Carol Sharp - Specializing in work with Children and the elderly

Harp Music Therapy
CAROL SHARP

801-268-4789 or idlewild@idlewildrecordings.com

 

CERTIFIED:

Certified as a Practitioner by the International Harp Therapy Program with practicum experience at the Fletcher-Allen Hospital, Burlington, Vt. and the San Diego Hospice, San Diego, Ca.

I am a graduate of the University of Utah with a BS Degree in Human Development and Family Studies, and a member of the University of Utah chapter of PHI KAPPA PHI national honor society for the recognition of superior scholarship.

INTERNSHIP:

Completed an 80 hour internship under the supervision of a registered music therapist at the Davis Senior Day Care Center in Orem, Utah.

AREAS OF STUDY:

Areas of study in the course work included the following:

  • Psychology course on understanding the client in the helping process in order to support change.

  • Uses and methods of music therapy in mental health services, with special emphasis on children with handicaps or special needs.

  • Living anatomy and fundamentals of Resonant Kinesiology.

  • Inclusive attention to enhance our awareness of ourselves and others around us.

  • Understanding the process of death and dying, what to expect so that we may be a support during patients transition.

  • Hospital etiquette including familiarization with hospital procedures and common reactions to medicines.

  • Music development including repertoire, improvisation, and ways to encourage participation when appropriate.

EXPERIENCE:

I have experience using music to work with groups and individuals in the following situations:

  • Children at Primary Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, and schools (including their special needs groups).

  • Elderly people at various care facilities, including an 80 hour internship under a registered music therapist at Davis Senior Day Care center in Orem, Utah. Rehab Center at the Fletcher-Allen Center in Vermont (the training hospital for the UVM medical school).

  • Hospice work at the San Diego Hospice in San Diego, Ca.

  • I have played my small Celtic Harp with children and their families at various locations throughout the hospital including ICU, Rehab, Same Day Surgery, Emergency, Newborn ICU,  and the playroom.

MUSIC BACKGROUND:

The harp is the main instrument I use in therapy situations, but I also play piano, hammered dulcimer, bowed and lap psaltery, and a variety of rhythm instruments.

I actively perform in the musical group Idlewild with my husband David Sharp and other friends. Mainly performing Celtic and traditional music, we perform at festivals, weddings and events though out the region on a regular basis. We have played live on KRCL Radio and on an episode of a network series on TV. Idlewild has several CD's available at local music stores.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HARP THERPY?

Sounds of the harp can promote comfort and relaxation and can help increase the recipient's coordination and concentration.

Physical benefits from listening to soothing harp music have been documented to include lower blood pressure, a decrease in heart rate and an increase in oxygenation levels. People often require lower amounts of painkillers while under the influence of the therapeutic music.

Although recorded music can be quite effective, there is a greater benefit to the live experience of music. Knowing what to play and and how to talk to the patient is the key to therapy.

As a Practitioner of Harp therapy I have been trained to give something more than just a pleasant performance.

 

ORFF MUSIC:

Carol is a certified music teacher at Level 1 of the Orff Schulwerk music method.

Orff Schulwerk is a way to teach and learn music. It is based on things children like to do: sing, chant rhymes, clap, dance, and keep a beat on anything near at hand. These instincts are directed into learning music by hearing and making music first, then reading and writing it later. This is the same way we all learned our language.

Orff Schulwerk is designed for all children, not just the privileged, talented, or selected few. There is a place for every child and each contributes according to his/her ability.

Orff Schulwerk happens in a non-competitive atmosphere where one of the rewards is the pleasure of making good music with others. When the children want to write down what they have composed, reading and writing find their moment.

Orff Schulwerk uses poems, rhymes, games, songs, and dances as examples and basic materials. These may be traditional or original. Spoken or sun, they may be accompanied by clapping and stamping or by drums, sticks, and bells.

The special Orff melody instruments include wooden xylophones and metal glockenspiels that offer good sound immediately. Played together as in a small orchestra, their use helps children become sensitive listeners and considerate participants.

With Orff Schulwerk, improvisation and composition start students on a lifetime of knowledge and pleasure through personal musical experience.