Musical Reflections

In this blog post, we will share the “Scope of Practice” for being a Certified Harp Practitioner.

A Certified Harp Practitioner’s practice is to use the intrinsic healing elements of live harp music to provide an environment conducive to the human healing process. (Healing is defined as movement toward mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wholeness.)

Requirements in the following categories are required to be a Certified Harp Practitioner:

1. Musicianship

• Demonstrates/applies knowledge of basic music theory and techniques.
• Improvises and plays music in a fluid, musical fashion.
• Plays appropriate repertoire.
• Is sensitive to the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient.

2. Professionalism

• Uses appropriate interpersonal skills, etiquette, and legal, ethical and moral judgment, when interacting with patients, families and hospital/hospice staff; adheres to a strict Code of Ethics. (Stay tuned for our next blog post.)
• Presents a positive, mature and professional image in manners, communication and dress.
• Respects diversity of cultural traditions, values and musical preferences.
• Demonstrates a responsible attitude about personal identification, documentation, scheduling, infection control, hospital equipment and privacy.
• Focuses on the welfare of the patient above all else in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner.
• Works within the determined scope of practice of therapeutic musicians; seeks appropriate assistance when needed.
• Engages in appropriate self-care and continuing education.

If you are interested in learning more or wish to have me play at the hospital or hospice bedside for you or your loved one, please contact me.

We are BioMat reps and are excited to introduce a NEW product! It is the BioAmethyst Cushion – perfect at the office, in the car, for meditation, in a chair or on the couch. The uses are endless, but supplies are NOT!! The new BioAmethyst Cushion is the perfect unity of the Mini BioMat and the Quantum Energy Pad featuring:

• 17 rows of amethyst crystals for natural infrared rays and energy.
• Peach and grape seed layer for additional infrared rays.
• Ultra soft, smooth and finer than silk microfiber cover for extra padding and comfort.
• Moisture resistant and impervious to dust mites.
• Lightweight, portable and washable.

Dimensions: 18″ x 18″ x 2 1/2″
Weight: 4.4 lbs

Price: $250 + $30 (shipping) through May 23 at 5 p.m. CST
To order: call Tami Briggs at 952-829-1919 (it is so new, it is not available on my website!)
Available while supplies last.

Taking the best elements of the Bio-Mat – amethyst and infrared rays – the BioAmethyst Cushion generates no heat. Perfect for summertime! When you use this cushion, you get the benefits of amethyst crystals – a wonderful stone for meditation and connection to the Divine. Even though you are sitting “on a bed of rocks,” the two cover layers (cotton pad and microfiber outer layer) add padding and comfort.

We know these are likely to sell out fast so contact us today to order yours!
It is a perfect product of healing, comfort, durability and price point.

As sound healing increases in popularity, the public continues to be more informed and asks for sessions with a variety of instruments – harp, crystal bowls, gongs, Native American flutes, etc. Science is also catching up to share specific benefits of using music therapeutically and as a healing modality.

The BioMat’s parent company company (Richway International) recently introduced the BioAcoustic Mat (which we rep!). It is vibroacoustic therapy for natural relaxation and renewal via certain frequencies connecting to different areas in the body. It does this through a three specially-designed speaker system:

1. A powerful transducer delivering low frequencies (30-68 Hz) for a deep, large muscle cellular massage.
2. Two smaller speakers playing higher frequencies (52-88 Hz), targeting small muscle groups.

The BioAcoustic Mat’s sound system vibrates and stimulates the nerves in the spine, deep tissue and limbic systems, and affects brain activity to drive an emotional response of well-being. This combination of music and an elevated emotional state activates the auditory nerves that connects to all of our muscle tissue, helping to induce relaxation on a physiological level.

The music in the BioAcoustic Mat was created by Dr. Lee Bartel. Four categories (energize, relax, sleep and stress relief) and 12 therapeutic tracks allow you to address your personal needs. Tracks include digital instruments to soothing nature sounds and range from 3 to 6+ minutes.

The BioAcoustic Mat comes in two sizes:

• Professional (fits on a massage table – $3,000 + $60 shipping)
• Single (fits on a twin bed – $3,500 + $100 shipping).

For more information about either BioMats or the BioAcoustic Mat, contact us at tami@MusicalReflections.com.

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays. A time of being in gratitude, we are aware that we have much to be so thankful for:

• Our many presentations with the opportunity to share harp music and our message of hope and healing.
• Our wonderful customers who purchase CDs and books to support their journey.
• Our “other” business called the BioMat. We have met so many great customers to help with their healing journeys. (And we also love the product personally!!)
• Our flexible schedule to care for aging parents.

