1. What type of music is played?
2. This sounds religious, is it?
3. Can you play CDs at a Music Vigil?
4. How is this prescriptive?
  5. Does this really work?
  6. Can donations be made?
  7. What is the difference between Therapeutic Music Sessions and Music Vigils?
  8. Surely anyone who plays a harp can do this too?
   
 
1. What type of music is played?

Most of the music played in a vigil comes from a specific repertoire learned during training. The repertoire includes ancient and contemporary chant and also specifically selected Celtic lullaby’s and blessings. Well known pieces or requests are seldom played as is the case in some music related therapies. The music seems familiar yet remaining beyond cognitive connections to its source. Vigil music is always played at the bedside live, with harp and voice the only instruments used.
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2. This sounds religious, is it?

The word spiritual as distinct from religious would be a more appropriate description of this work. The religious persuasion of the music-thantologist is not offered, the musician preferring to leave the offering un-named. However the upholding and support of the patient’s spiritual outlook, faith or lack of faith is honored. Yet there is an attempt to evoke the Sacred in each vigil. Patients and family members have described their experience as spiritual, religious, as an experience of beauty, of reverence. Quite often they are left without words to describe the event that has occurred. A comforting silence is often present that needs no explanation.
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3. Can you play CDs at a Music Vigil?
However comforting, a music CDs is never played at a bedside vigil by a music-thantologist. Music CDs may be a beautiful and helpful contribution for family members or carers to offer their dying relative. The power of the bedside vigil comes from the combination of the practitioner's presence, the live music (harp and voice), and the prescriptively played nature of the musical offering. (See Research Outcomes)
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4. How is this perscriptive?
The music is never just a set sequence of learned pieces, improvisation or music chosen at random. The music-thanatologist is trained to choose in the moment from his/her memorised repertoire, the most appropriate music and its application for each dying patient’s changing needs.
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5. Does this really work?
In short, absolutely yes! Does music affect your mood and set your feet tapping at a party? Does it help you escape the tension of the traffic while you drive?.. Do the music and sound effects enhance the story when you are watching a movie? Why wouldn’t music also affect us equally when we are sick and emotionally or physically vulnerable? There have been countless artices written and research conducted relating to various examples of the beneficial uses of music in medical settings. Peter Roberts own work in this area has been the subject of extensive research by Deakin University. Victoria Australia The Research document was published in January 2006. Contact for details.
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  6. Can donations be made?
  Peter Roberts is only a part time member of staff at St John Of God Hospital in Geelong. He is reliant on grants and the generous donations of individuals and groups to support the work he does in the broader community in playing “no charge” end of life music vigils. Should you wish to make a donation in support of this work it would be greatly appreciated. A receipt and letter of thanks will be sent to you by Peter.
 
  7. What is the difference between Therapeutic Music Sessions and Music Vigils?
  The Music Vigils are only for those people who are facing death. The intention and the focus of the vigil is specific to assisting the patient to “let go” of anything that may be holding them back from a peaceful death. Harp, voice and silence are the only accompaniment.

Peter’s therapeutic music is available to anyone in the community who is recovering from illness or dealing with difficult situations or transitions. Peter offers his therapeutically played music on a one to one basis for individuals, or to groups of people. He often plays a variety of musical instruments in these sessions. He has his own recorded music that may be of help also. These sessions can be light hearted and fun, gentle and nurturing, uplifting and peaceful.
 
  8. Surely anyone who plays a harp can do this too?
  Playing a harp in a hospital can be a pleasant experience for the general listener offering a very valuable diversion. Dealing musically with the complex issues that are present in medical settings and working in conjunction with medical staff, social workers and pastoral care personnel requires specific training and must not be assumed as the side benefit of playing just any “nice” harp music.

The trained musical practitioner is just that...trained..and qualified to work with patients, as are the rest of the hospital medical staff. Rigorous training ensures safe and appropriate personal and musical responses to issues of panic, fear, distress, respiratory difficulties, loss, grief, death, hospital protocols. Before being able to work in a hospital environment a practitioner must undergo all required internal hospital training including the signing of ethical and confidentiality agreements etc. The practitioner must also undergo a police security check and be covered by all risks public liability insurance.