Course Descriptions

COURSES required for Certification

Music Development (and information on home study)

The course title: Music Development refers to repertoire development, modal improvisation (as bridges to transitioning between the moods of songs), philosophy and scientific research on how sound affects the body, and exposure to technological aids for music enhancement.-

Music Development in the International Harp Therapy Program combines three elements – that of expanding repertoire, understanding and utlizing sound frequencies and learning how to improvise using the mode system. The DVD series, Creative Harping by the founder Christina Tourin, (see PlayHarp.com/shop or bulk mailed from your Leader from other countries), is required by students of all IHTP categories for graduation. These 10 beautiful teaching lessons take you on a progressive journey of easy learning while you also enjoy nature scenery. Three camera angles provide close-up hand views showing technique, improvisational patterns, and exercises. Christina has developed her own instructional method which challenges beginners, intermediate and advanced players. You can play along with the dvds and the support papers. The Support Papers provide a comprehensive glossary of chords for improvisation in different keys and their modes. The first lesson can be found for free by clicking HERE. This series is an extremely valuable tool for people who want to get a head start on music development before they enroll in the course – or for just learning how to play the harp! Click here for free first lesson.

“I am so impressed with the content of the Creative Harping information and DVDs. I
have learnt so much. I feel that I have been taken to a higher vibration!”  R.W. Australia

Home Study – begin studying the 10 lessons to prepare for the program or to deepening your musical skills.  These lessons will also be outlined in the Study Curriculum. If you are a beginner, you might want to study directly with Christina through her Tutorial Program. Every 6 months, she brings in students who want to prepare for the application, get ahead on the music development or simply to learn new repertoire and how to improvise with all kinds of left and right hand patterns.

Each Creative Harping DVD lesson takes about one month to complete. Your recorded submissions are sent to your mentor at the end of each Unit before entering the next Unit. You will receive feedback from your mentor on your recordings. In order to complete the program, you will be expected to play one repertoire piece and one improvisation (at your own level) in a soft flowing manner.

With our growth of the International Harp Therapy Program, you may experience some of these Professors listed below in virtual on-line offerings from around the world. At the same time, we bring forth new Professors from around the world who meet in many of the attendance modules of our Affiliate Programs in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Here are the courses which required by the NSBTM.

The Structure – Courses of Study

Screening Process

Incoming candidates will demonstrate appropriate musical skills, interpersonal skills and suitability for the field of Harp Therapy. Admission decisions are made without discrimination based upon gender, age, race or religious affiliation. Student qualifications are determined by the use of: Questionnaire Application forms, phone interviews, letters of recommendation and/or references, recordings of harp playing and answered application questions as well as personal interviews from workshops. One-on-one discussions with potential applicants gives the program director insight into the potential student’s suitability.

Textbooks

Students will submit book reviews of selected books taken from the Program’s required and suggested book list. This list includes books which cover a broad range of topics, such as: music, healthcare, integrative medicine and healing, the science of sound, topics on death and dying, self-care, and the art of service. 10 reports, at least two paragraphs – maximum one page answering the question: “How will the content of this book help me as a harp practitioner?” will be addressed.

The Harp Therapy Manual – Cradle of Sound –  is the basic guideline that all students will use for course material. Click here to purchase. The book is also available in PDF form.

The International Harp Therapy Program is accredited by the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians. We meet and excel in all the Standards set forth by this organization.

www.nsbtm.org

Courses in Module 1 – Section 1

 

Your Affiliate IHTP Program may teach the equivalent of these courses or ask  you to study the videos in your digital student portal in order to augment or review the information.  This is the recommended study put forth by the head office of the International Harp Therapy Program in order to comply with the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians guidelines.

