My friend was dying from Lou Gehrig’s disease.  In the last five years of her life she could only move her head.  But she could talk; she could laugh; she could sing.  And she could compose hymns.  Her brain still worked just fine.  So she dictated the hymn lyrics to others who typed them. She hummed the melodies that were in her head to a keyboardist who played those tunes.  In those last five years she was with us, she self-published several volumes of hymns.  Many were played at her “going home” celebration.  I saw firsthand what a difference music made in her life and the lives of her family and friends.  It gave her a purpose and strength to go on.  It gave the rest of us the gift of her for some extra time and the gift of her music forever.  How have you seen music help the dying?

Sounds of Hope Project has donated two CDs to an Olmsted Falls Reiki practitioner — Whispers of Hope and Reflections of Hope.

On February 1, 2011 the Cleveland Plain Dealer had two wonderful articles about the healing powers of music.  The articles highlight the positive experiences of patients with  spinal cord injuries and patients in burn units.  Wonderful articles like these about music therapists and the role of music in healing and relieving pain help strengthen our resolve in pursuing our mission.

Each Sounds of Hope Project board member has 21 CDs to distribute as he or she sees fit.  This is our holiday effort to spread hope to those who need it.  If anyone knows a person, a group, or an organziation who could use one of our Cds, please contact us.

Sounds of Hope Project had a booth at the 60th anniversary American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) Conference in Cleveland, Ohio at the Renaissance Hotel November 18-20, 2010.  We met so many dedicated music therapists.  We hope those who purchased our CDs will enjoy our music and that all who hear the music will find peace.

Sounds of Hope Project will be in booth #33 at the 60^th anniversary American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) Conference in Cleveland, Ohio at the Renaissance Hotel November 18-20, 2010.

We’ll be in the exhibit hall from 2:30 – 5 PM and from 9 -11 PM on November 18, from 11:30 AM – 6:15 PM on November 19, and from 9 AM – 4:30 PM on November 20.

CDs will be available to AMTA members at a special rate so that music therapists can help us achieve our goal to bring comfort and support through recorded music to those in need of spiritual and/or physical healing.

SOHP president and co-founder, Mary Lou Lydecker, has contacted several fellow graduates of Oberlin College about their interest in contributing their music to a new CD.  So far, eight people, have agreed.  Mary Lou has also contacted the dean and has received his blessings and full cooperation.

Hope for the Holidays II and a flute/organ compilation are new Sounds of Hope Project CDs in the works.

Native American flute is featured on Sounds of Hope Project’s latest music CD.  Released in May, this CD’s artists are Michael Searching Bear and Elizabeth Germano Witalis.