Book Beat:  The power of music to heal 

Concetta Tomaino is the author of the new “Music has Power in Senior Wellness and Healthcare: Best Practices From Music Therapy.” Images courtesy IMNF.

In her new book, “Music Has Power in Senior Wellness and Healthcare: Best Practices From Music Therapy” (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 288 pages, $27.95), Concetta Tomaino, D.A., a pioneer in the field, shares more than 40 years of clinical and research experience.  

With chapters on mental health and wellness, dementia, movement rehabilitation (for stroke and Parkinson’s disease sufferers) and speech rehabilitation (for those with aphasia), this comprehensive, friendly practice guide will help readers use music therapy’s best practices to provide more fulfilling caregiving across all senior health-care settings.    

While music activities are ever-present in most care settings, Tomaino observes, these activities don’t provide the therapeutic benefits that are possible with music therapy-informed interventions and programs. Today best practices from music therapy are transforming dementia care and have the potential to improve health care – and health – for older people, whatever their needs, wherever they receive care, Tomaino writes.  

Concetta Tomaino, D.A., executive director, and co-founder (with the late neurologist and author Oliver Sacks) of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) at the Wartburg senior complex in Mount Vernon, working with a patient.

Tomaino is the executive director, and co-founder (with the late neurologist and author Oliver Sacks), of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) at the Wartburg senior complex in Mount Vernon. Known for her research in the clinical applications of music and neurologic rehabilitation, Tomaino has received the United Nations’ Music Therapists for Peace Award of Accomplishment, while her work has been featured on CBS’ “48 Hours” and “60 Minutes” and on the BBC and CBC.   

Added David Gentner, Ed.D., president and CEO of Wartburg, who wrote the book’s foreword: “We are very excited to be part of the book release and the next steps in developing complimentary educational programming.”  

Plans are in motion to translate the book into a certification program that can be accessed virtually and in person.  In this way, direct caregivers, both professional and family, can learn to use music therapy-informed interventions and programs to benefit seniors in their care.  Plans also include an advanced credential for board-certified music therapists working in senior care.  

To purchase the book, click here.  And for more, visit https://www.imnf.org/