Karl Bruhn has an inspiring story to tell:
“As a young child I lived in Enumclaw, Washington, a small town at the foot of Mt. Rainier. I had asthma very, very badly. A country doctor told my parents that they should move to Los Gatos, California, which had an ideal climate, and that I should learn to play a wind instrument if they ever expected me to get over my asthma.
“My parents made the move to California and saw to it that I took up the clarinet. My mother, a violinist, worked with me on rhythm exercises and learning how to breathe properly. I did overcome and outgrow asthma, and music became my career.
“I’ll be forever grateful to that country doctor and to my parents. So in answer to your question, from a very early age I’ve had an interest in music making and wellness.”
Bruhn, who is often referred to as the “Father of the Music Making and Wellness Movement”, has served as both Executive Director and President of the American Music Conference. He is also a past Presidential Adviser to the American Music Therapy Association and was awarded a Doctor of Music honorary degree by the Berklee College of Music in Boston. These are just a few of his many credentials – there’s not enough space in this blog to list them all!
Among them though is his passion and authority for integrating music into healthcare. With Dr. Barry Brittman MD, a famous researcher in the field of mind-body medicine, he has been working on a series of research projects about various aspects of “Recreational Music Making”.
The project involves a focus on fostering wellness through active music making by people who were not otherwise interested in music. Their research is considered a landmark, showing significant decrease in behavioral disturbances and burnout among long-term workers who were studied.
Music therapy can help promote wellness, manage stress, reduce pain, express emotions, improve memory, and improve physical rehabilitation. Plus, it’s a great way to communicate.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a technique of complementary medicine that uses music prescribed in a skilled manner by trained therapists. Programs are designed to help patients overcome physical, emotional, intellectual, and social challenges. Applications range from improving the well being of geriatric patients in nursing homes to lowering the stress level and pain of women in labor. Music therapy is used in many settings, including schools, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, community centers, and sometimes even in the home.
One of the best instruments for active music therapy is the harmonica. Playing the harmonica demands deep breathing, which helps to strengthen the diaphragm by involving the full lung capacity. For instance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients benefit from using the harmonica according to pulmonary specialists, which is why many rehabilitation programs now use harmonica.
If you are one of those who haven’t tried the harmonica as a complementary source of wellness, why not consider it now? The earlier you start learning how to play, the better. You’ll experience a lot of fun, joy and friendships, while you gain the benefits of controlled breathing.
