking my experiences outside of the symphony hall into very unusual settings.
All musicians, and others in the therapeutic realm, know music is healing, that it can develop and release the mind, spirit and body. Every day, science upholds this instinctive knowledge.
Many people also know the horse has powerful healing properties, as a quiet, respectful, sentient being who understands the weak and young. Science also recognizes the strength of using the equine for therapy, a prescribed treatment by the medical community for many diagnoses.
What’s the connection? I’ve recognized that the live violin voice has healing properties which are especially potent in the setting of the therapeutic riding arena for disabilities. I have discovered that, not only is the pairing of therapy horse and violin very natural for connecting with disabilities, but the vibrations and colors of the violin seem to touch a client’s core, magically transforming the individual. Proof of concept is in the excitement showing on the faces of parents and the therapeutic team after a session. Proof is also in the outcomes, some long-lasting, for the clients themselves.
Combining science with music is absolutely inspiring. I am opening doors to learning. This is the essence of Violin for Wellness™, of which there are three components:
♫ Violin and Therapeutic Riding
♫ Transitions and Violin
♫ In-Home Butterfly Play
The Violin and Therapeutic Riding program is the founding program of Violin for Wellness™ and it was in the riding arena for disabilities that my passion for adding the violin to their therapeutic process was born. I play my violin in collaboration with physio-therapists and riding instructors by creating games, sounds, and melody and rhythms. This range of musical tools work on stabilizing emotions, balance, core strength, flexibility, focus, social development, vocalization and problem solving.
This pilot study began at a facility out in Langley, BC, in 2014, where clients continue to benefit from the light and playful stimulation of the violin.
The In-Home Butterfly Play and Transitions and Violin programs are held in the private setting of someone’s home or care center. The therapeutic elements of the close and personal violin sound connect immediately with the client. This approach provides a non-conventional learning environment for disabilities and a sensitive quiet space for those recovering or moving through illness.
As a professional musician, I am also a defender of the arts. I believe it is important to continue to find ways to enlarge the reach of the arts, to show levels of government that funding the arts really is about supporting compassionate community-building. Supporting the arts also sets the stage to encourage better dialogue between the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors, clearly communicating so all can benefit. You may email me at carolyn@violinforwellness.org.
Introducing the three components of Violin for Wellness™
Demonstration Day at Valley – our first public presentation. Excitement and Curiosity!
Jacob’s experience
Staff member Karen’s observations of an adult client with Tourette’s syndrome
Your Support Creates Wellness
Violin for Wellness™ and the Violin and Therapeutic Riding program is a non-conventional learning model with therapeutic intention, and provides an environment for all to experience positive energy and transformation. If you are a foundation or service organization, please contact me to see how you can be involved in this ground-breaking work. It is a rewarding time for everyone.
Sponsors and Donors are invited to see the compassionate Violin and Therapeutic Riding work in action. Please Contact me for a personal invitation to witness this program in action or you may email me at carolyn@violinforwellness.org.
See Testimonials and Client Journeys and Preliminary Study for more information.
Presentations
The Violin and Therapeutic Riding program is full of discoveries that students, professionals and support organizations alike will enjoy. Contact me, Carolyn Cole, to set up a presentation.
Thank you and I look forward to meeting you. Together let’s broaden the reach the arts can have in our communities.
Violin for Wellness™ is based in British Columbia, Canada.