MS in Harmony Provides Access to the Benefits and Enjoyment of Music Therapy for Everyone Affected by Multiple Sclerosis
A new online platform, MSinHarmony.com has been launched and provides an engaging and interactive way to explore music therapy for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). The site includes information about the music therapy and the growing body of evidence that music therapy benefits include improvement of communication, balance, gait, spasticity, and cognitive and psychologic symptoms of MS. The site also provides resources to find music therapists and other support organizations. MS in Harmony is cosponsored by the American Music Therapy Association and Bristol Myers Squibb.
A centerpiece of the site are videos and music playlists that feature Courtney Platt, a professional dancer, choreographer, and singer who was first diagnosed with relapsing MS when she was on the TV program So You Think You Can Dance. Ms. Platt's brother-in-law, Ben Platt, who is a Tony award-winning singer and songwriter is also featured.
Courtney says, “Music has always been a driving force in in my life, and music therapy is such an incredible way to connect your body and your mind. I find it helps me physically, emotionally and mentally, so I’m just excited to have these online video modules and share them with others. It doesn’t matter what kind of MS you have or what your music skills are, anyone can do these exercises with their family at home. Creating the videos with my brother-in-law, Ben, has a very emotional experience, and I encourage people to do modules with family and friends. It is a great way to let your supporters into your circle of daily experience and share what you are going through as a person living with MS.”
Ben Platt shares that he, "jumped at the chance to support something so meaningful, specifically to Courtney,” and that he is inspired by seeing Courtney “live with MS with such grace and power.” “I find music incredibly powerful to change my emotional state and help connect my mind and body.”
The videos provide brief music therapy exercises that anyone can do alone or with friends and family from the safety and comfort of home. Central to all the videos is that anyone, regardless of musical ability or prior musical experience, can enjoy and benefit from these music therapy in the comfort and safety of their own home. Videos encourage individuals with MS to involve their friends and family in music therapy with them as a fun way to provide support and caregiving. All of the videos are led by credentialed music therapists.
Music therapist Betsy Hartman, MT-BC, who leads several of the videos noted, “I hope that neurologists will recommend this service and music therapy to patients and families because it allows people with MS to address multiple goals such as movement, cognition, and mood together in one session and also gives people a place to build community.”
Courtney Platt is also kicking off the #MSinHarmony social challenge, asking everyone (whether they have MS or not) to share video of themselves singing and dancing to their favorite song on Instagram with the tag #MSinHarmony, and challenge three others to do the same andfollow @MSinHarmony on Instagram.