It was my first time to require surgery and stay overnight in a hospital. Even though I was checking in to have a "routine" operation, I was aware of how nervous I was, sitting down to answer questions as I began the admitting process. Routine procedure for the doctor and nurses maybe, but this moment was as far from "routine" as it gets for me. Time was passing slowly and by the time I was in my room felt as tired as if to have worked a full day at hard labor.
My doctor had prepared me for this day and described the schedule of events and now it was really happening. He had mentioned that a guitar player would visit occasionally to play a few songs with the intent of helping me relax and while I had never heard of anything like that before, thought it an interesting concept. Soon after the nurse had explained about the buttons on the remote attached to my bed I was reminded of the guitar player, as he walked in carrying two guitars. After introducing himself and explaining a bit about the "Magicbox Project" I laid back in my bed, closed my eyes and was treated to some of the most beautiful guitar music I had ever heard. Initially my eyes were closed but after hearing the music I could not help myself from looking to see how this intricate finger picking was being played. After about twenty minutes, the guitar player left and I was aware of feeling more comfortable in this environment, common to some but unique to me. I really did feel an increased sense of "caring" from the hospital and its staff. Somehow, I felt those caring for me appreciate what the experience must be like from my perspective and I was grateful.
Surgery was the next morning. As I awoke, I knew …this was the day. I was nervous but confident and had a pretty good understanding of things to come from what the surgeon had described and now those descriptions of procedures were really beginning to happening. The closer to "zero hour" the more I became aware of my increased nervousness. My doctor had just left after asking a few questions, and outlined once again what was about to happen…to me. As I awaited the anesthesiologist and surgery to follow, the Magicbox guitar player came in the room. We talked about how I was feeling and after a few minutes he suggested I just close my eyes and let the beautiful harmonious sounds from the guitar allow my mind to travel to a relaxing place within myself…to help the body naturally be as open to the healing procedure about to take place as possible, bringing a sense of harmony to the entire body, allowing it to work at the miraculous level it is astonishingly capable of performing. As the anesthesiologist came in, I remember feeling confident. I was appreciative to be in such a technically advanced hospital with great doctors and staff that really cared. I was as ready as I would ever be to "do this thing".
After surgery the vague nauseous memories of returning to my room were met with increasing pain. When I saw the familiar face of the guitar player at the end of my bed, my first thought was to ask him to leave. I was hurting too badly to even think of listening to music. It felt a bit inappropriate. He reminded me of how important it was to try to dismiss these thoughts, not to think of his being there, and once again close my eyes…listen and allow the mind to carry the harmonious vibrations throughout my miraculous body which was healing itself in ways medical science understands and ways it does not… I tried. I closed my eyes and began to listen. The pain was still real, but as my focus turned toward imagining these harmonies being medicine for my body, I caught myself, forgetting occasionally about the pain. I was in no mood to acknowledge the caring musician as he left the room, but I was appreciative of his sincere concern and the real benefit of the music.
The morning I left the hospital was a glorious day. My surgery was successful and I looked forward to discovering its benefits. I was not expecting to see the guitar played again as he once again brought his guitars into the room. We talked a bit and he asked me if he could play a song or two. I happily accepted the invitation and closed my eyes to listen as he began to play. My initial uncertain thoughts of using music as an aid to healing had become thoughts of genuine appreciation and clear understanding. We said goodbye and I was ready to return home. Recollections surrounding my first experience in a hospital are very positive. I would recommend "my hospital" to everyone. Since the surgery I have seen advertisements for various hospitals around the city. A common theme is the degree to which each describes how much they care for each patient. I can truly say, I think mine was the best. Everyone really cared. Thank you, hospital, doctors, nurses and magicbox project.
Now imagine the above story, exactly the same, except without the only non professional medical person, to play a part in the medical plan for this patient. I suggest the obvious, most important part of the plan,( that is the surgery itself), would have the same paramount result. Let me suggest however, with all variables being the same with one exception, could not studies be done on other measurable outcomes such as 1) Length of time to reach various stages of the recuperation process 2) With all variables being the same, did the anesthesiologist notice any differences regarding occurrences that can be measured? 3) What differences did the nurses notice regarding??? What value did the patient attribute to the music? The list could go on and on. These are a tiny fraction of types of scientific studies the Magicbox Project would love to be a part of and with this writing is asking any doctor, medical school, medical student, hospital, care giving facility etc. willing to do clinical research on the possible effects live music has on healing please e-mail the project at magicbox@pobox.com. While the Denver metro area would be most convenient, the project encourages all interested from anywhere on the planet and promises serious consideration will be given to all inquiries. In order to fund any major project, the Magicbox Project will rely on grants, other forms of charitable contributions, for fee performances, and countless types of fund raising events the project will host. We are musicians you know!!! It will be the combination of credibly designed research studies and the unyielding conviction of the Magicbox Project that will surely secure the small amount of funding necessary to "explore, illuminate and utilize the awesome power live music has to help heal body and spirit".
The primary power of the internet is the broad scope of people it reaches. With this in mind, the Magicbox Project asks the reader to refer this web site to any doctor, hospital, and medical or care giving facility that may find the subject compelling and may be interested in conducting research. While studies are being considered and agreed upon, the project will expand the number of people and places it plays for as this increase may uncover other research possibilities while furthering its cause and credibility. With this in mind, for a small fee similar to cost associated with sending flowers or balloons, the project welcomes the precious opportunity to play for anyone in any venue, whether it be home, hospital, hospice or anywhere in between.( Those that may not be able to donate the small fee are still encouraged to schedule a performance…this is not about the money, it is about advancing this wondrous cause who's time has come). If interested please e mail magicbox@pobox.com to discuss.
To most effectively advance its premise the Magicbox Project will provide the music, musician and help call attention to the scientific findings, with no cost to the researcher. After acquiring non profit status, funding for all major research will be accomplished with methods already mentioned. These include grants, individual/corporate donations, concerts, and other conventional and unconventional methods. The old adage " where there's a will there's a way" is the projects motto and combined with well designed studies, this conviction will provide necessary funding. During the past twelve years, the project has never accepted any form of financial compensation. With the increase vision and scope of its mission, small donations, similar to the cost of sending flowers or other small ( but meaningful ) gifts may be accepted to keep the project solvent until its benefits are recognized and demand the aforementioned grants and major donations have been secured.