Violin For Wellness

My name is Carolyn Canfield. 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 recognizes the strength of using the equine animal 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 for the clients themselves, some long-lasting.