Goal: The Process of Discovering Yourself and Others

Cognitive therapies, the Enneagram, and Transactional Analysis are some methodologies that help a person discover why they are drawn to be a Therapeutic Harp Practitioner. They also reveal personality traits and foster self-awareness to become better care-givers. This process of self-awareness is essential in the training. Students will be taught basic ergonomics (such as Alexander Technique, Feldenkreis, Qi-Gong, or Eurythmy) and appropriate postures as applied to playing the harp. They will be taught stress reduction techniques and various self-care processes for maintaining optimum physical, mental and emotional health as harp practitioners.

Goal: Deepening Perceptual Awareness – Emphatic Listening

Students are taught theoretical models, multi-level processes and/or methods to assess and serve a patient. These are based on both scientific and spiritual studies of consciousness and may include, but not be limited to: increasing awareness of self and others through perceptual observation; enhancement of natural sensitivities and empathy; the power of intention; and energetic medicine. The student learns the dynamics of client behavior through non-verbal communication, language patterns and significance of family context. Harp practitioners always recognize and respect diverse spiritual pathways in their work.

Fundamentals of Neural Linguistic Programming and how it relates to harp therapy are introduced.

NLP describes the relationship between stimulus and response and helps us to understand and help people process reality.  Understanding eye movements and speech patterns help us determine the type of offering (storytelling – visual, interactive – kinesthetic, or listening – auditory)  for the patient.

Understanding the Client in the Helping Process – Empathic Listening
Provider by an Instructor in your Affiliate Program

This workshop presents a holistic model for understanding the dynamics of client behavior within a helping process. Non-verbal communication; understanding language patterns; significance of family context; and utilization of memory, fantasies and dreams will all be used as a means of understanding client behavior in order to support change. Fundamentals of Neural Linguistic Programming and how it relates to harp therapy are introduced.

In the on-line program of IHTP, you may be introduced to the finest Professors through their video presentations. Whether your Affiliate program brings in new Professors or use the videos of the most revered Sound Healers+, you will receive the finest information!

 

Alexander Technique
Video Instructor – Jacque Bell – Alexander Technique Instructor

Our body is our instrument. We are our own instrument. Just as we need to learn how to use our musical instrument correctly, we also need to learn to use the instrument of our body correctly so that we can in turn use it to play our musical instrument. Students will learn to restore the natural patterns of using the body, getting out of the way, and getting rid of the chronic tensions which interfere with free functioning. The more those chronic tensions are out of the way, the easier one’s intention can flow through the body into the musical instrument.

Transactional Analysis
Video Instructors – Christina Tourin with Dr. Jim Peterson

Neural Linguistic Program
Your Local NLP Affiliate Instructor

The History of Therapeutic Music
Video Instructor – Marianne Gubri

Music Development
Dorian; Aeolian; Mixolydian Modes

Adjunct Courses in Module 1 – Section 2

These are suggested Videos that will enhance your Module 1 experience

Awakening The Spirit with Sound
Video Instructor – Don Campbell

An Introduction to Cymatics
Video Instructor – Jeff Volk

Intention and Sound: The Magic of Water
Video Instructor – Dr. Emoto

Celestial Patterns Involving Sound
Video Instructor – Ani Williams

Required Instruction are the following:

Physics of Sound and Acoustics
Video Instructor (or live appearance) Barbara Crowe, Music Therapist – MT-BC -Former Dept. Chairperson at Arizona State University

An understanding of the characteristics and primary elements of sound, specifically how frequency, vibration, and resonance affect the human body, is fundamental to the practice of harp therapy. Students will learn how these principles can be used through musical elements to facilitate healing. Students learn about the mechanics of sound, relative to various resonant-based methods, and techniques that can address an individual patient’s condition. Students study the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual effects of therapeutically applied music.

Living Anatomy Workshop – Module 1
Video Instructor – Judith Hitt

Living Anatomy offers inspiring workshops that introduce the methods and fundamentals of Resonant Kinesiology. Resonant Kinesiology (RK) developed by Susan Borg, is a form of educational bodywork using touch, movement and sound. Resonance is response to vibration and Kinesiology is the study of movement. Learn anatomy from the inside out exploring your body experientially rather than academically. By experiencing the knowledge of your own body, you gain a deeper, more flexible sense of knowing basic human anatomy and physiology. Learn through using mindful touch, movement and sound and become aware of the body and its functions.

