Shine Me Up!

This is the second time I have tried to play for this man and today he is feeling well enough to listen. He is at the far side of a long room and his IV pole is hiding my view of His face, the TV is on at a relatively low volume and the environmental staff is cleaning out waste cans and crinkling bags. None of this bothers me!

Published on March 23, 2016 by Lloyd Goldstein.

How I Play Matters

How I play matters, even more perhaps than what I play. If I am prepared mentally, physically and musically, that is, if I have practiced yoga and meditation in the morning, and had a nice warm up on the instrument I am apt to do a more sensitive and accurate job.

Published on March 23, 2016 by Lloyd Goldstein.

No One Else

I am playing at the end of a long hallway, a thoroughfare between wings.

Published on March 23, 2016 by Lloyd Goldstein.

If I Am Doing My Job Correctly

If I am doing my job right, the way I play my music is dependent on the depth of feeling and the quality of connection I am able to feel I the presence of the person I am playing for.

Published on March 23, 2016 by Lloyd Goldstein.

Never Too Late

I am freshly back from a busy weekend trip and am scheduled to meet a student in the lobby to play for patients, visitors, staff, whoever is around. I receive a text that a patient is actively dying and the family is requesting a visit. I check with the nursing staff and they tell me that there is time to visit later this afternoon.

Published on March 23, 2016 by Lloyd Goldstein.

A Quiet Week

It is a quiet week at he hospital. Tomorrow is New Years. I wasn't sure if I wanted to come in today, but I am excited to show a patient and his wife my older instrument. I played for them yesterday. They have heard my newer instrument and are interested in hearing the difference in sound between the two.

Published on March 23, 2016 by Lloyd Goldstein.

Little Serenade

She seems a little groggy, but immediately welcomes "a little serenade". As I begin to play 'Let It Be' I hearpercussion accompaniment from the man sitting by her bedside, she is rockingher upper body rhythmically forward and backward. We are playing together with a nice rock-gospel feel! As I finish they are both nodding and smiling, saying how good it felt.

Published on March 23, 2016 by Lloyd Goldstein.

Into my Eyes

The room is dimly lit, yet cheerful, with photos and bits of color here and there. The patient is resting in the corner recliner, curled up, quiet, her daughter on a couch at the far end of the room. I have played for them before and they are welcoming. "It has been a rough week. We could use some of this."

Published on March 23, 2016 by Lloyd Goldstein.

Instrumental

Ready for discharge from the bone marrow unit today. Big day. Close call, after our last visit, they tell me. Sober gratitude is the way I would describe this man's demeanor. We have had 5 visits together over 3 weeks. No huge smiles, but a warm and reserved thankfulness for what I've been able to offer and share. Today it is time to move on and move out.

Published on March 23, 2016 by Lloyd Goldstein.

Audible Expressions of Joy

There is family in the room. Two different staff members come in to consult. Normally I would leave and come back another time, but this man is so intent on our visit that he leaves most of the consultation to his wife and family, while I continue to play.

Published on March 23, 2016 by Lloyd Goldstein.

One of the Best Visits!

This Pt knows me from previous admissions. His spouse excuses herself, unsuccessfully hiding tears, in response to some disappointing news. "I just can't right now. You might as well play for him, he loves your music." As she is walking away 3 docs arrive to make rounds. She shakes her head, shrugs and decides to stay, to wait for the doctors, and to listen.

Published on March 23, 2016 by Lloyd Goldstein.

No Shit!

"No Shit, when my wife and I came over where you were playing and heard the music, I think it put me over the edge to where I told myself, OK, you can do this."

Published on March 23, 2016 by Lloyd Goldstein.

A Beautiful Day In the Life of a Certified Music Practitioner

I walk into a large waiting room; people see me and wait without much expression. I introduce myself, and offer to play a few pieces for them while they wait...

Published on December 02, 2015 by Lloyd Goldstein.

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