As part of the project seminar ‘Music and Wellbeing in Social Responsibility’, students led by Dr. Eveline Unruh developed concepts for musical visits to the Helios Clinic in Karlsruhe, put together a suitable repertoire including improvisations, and performed these during two visits (on 2 June and 9 June). These sessions were designed to promote general wellbeing and aimed to make the soothing effects of music tangible. In addition to well-known works (“Spiegel im Spiegel” by Arvo Pärt, “Träumerei” by Robert Schumann), they also featured international catchy tunes (“Cortadera, Plumerito” by Carlos Guastavino, “Bésame mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez) and simple folk songs – all set against atmospheric sounds created with a monochord, singing bowls, kalimba, synthesiser and much more. At various points throughout, there were opportunities to join in with breathing and relaxation exercises or even to hum or sing along. Swaying along, clapping along, etc. were also welcome – just as much as simply relaxing and soaking it all in or passive enjoyment.
Patients were given the opportunity to experience the soothing effects of music during their stay at the cardiac clinic, to enhance their well-being and thereby support their recovery process. Other activities included writing get-well cards for fellow patients or, if needed, rhythmically squeezing stress balls that the students had made themselves.
Staff at the clinic also welcomed these sessions with enthusiasm and were able to enrich their daily work with musical experiences.
For the students, it was a unique opportunity to design, test and perform musical activities with a focus on their (health-related) effects, to gain performance experience in a clinical setting, and to give something back to society through a Third Mission project as part of their training. Particularly striking was the positive response, which ranged from tears in the eyes to a lively waltz in the corridor – and where every heartfelt “thank you” created a special sense of interpersonal (intergenerational) warmth.
Participants: Students from the HfM and the PH Karlsruhe (MA in Music Education, MA or BA in Instrumental/Vocal Performance, Teacher Training in Music)
Cooperation partner: Helios Clinic Karlsruhe
Content design: Dr. Eveline Unruh in cooperation with Prof. Dr Benita Kuni, Prof. Dr Marc Bangert, Dr. Anis El Ghorch and a recently recovered patient
With the kind support of the Computer Studio at the University of Music Karlsruhe