Violin for Wellness

VIOLIN FOR WELLNESS

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Whether in hospital, hospice, or other centers for support, music is proven to give soul-spark and pleasure to lives needing wellness. Studies are abounding showing positive responses to the tones and rhythms of music, from neo-natal babies to post-op healing to seniors in neurological decline. The feel of classical music can change levels of anxiety in those suffering from PTSD of any nature.
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How is my program Transitions and Violin different from registered music therapy?
The practice of the therapeutic musician is to use the intrinsic healing elements of beautiful, quality, live sound through passive listening, rather than engaging in required singing or other activities. The sonorities of the highly skilled performance-oriented musician provides an environment conducive to the human healing process, a musical massage, if you will. See Music and the Brain for more information.

Studies show music reaches humans and other mammals at a cellular level, where true healing happens. The brain responds by lighting up, encouraging growth of neurological pathways. The heart rate steadies, blood pressure goes down, and this relaxing state helps the immune system rebuild. Because the client is listening rather than being stimulated by external environment, tension dissipates, and emotions are re-directed.

A client comments:

“Being a patient in a hospital for any length of time can be lonely and depressing. When my husband asked if Carolyn would play for him and she agreed, he was excited and thrilled. Being a lover of music, it was a perfect fit. The music was so uplifting, not only for him but for another patient and family and myself. We all crowded around the room as Carolyn played “Meditation” by Massenet, not only once but a second time too. My husband spoke about this uplifting experience for many days. Many thanks, Carolyn, for this wonderful memory.”
The Arts in Unusual Settings for Health and Wellness

The Transitions and Violin program is an in-person private service I offer to you and your loved one. I will create a program based on discussion with the family to determine piece/song preferences of the client. The program will generally be 30 minutes of music of solo violin, tapping into memories and fostering a sustained time of repose. The vibrations and expressiveness voice of the violin bathe the client and move many through difficult times.

There is no limit to what live music can do to alter or ease outcomes. I see this every time I play for my clients in my Violin and Therapeutic Riding program. This can work for you and your loved ones too. The below examples are of my playing, but I do recommend quiet and peaceful melodies and sounds for easing anxiety and pain.

“Lowlands“, movement 1, from “Sonata on Old Tunes”, composed in 2000-2001 by Charles Damon Canfield, Seattle 2002

“Danny Boy“, arranged by Charles Damon Canfield, 1989

“Drunken Sailor“, movement 3, from “Sonata on Old Tunes“, carefree and a bit reckless.

"These three clips are from a cd recording made following a concert I organized to celebrate my father, Charles Damon Canfield, and part of the instrumental body of work composed by him. This private event was held in Bothell, Wa. for close family and friends in January 2002, less than a week before he passed away from cancer. My father was present, lucid, and spoke appreciatively of everyone present."

"My father, composer and pianist Charles Canfield, and I enjoyed playing 'Danny Boy' together many times: such wonderful memories. Those of you who know it well, will hear unusual chords. This is signature Charles, “Chordal Canfield”, as he was called in university days, when he studied music, composition and engineering at the UofW in Seattle."

"I later learned he had told his palliative team that he couldn’t “go” until he’d heard this concert. Some of the works we played that day he had never heard performed - world-premieres, for everybody's ears, and on two rehearsals! To add to the depth of this experience, it was one of the snowiest days on record. The concert to honor my father almost didn't happen."

"I am forever grateful to pianist, Roger Nelson and cellist, Craig Weaver, for agreeing to be part of this beautiful day at Matesky Studios. Thank you."