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving overflowing with blessings of grace, peace and love.

I love the sounds that come from the harp and so many people share this same thought! Isn’t it interesting that an instrument of such beauty has three things “attached” to it that aren’t so glamorous:  1) packing it around – it’s heavy and awkward!, 2) tuning so many strings – time consuming and always a moving target with weather and humidity changes, and 3) re-stringing it. Oh well, carry on because even with the “not so fun” things about the harp, it sounds simply heavenly and amazing!

And that leads us to another paradox about this instrument … it is such a gentle, comforting, soothing, nurturing sound and it is also such a powerful healing tool. It is really a mystery how that works, but it happens time and time again at both the hospital and hospice bedsides.

I was recently in conversation with a friend when she casually mentioned “The Emotion Code.” It caught my attention and I asked, “What’s that?” She went on to say it is the philosophy that all illnesses are rooted in our emotions. Having long held this belief, I wanted to learn more!

Not long after, I had my first session and was blown away! The insights, the clearing, the deep healing … just wow!!

So, now I’m discerning if I want to get certified in this amazing modality to share it with others. I guess time will tell if that’s my next right step but, in the meantime, I am enjoying emotional freedom from some “stuff” that I’d been hanging onto for a very long time!!

I recently found this quote (that someone else found on an Irish headstone):  “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

It reminded me of playing for two different holiday memorial services (before Thanksgiving and Christmas) for families who have lost children. Both of these events are witnessing heartbreak in action and a huge outpouring of LOVE. Very sad, yet beautiful and heartfelt – just as the quote says. It truly is always all about LOVE – all the time, isn’t it?

As many of you know, “darkness” kinda goes along with my harp work – many times, I am experiencing people at their most vulnerable, painful and “dark” time.

It is vital to be present to these times and frequently, when we “sink” deep into the darkness, hope and healing happens. Yes, it’s a mystery, but I see it time after time.

This George Chakiris quote says it beautifully, “No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible.” Important to remember – on many levels – these days, right?!

I keynoted at the Healing Beyond Borders’ (HBB) international conference in August 2017. Their conference theme was “The Next Harmonic.” When I learned of this theme, I immediately thought, “They definitely need the harp for any discussion about harmonics … without any doubt, this is in my wheelhouse!!”

The harp is one of, if not the most, harmonic instruments. It is because the strings are “open,” with one pitch activating or ringing frequencies in the upper and lower octaves of the instrument. These harmonics or overtones are immediate as the sound board “kicks out” the vibrations to the listener. Paradoxical in nature, the harp’s harmonics are so gentle, soothing and comforting, but also very powerful, healing and spiritual.

From a historical perspective, harmonics were used in medieval and renaissance music. Until 1820, musicians learned about harmony, chord structure, inversions, modulations and progressions. It is likely that they listened closely to each other, played intuitively and followed the musical flow. Then, in 1820, music shifted as classical composers (Mozart, Beethoven, Grieg, Liszt, etc.) began writing music note-for-note, exactly as they wanted it played. Melody lines overtook the harmonic structure. And now, the HBB conference theme would suggest we are moving into whatever is next at a harmonic level to help the world evolve and elevate to a higher level of consciousness.

I believe this theme and experiential presentation resonated with the audience because they gave a standing ovation! I have had a few standing ovations in my speaking career, but this one felt extra special. Perhaps it was because it was also my birthday and it felt so honoring!!

As soon as I posted the last blog about music and violence, I realized I had more to say about this important topic/issue.

Whenever violence “hits” us, we are left wondering why this continues to happen in our beloved country. Is it violent TV, movies and video games? Is it gun laws (or lack thereof)? Is it deep unrest in the depths of our souls? Is it a mental health issue? Is it geo-political? Is it stress-related? Or something else???

And as a harpist, I can’t help but ask, “How can my music help? How can I be a part of the solution? How can I assist and/or facilitate the healing process through music?” When the harp is played with a peaceful intention, it is music to soothe the soul, comfort our contemplative core, calm our jaggled nerves, and move us into deep rest.

After each violent episode, I reflect, “What is my intention with my music?” My answer – to bring peace. To nurture your heart. To relax you. To relieve stress. To facilitate healing. I am honored to help you with your journey. To receive the gifts I offer, click to watch videos, order CDs and/or music devices, and purchase downloads. Many continued blessings to you …