Katy Eckstein
How can music help you on your journey towards better health? The Handley Library branch has partnered with Cheryl Costello from Melodic Journeys to provide a Music and Wellness workshop series to explore the many ways individuals and groups can use music to achieve their health goals.
Cheryl holds a board certification in music therapy, which means she has completed a credentialed specialized education program and obtained a certification from a national board recognized by the American Music Therapy Association.
“I have worked in a wide variety of music related careers over the past decades, and I’ve seen first-hand how music can create comfort during challenging times, build confidence, bring groups together, foster communication, inspire motivation for physical exercise, aid in memory recall for those struggling with memory loss, and so much more. Music seems to touch nearly every facet of human lives. This eventually led me to seek credentials to work directly with groups and individuals to help achieve specific health goals.”
During each workshop, Cheryl will be providing an interactive and research-based look at the many ways music has been used to support overall wellbeing and health. The primary focus will be on wellness for older adults and include active music making through rhythm, singing, movement, and creativity.
“Each session will have an overall theme related to a health domain or musical experience, but the intent is to utilize the joy of making music! My goal is to help participants learn more about how music can support both personal health goals and community wellbeing. I’ll also provide some take-away information to apply to your own journey.”
Workshop Dates
March 14 at 11am - Music and Health: An Overview
Explore the many ways music can support a healthy lifestyle through a variety of musical experiences.
April 11 at 11am - Exploring Rhythm for Wellness
What is rhythmic entrainment? To find out, wear comfortable clothing, bring a drum or use one provided for this workshop!
May 9 at 11am - Music and Emotions
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. This experiential workshop will explore ways to calm anxiety through music and relaxation.
Library Resources
If you would like to take a closer look at the many ways music is used in therapy, how it is processed by the brain, and its role in society, the library has several resources including:
"The Music Therapy Profession" by Chrstine Korb (Hoopla Audiobooks)
https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/13479486
"The Healing Power of Music"
https://avod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=107233&xtid=142709
"Music of the Brain"
https://avod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=107233&xtid=41327
"Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain" by Oliver W. Sacks
"This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession" by Daniel J. Levitin
Learn more about Melodic Journeys and Cheryl Costello here!