Hospital Etiquette and Self-Care
Local Affiliate Instructor/Nurse

You will be led in self-care techniques and familiarized with hospital procedures and common reactions to medicines. Students will be taught the importance of proper dress code, cleanliness and good health. Confidentiality laws and related issues, and proper deportment with patients, administrators, other workers and clinicians in the healthcare environment will be addressed.

Liability Insurance Introduction

Professional Ethics
Video Instructor – Barbara Crowe

Grant Writing
Local Affiliate Instructor

Marketing and Music Coordinator Skills
Local Affiliate Instructor

Students will acquire basic business tools including: writing of proposals, invoicing, interview techniques, marketing, networking and employment strategies that are needed to support the successful practice of a harp practitioner. Harp practitioners having been taught by music therapists understand the differences in the field and can hep identify patient needs.

Music Development
Mixolydian; Locrian; Ionian Modes

Courses in Module 1 – Section 3

Goal: Reaching Out To Groups Of People With Harp Therapy

Students will be prepared to provide individualized therapeutic music for patients of many ages and conditions who are receiving healthcare services in institutional settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and out-patient healthcare facilities, as well as those receiving homecare as an extension of rehabilitative care. Our LEVEL 2 training prepares people work specifically with those in hospice and palliative care.

Students will be oriented to the unique, professional skills required to work in different types of healthcare facilities as part of a healthcare team. They will be taught about accountability and liability issues, policies and procedures, medical and administrative terminology specific to healthcare.

The role of a music therapist is discussed in relation to our role as Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioners. Many students have pursued a career in Music Therapy as a result of this overview Introduction.

The Dying Process and Hospice (Hospice, Palliative Care, Stages of Grief, Anam Cara)
Video Instructor – Richard Groves

Grief Process

Our Modality in Relationship to Other Music Healing Modalities –
Definitions of Sound/Music Modalities
– Local Affiliate Program Instructors of the Various Studies

Music Therapy In Mental Health Services – Presentations on working with Autistic Children, Children with Cerebral Palsy and Seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease
Video Instructor (or Live appearance) Barbara Crowe, Music Therapist – MT Dept. Chairperson at Arizona State University

The benefits gained from music therapy may fall into broad categories, as widely divergent as developmental, interpersonal, and emotional. For example, some of the therapeutic aims for a person with a handicap may be along primarily developmental lines: to assist physical co-ordination, to develop listening and turn-taking skills, or to extend the span of concentration. Music often provides the motivation for people to participate in a shared activity. They may develop a greater awareness of themselves in relationship to others, while interpersonal skills are enhanced and self-esteem is increased. For a person whose difficulties are mainly emotional, music therapy provides a safe setting where “difficult” or repressed feelings can be expressed. The therapist’s musical support encourages emotional release and self-acceptance.

In addition to the study we invite you to watch online materials from the following Researchers/Instructors

VibroAcoustic Harp Therapy Psychoacoustics
Joshua Leeds

Sound Healing Modalities
Don Campbell

Music Development
Pentatonic Mode (Angel);  Middle Eastern Modes;  Elemental Music/The Chinese Five Elements

Music Thanatology
Jennifer Hollis

Therapeutic Music Trainings

National Standards Board

Courses in Module 2  – Section 1

Resonant Kinesiology and the Theory behind Resonant Tone
Video Instructors – Judith Hitt and your Affiliate Resonant Kinesiology Instructor

 

Prior to taking the required Attendance for Module 2 – you will meet on-line 6 times for the Module 2 Prep program.  Here you will learn about the Chinese Five Elements and prepare your music for your Module 2 experience and for your internship.

