Brian Hilderbrand has been making music since childhood. He sang in a children’s choir, played clarinet in his middle school band, and picked up a guitar at 12. Initially, interested in a physical therapy career, he switched gears obtaining a master’s degree in Music Therapy from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri. Today he combines his love of music with his passion for health care as a hospice music therapist with SSM Health at Home.
Music therapy is more than just playing music, it is a clinical and evidence-based use of musical interventions to help patients accomplish their goals. Music therapists are more than just musicians. They are credentialed professionals who work with patients, families, and other members of the health care team to develop unique treatment plans for their patients. Because music can affect our bodies physically, it can be used to help manage anxiety and pain. It can also evoke feelings, elicit memories, and connect us to our spirituality and faith. Even in the absence of verbal language, music can provide a sense of comfort.
Hilderbrand has been a hospice music therapist for nine years, spending the last seven with SSM Health at Home in St. Louis, Missouri. He is part of the hospice care team that includes nurses, social workers, aides, volunteers, and other therapy disciplines. Hospice patients are referred to music therapy just as they would to other therapies like physical, occupational, or speech.
When a patient is referred to music therapy, Hilderbrand does an assessment to determine a care plan and goals for each patient. “When I first meet with patients I like to learn about their background and what styles and genres of music they like,” said Hilderbrand. “I ask about specific songs that they identify with or enjoy. People often share songs from their youth or faith traditions. Sometimes it's music they have enjoyed with their family.”
Once Hilderbrand has a list he puts together a personal “playlist” for each patient. Any songs he doesn’t know, he learns. “Songs run the gamut from big band to early rock to rhythm and blues,” said Hilderbrand. “I get a fair amount of current R&B and pop requests as well.” His most requested songs include hits from Elvis and the Beatles as well as “Fulsom Prison Blues”, “My Girl”, and “Sweet Caroline.” “I’ve even learned a few Taylor Swift songs for patients who like to listen with their grandkids.”
Patients can participate by listening, singing, or even playing along. “I bring a variety of percussion instruments so patients can participate whenever they are able,” said Hilderbrand. “If a patient plays an instrument, I am always happy to duet. I also have special instruments for hearing impaired patients so they can feel the music through vibration.”
In addition to the physical benefits like pain management and anxiety reduction, music therapy helps patients express their emotions and reminisce. “Music is so tied to our memories,” said Hilderbrand. “I think everyone has had the experience of hearing a song and being transported to a specific time and place. Music is a wonderful way for patients to access and share memories.”
Music Therapy Heartbeat Recording
Something special Hilderbrand does for SSM Health at Home’s hospice patients and their families is personalized song recordings featuring a patient’s heartbeat. In order to create these special recordings Hilderbrand and the patient work together to identify a song that is meaningful; they may even write an original together. Next, he uses a modified stethoscope and microphone to record the patient's heartbeat on his computer. Then he goes to work. “Once I have the recording, I analyze the heartbeat to get a few steady beats that I loop to create a percussion track,” said Hilderbrand. “Then I record other instruments and vocals and layer them over the heartbeat. If someone chooses a piece of classical music or something I cannot recreate myself, I layer the heartbeat into an existing recording."
Not only is the process beneficial for patients, but it also allows them to leave a lasting memory for their loved ones. “Once the recording is complete I save it as a digital file or burn it to a CD and send it to the family,” said Hilderbrand. “The patient benefits from the therapeutic process, but they also make a lasting memory to leave their loved ones. Every time the family plays that song they get to hear their loved one’s heartbeat. That is an incredible gift.”
Learn More About Music Therapy
SSM Health at Home can provide information to anyone interested in learning more about how our services can help. We can meet with patients and families to discuss how our team of hospice professionals can be there for you and your family. We can also discuss other services that can help support those who do not qualify for or are not ready for hospice. Learn more about how SSM Health at Home can be there for you.
