Music at Mayo
“Since its inception, Mayo has used art, architecture and beauty in its surroundings to address the ‘spiritual aspects’ of medical care.”
Crossing the threshold from a snow-covered Rochester to a warm, opulent lobby felt like entering an oasis from a wasteland. Pristinely gleaming waveform architecture, wrapped in warm tones ushered me in to an inviting womb. For those carrying a threatening or questioning health issue, what must their entrance feel like? What was my own mother experiencing during her visits here?
Curious to discover the strides Music Therapy has made through the years, my visit here was to explore how it is being utilized in a general hospital setting. Grateful for no imminent health issue, I approached this pilgrimage with observance, yet holding compassion for those in need and my own mother’s past journey here.
Art and Music of all varieties abound. Like a grand hotel, I was welcomed by no less than 13 Chihuly chandeliers, a larger than life sculpture entitled “Man and Freedom,” and live music. Generous contributions by benefactors provide offerings such as Jacob Lawrence paintings, pre-Columbian art, a Rodin sculpture, to an inviting grand piano at every turn. In fact, like Alice underground the signs read “Play me.”
At appointed hours, the historic carillon tower emanates music from atop one of Mayo’s original buildings. Curated programs waft across the entire town. And it’s a full-time job for a young 20-something, with a passion for carillon and programs thoughtful and relevant repertoire, from classic to contemporary, reverent to witty.
Not just any general hospital, Mayo is perhaps the Grand Dame of all things medical. Rochester, MN deems to become the Silicon Valley of medical care. A medical destination site, complete with all amenities. It was here that I spent an entire day being given a tour and overview of the use of Music Therapy at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. A budding Music Therapist had once been a patient here and had the vision that Music Therapy should also be a part of the world-class offerings.
Mayo, having a reverence for music in general, seemed primed for Music Therapy. This young Music Therapist, Christina Wood, poignantly directed her Masters Thesis for such care and persisted in her desire to establish the program. 15 years later, Mayo now has multiple Music Therapists on board.
From mental health to palliative and hospice care, and across various departments, Music Therapy at Mayo is weaving its way into greater use. Music Therapists assess, collaborate, and administer Music Therapy experiences best suited for each patient’s environment and need. Whether bedside, ambulatory, or in a group room with children or adults, a Music Therapist has a direct relationship with the people they serve. During my visit, doctors, nurses, and administrative agents spoke highly of the great difference Music Therapy has made in patient care and wellness, and the desire for further expansion.
Creating together, listening or actively making music, and moving through life’s continuum, Music Therapy can enhance any form of care. I am gladdened to see Music Therapy’s continued expansion in to general hospital settings and only wish my own mother could have benefitted during her Mayo stay. Augmenting the beauty of the human experience and surroundings, coupled with the personal relationship, Music Therapy can make a difference in so many ways. Let’s keep moving forward.
“The glory of medicine is that it is constantly moving forward, that there is always more to learn.”