Introducing Music has Power ® in Senior Wellness and Healthcare: Best Practices from Music Therapy

December 5, 2023 - For the first time, Dr. Concetta Tomaino, a pioneer in the field of music therapy. shares more than 40 years of clinical and research experience--not just with Music Therapists but also with healthcare leaders, clinicians, and direct care staff. The book, Music has Power ® in Senior Wellness and Healthcare: Best Practices from Music Therapy is now available for sale.

With chapters on mental health and wellness, dementia, movement rehabilitation (for stroke and Parkinson’s disease) and speech rehabilitation (for aphasia) this comprehensive and friendly practice guide will help everyone on the team use music therapy best practices to provide better, more fulfilling caregiving, across all senior healthcare settings. 

While music activities are ever present in most care settings, 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 healthcare—and health—for older people, whatever their needs, wherever they receive care. 

Dr. Concetta Tomaino is the Executive Director, and co-founder (with renowned neurologist and author, Oliver Sacks) of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF). Internationally known for her research in the clinical applications of music and neurologic rehabilitation, Dr. Tomaino received the United Nations’ Music Therapists for Peace Award of Accomplishment, and her work has been featured on 48 Hours, 60 Minutes, and internationally on the BBC and CBC.  Connie Tomaino is a visionary and leader in the field of music therapy, and here she shares her vast knowledge and clinical experiences with the rest of us in this compelling book. From senior care facilities, to drum circles, rehabilitation, and personal wellness, Music Has Power provides an overview of best practices and the latest knowledge on the therapeutic potential of music.

Dr. David Gentner, President and CEO of Wartburg, who wrote the book’s forward, said “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 care givers, both professional and family members, 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 therapist working in senior care. 

Endorsements: 

Music Has Power is an amazing practical guide for Music Therapists, full of scientific backing, heartwarming stories, and Tomaino's years of experience in the field. Tomaino provides the why and the how, outlining the proven impact music has on our brains and bodies and then providing step-by-step instructions for other music therapists to follow. Music Has Power is exactly the kind of book we need to transform the way we address caring for our communities.--Susan Magsamen

Dr. Connie Tomaino's lifelong dedication to improving the lives of so many through her pioneering research and absolute commitment to expanding and strengthening the connection between music and medicine shines through. This book is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the transformational power of music, and the remarkable benefits of music therapy.--Robin Strongin, Strongin Salon

Music has Power" by Concetta Tomaino is a "must read" for anyone interested in the power of music to help and heal. It offers a compendium of practical guidance on the application of music-based interventions for a variety of clinical scenarios, all rendered with care and compassion. The book's marvelously crafted content is of equal interest to novice, long time practitioner or to those simply eager to better understand music as perhaps the most human and powerful forms of creative expression.--Jeremy Nobel, MD, MPH Founder, The Foundation for Art & Healing Faculty, Harvard Medical School; Harvard Chan School of Public Health

This deeply inspirational book is an important one, for it chronicles not only the fundamental healing power of music, but also highlights the miraculous accomplishments of Connie Tomaino. She is a hero. Her work has transformed the lives and hearts of many beautiful souls and will continue to do so for a long time. There is great wisdom in these pages.--Michael Feinstein