“Music is so powerful because it penetrates through our layers of defenses and opens up the psyche in a very direct way.”
Sarajane Williams, Editor of Harp Therapy Journal
“I believe that therapeutic music is changing the experience of illness and death, and is redefining the paradigm of effective modern medicine. In time I believe every medical institution, every hospice, and every doctor’s office will offer live music, along with other therapies, as a healing choice.”
Laura Riley, Co-founder and former director of Music for Healing and Transition
“Architecture is frozen music.
Music is liquid architecture. One is seen, one is heard, both are felt.”
Cynthia Price-Glynn - Director, Harp Department, The Boston Conservatory
Mission
The GentleMUSES fill, seek and create settings and situations for live music, primarily harp music, that include scientific, educational, artistic and/or therapeutic goals.
The GentleMUSES(SM) are talented, dedicated New England musicians. We are named for the mythical ancient Greek figures who inspired creativity, and the reflective and expressive arts.
The GentleMUSES are the product of a unique collaboration between The Boston Conservatory and Massachusetts General Hospital. The GentleMUSES present live music at MGH to enhance the healing environment for patients, staff, families and visitors.
Our Basis.
We have shown that live harp music can relax patients, staff and visitors in healthcare settings. Patients become less anxious, more receptive to medical processes and more satisfied with their hospital experience. Hospital staff report less stress and increased efficiency, effectiveness and job satisfaction. Visiting families and friends similarly report reduced stress and anxiety.
Our Potential. 
We are part of a growing movement in medicine and music that recognizes the power of music to diminish stress. We define stress as demands that challenge your mind, body and spirit, that if unabated can lead to acute or chronic illness as well as premature aging. We aim to expand our influence (to energize as well as to relax) throughout health-care venues and into other areas of life where stress is often present—for example business, political, judicial, retail, even social venues. Our immediate goal is to have GentleMUSES as staff harpists in at least five hospitals by the end of 2006.
Recognition for the Gentle Muses Program
“The response from Cancer Center patients, families and staff has been tremendous. People find the music soothing and comforting. These trained harpists blend into the environment, which contribute to the sense of peace. Our staff also feels this calming effect. We deeply appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Gentle Muses and the Boston Conservatory.”
Katie Binda – LICSW, Director of the HOPES Program, Cancer Center, MGH
“As a staff RN on this busy unit, I find it extremely relaxing. It can very much take the edge off the stress of the demands of a busy area. I have always heard positive feedback from patients as well. Thank you.”
“I think having harp music helps to relieve stress in patients and staff on a hectic day. It helps me relax and I can re-focus. We need to have harpists here more often.”
“Absolutely wonderful! I have chemotherapy today and I was anxious until I sat and listened to the music.”
“I find it wonderful to have this kind of music in such a hectic environment. It is a moment of peace and serenity.”
“I felt lousy after my diagnosis, but hearing your harp music was like the sun appearing on a cloudy day. I am now inspired to embark on the challenges ahead of me.”
We are part of a growing movement in medicine and music that recognizes the power of music to diminish stress. We aim to expand our influence (to energize as well as to relax) throughout health-care venues and into other areas of life where stress is often present—for example business, political, judicial, retail, even social venues.
Through the collaboration of The Boston Conservatory and MassGeneral Hospital, the GentleMUSES have the highest musical and medical credibility. They have bridged the gap between music and medicine by serving 6,240 people in the past two years. The GentleMUSES have received incubation funding from the American Truths Foundation, Inc., a small family foundation that develops and supports a broad range of historical, scientific, artistic, cultural and educational pursuits that display and promote interaction, understanding and respect among peoples.
“Music is so powerful because it penetrates through our layers of defenses and opens up the psyche in a very direct way.”
Sarajane Williams, editor of the Harp Therapy Journal
“Architecture is frozen music. Music is liquid architecture. One is seen, one is heard, both are felt.”
Cynthia Price–Glynn, Chair of Harp Department at The Boston Conservatory
Principal Harpist for The Boston Ballet
“The human soul is a silent harp in God’s quire, whose strings need only to be swept by the divine breath to chime in with the harmonies of creation.” – Henry David Thoreau, in an 1843 journal
Find a Muse
Muses events are listed at – http://www.idealist.org
Educational Links
International Harp Therapy Program
Music for Healing and Transition Program
The Clinical Musician’s Home Study Course – Chalice of Repose, in Oregon
www.longwoodsymphony.org
Research Links
Harp Therapy Journal
The Healer’s Way
Healing Harps
Bedside Harp
Sarah McKee’s Harp Therapy Journal Article
Map of Massachusetts General Hospital
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT US!
Boston Globe, December 2006
Patriot Ledger, December 2005
