PPP094: Music is Theraputic with Jeanine Wheeler

28May 2018 by Shelly Davis

Jeanine Wheeler is a piano teacher and music therapist serving the Lubbock, Texas and Abilene, Texas communities.

Jeanine's Musical Journey

Jeanine comes from a very musical family. Her father plays bassoon, her mother learned cello, her older sister studied violin. Naturally, Jeanine wanted to play an instrument too.

Her parents didn’t enroll her in lessons immediately but Jeanine was persistent and begged for lessons for over a year. They finally allowed piano lessons to begin then Jeanine was nine years old.

Growing up in Michigan, close to Michigan State University, the first college in the country to offer a music therapy program. When Jeanine was twelve, her mother took her to a lecture presented by Dr. Deforia Lane. She also got Dr. Lane’s book, Music as Medicine, for Christmas which set the course for Jeanine’s musical career.

This inspiring Ted Talk by Dr. Lane brought me to tears. I am amazed by the healing power of music.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is using music as a tool to meet the needs to whoever your client is.

Jeanine works with children, many of whom have medical needs or multiple disabilities. She uses music to help them with skills they are addressing in physical therapy and occupational therapy, as well as learning to cope with anxiety.

If my daughter, Tracy, had been at the hospital where Jeanine works, she might have used music as a productive activity to fill the time waiting for a procedure to begin. This is not only a way to help the time pass but it is also a wonderful way to alleviate any anxiety she might have. This activity is a huge help for parents as well!

Music therapy in action

Music therapists often co-treat with rehab teams to assist patients who may have had a spinal injury and are working to get out of the bed for the first time.

The rhythmicity of music will encourage your movement; it helps you with motor planning.

Watch the change music makes in this gentleman’s ability to walk….and dance!

Children on the spectrum, dealing with any level of Autism or Asperger’s are often aided by the use of a metronome when they’re working or trying to move. The rhythmic pulse of the metronome will help them ‘lock in’ and have better control of their bodies and movement.

Music is helpful for children with ADHD or coping skills. “The more we can put up a rhythmic structure, the more we can self-regulate.”

What music is best for therapy?

Are the specific titles to use for music therapy or will any music help? “There is no magic music. The best place to start is with whatever they love.”

Jeanine recalls one child, years ago, who was so tired and sleepy during her session that, out of desperation, Jeanine pulled up some bagpipe music and played a fun little jig. That became this child’s preferred music to help her over a hump.

Use the music that is closest to your heart, the songs that Grandma sang, the music you’ve always listened to.

One of the best things Jeanine uses singing for is to relieve anxiety. Singing demands breathe control.

Taking a deep breath and singing a song you know and love will ultimately relax your heart rate and lower blood pressure and encourage oxygenation.

Music therapy is a huge benefit for parents and care-givers of children as well. Don’t underestimate your need for stress relieve and coping with anxiety.