She plays in the hallways and in individual rooms if a patient or nurse requests it. Harps date back to biblical days, but it wasn't until a few years ago that they were spotted in the local hospital, when Coon and Mattox started playing with the group United Compassionate Artists. Blake Steele, leader of the local music group, told the two about the International Harp Therapy training program. They received scholarships from the hospital foundation to help with training. Learning harp therapy is a considerable investment.
Instruments are expensive, and there is constant training involved.
And the training is far more difficult than memorizing some songs. Students learn how the instrument affects the central nervous system. They also take courses in psychology, hospice care, hospital etiquette and even anatomy. Harp therapists have to learn to watch their patients to understand which keys and songs help them relax and to put aside any set agenda they may have about their music. They learn a variety pieces, ranging from medieval to modern and covering a variety of religious backgrounds.