Striking a Chord with Music Therapist Miranda Eden

Weaving together culture, religion and life experiences, music therapist Miranda Eden helps the
families of Emmanuel Hospice compile the soundtrack of their loved one’s life.

“Music is in everything that we do – it’s universal,” said Eden. “It’s one of the most natural
connections we have as human beings.”

From the moment life begins, music is a part of our world. Mothers sing lullabies to their babies
as they drift to sleep. Couples remember the song they fell in love to. We know what tune was on the radio the first time we drove a car.

“Why not have music at death?” Eden asks. Eden has been a certified music therapist for nearly
20 years, helping families use music to cope with the loss of loved ones.

Music therapy is a relatively new field, and the effects can be seen each day in Eden’s career.
While providing a variety of instruments, she sings with patients and their families. She helps
people reflect on their life while creating new memories. While music won’t change a diagnosis,
she says that it can reduce physical symptoms of pain and agitation.

“I’ve been in so many moments when a song is being played, and the patient’s lips are moving,”
Eden said. “They might not be singing, but they acknowledge the song. There’s a smile – there’s
a calmness. They are listening.”

Emmanuel Hospice provides music therapy as a method to assist patients with stress relief, wellbeing and even pain management. Eden uses a variety of techniques to connect with patients. For
example, she often sings their favorite songs and hymns, or creates the opportunity for song
writing and making music choices.

Eden is one of many therapists who work with Emmanuel Hospice to improve the quality of life
for many patients during their final days. Emmanuel Hospice also uses other holistic methods,
including massage therapy, acupuncture and spiritual counseling.

“We believe it’s important to provide patients and their families with options,” said Sara Lowe,
executive director at Emmanuel Hospice. “Just like people learn in different ways, people cope in
different ways.”

It’s the personalized care that makes music therapy so intimate and powerful.

Eden recalled a man who was nearing the end of his life. The man proudly told Eden he used to
sing in a country western band. One of his life dreams was to record an album.

Eden said, “Let’s do it!”

The pair rehearsed a song and when he was ready, Eden recorded the song with an app on her
iPad.

That evening, Eden made a CD from the recording and returned to the man’s home the following
day.

“It was a like a CD release party. His entire family was there and waiting to hear the song,” Eden
said. “He was so proud. His family was tearful, saying it was something he always wanted to do.”

For Eden, that is what makes her job so important.

“I feel honored to be in those last moments with so many people,” she said. “Music opens the
door for those moments in time—for moments of the past and for moments that have yet to be
created.”