From Behind the Harp: Music in End of Life Care, Paperback

"From Behind the Harp: Music in End of Life Care" is a journey into the field of music-thanatology: what it is, and how it uses live harp and voice to bring beauty, peace and compassion to the dying and their loved ones. Find out how these musician/clinicians help patients find relief from pain, agitation, respiratory and spiritual distress, while families and caregivers are often lifted out of fear or emotional fatigue. Over 50 stories of music vigils offer insight into what it means to die and to be with the dying, and how this music can serve as a guide through the process for all involved. This book will inspire caregivers and those interested in the field of death and dying, as well as all those caring for loved ones nearing the end of life.

About the Author:

Jane Franz, BA, MTAI and CORP certified music-thanatologist (CM-Th), has been serving the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those with terminal illness, those who are dying and their loved ones, with prescriptively delivered harp and voice in hospitals and hospices for the past fifteen years. Jane is a graduate of The Chalice of Repose Project (CORP) in Missoula, Montana, and was the coordinator for Strings of Compassion, the music-thanatology practice for PeaceHealth Medical Centers and Hospices in Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove, and Florence, Oregon. She is the director of the Music-Thanatology Training Program, where she is also on the faculty. Jane has served as the Chair of the Code of Ethics Committee for the professional organization, Music-Thanatology Association International (MTAI) since 2007. She has authored various articles and offers educational presentations for palliative caregiver populations in communities, hospitals, and hospices. Jane is a member of the University of Oregon Arts in Healthcare Research Consortium, involved in clinical study initiatives. Sandy LaForge, MS, MA, MTAI and CORP certified music-thanatologist, has been actively involved in the field of music-thanatology since first learning about it in 1989. She was a counselor both in private practice and for the Alzheimer's support group in Boulder, Colorado, until 1992. Sandy completed her music-thanatology training in 1994 and was certified at the Chalice of Repose Project school (CORP) in Missoula, Montana. She worked at the Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula and also at the Hospice of Metro-Denver in Aurora, Colorado. Sandy has served as Secretary, Member-at-Large, and developed special projects for the MTAI.