“Music can lift us out of depression or move us to tears – it is a remedy, a tonic, orange juice for the ear. But for many of my neurological patients, music is even more – it can provide access, even when no medication can, to movement, to speech, to life. For them, music is not a luxury, but a necessity.” Oliver Sacks, neurologist and author.
About "Memory Lane Music" - group sessions:
"Our home managers always look forward to Ron's visits because of the joy he brings to our residents' lives."
Barbara Passarelli, ElderHealth & Living Memory Loss Solutions
"Ron has made a tremendous impact on every resident he has come in contact with at ElderHealth & Living. His sensitivity to our special population and ability to draw everyone in when he sings is truly amazing. We are thrilled to have Ron come to our Memory Loss homes weekly!” Liz von Wellsheim, ElderHealth & Living Memory Loss Solutions
"Memory Lane Music" - group sessions are an uplifting way to bring moments of joy to those with memory loss - and to anyone who enjoys music. This one-hour session of carefully selected repertoire of familiar favorites from traditional and popular music, also includes interaction and fun. This is more of a 'romp' than a 'stroll' down memory lane!
Sometimes, for Memory Lane Music group sessions, the room may require a steel-stringed guitar. This is a limited edition Taylor 514ce, "Guitars for the Gulf" - sales of which benefit musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina.
www.taylorguitars.com
Chuck Jackson, from Albany, OR is an early-onset ALZ patient - and speaks regularly to caregivers and government agencies about this disease. His perspective helped orient me to serve this population effectively with music.
Click here to listen to a 3-minute NPR interview with Chuck.
"Music has been recognized through research as a safe, inexpensive and effective non-pharmaceutical way to relieve anxiety"
Dr. Brian Seeney, National Naval Medical Center, Maryland
"Half an hour of music produced the same effect as 10 milligrams of valium."
Dr. Raymond Bahr, Baltimore's St. Agnes Hospital
"Music can be a crucially important aspect of therapy..."
Dr. Oliver Sacks, Neurologist
Ron Thomas, CMP (541) 915-1020
click here to send e-mail
"A music practitioner plays healing and relaxation music at the bedside of ill and dying patients. There have been many studies written on the benefits of music for patients and families. Bedside healing music is a new field being introduced into the medical profession, and it is quickly being accepted. Bedside music benefits patients, who are scared or anxious, and allows them to relax or even possibly fall into a deep relaxing sleep. Music can affect the heartbeat, pulse, respiration, equalize and slow down brain waves, reduce muscle tension and improve body movement. It can also affect body temperatures and release endorphin levels, as well as regulate stress-related hormones, boost the immune system, stimulate digestion and a feeling of well-being."
Bonnie Leigh,Certified Music Practitioner
Click here to learn more about
the Music for Healing & Transition Program