Music Development – Music Theory and Music Application

Improvisation

Balancing Energies with Music Modulations

Students will be taught the fundamentals of music theory, how to improvise, modulate and play modal music, and about the intrinsic healing value of music. Students will learn to use the elemental qualities of music and healing musicianship in order to best serve the patient.

Resonant Tone and the Celtic Circle

Double Resonance with Quiz

Courses in Module 2 – Section Unit 2

Interactive Work in group settings

Children, Teens, and Adults on Harp

Rainbow of Sound Circles

Children with Disabilities

Portfolio Assembly

Keeping Records

Experiential Attendance Courses in
RESONANCE STUDIES

(A travel and experiential module offered in various countries parts of the USA and World – you may choose where you want to take your required attendance Module 2 training)

NOTE

Unit 4 is the theoretical information that prepares students for their ESM – Experiential Specialty Module which is a 1 week attendance week – (Minimum 5 days). Those taking the attendance week will receive a full IHTP Certification including a Hospice recommendation.

Music Development as Used in Identifying Resonant Tone and Individualizing Music
Your Affiliate Resonant Kinesiology Instructor and Music Theory teacher.

Having learned how to improvize and modulate through the Creative Harping Series in the On-Line Study Certification program, students attending this experiential training will learn both the theory and further modulations to implement Resonant Tone. This is a powerful amplification of how sympathetic sounds and music touch the various parts of the human body and through our bio feedback techniques may reduce pain, ease anxiety and promote easier breathing. For those students wishing to practice in Hospice, this RESONANT TONE PROGRAM offers the ultimate training. Students are advised not to work in Hospice without this training.

Goal: Resonant Kinesiology – The Process of Embracing Another Person Into The Awareness Space

Students will learn to develop their senses and critical thinking skills; how to unobtrusively gather information from the environment, colleagues, and the patient, in order to develop an immediate course of action in providing therapeutic music to the patient.

 

Inclusive Attention Workshop – Identifying Resonant Tone
Your Affiliate certified Resonant Kinesiology Instructor

Attention by itself is a powerful form of resonance. Inclusive attention is the process of stilling and centering oneself to become aware of both one’s own experience and that of the person you are with. Inclusive attention is a meditative state that is multi-dimensional and non-linear. In this workshop you will practice inclusive attention with touch, movement and sound. Release your expectations and open to the unexpected.

Students learn to find Resonant Tone through a series of especially designed exercises. These exercises provide the ability to feel certain parts of the body vibrate with certain frequencies. Emphasis is placed on the intention process and research that has been done in the field. Techniques of how to find Resonant Tone using the harp are offered. A special imparting of attuning to receiving the ability to experience the connection of Resonant Tone is offered by Judith Hitt. This level opens the mind to a greater level of consciousness by bringing a dynamic balance of relaxation and concentration to the process. Judith has undergone extensive training to become a master teacher of Resonant Kinesiology. Whereas Level 1 and other programs teach the theory behind Resonance, our Level 2 is unique by having a master impart the ability to receive Resonance and then having it translated it into vibrational sound frequencies to bring about many benefits.

Combining RK with IA, touch, movement and sound releases expectations and opens the person to the unexpected.  These are essential components that give IHTP its place of distinction and uniqueness in the therapeutic music world.

 

Introduction to Reiki – Subtle Energies – (optional)
Your Affiliate Reiki Instructor

Reiki is the Japanese word for Universal Life Force Energy. Rei meaning universal, mysterious power, essence and Ki is the vital life force energy. Everyone has Reiki energy, what makes Reiki different from other healing methods is the attunement process. Anyone can lay their hands on another person and help accelerate the healing process by transferring magnetic energy however a person who has been through the process of Reiki attunements has experienced a very ancient technology for fine tuning the physical and etheric bodies to a higher vibratory level. In addition, certain of the energy centers, also known as chakras, are opened to enable higher amounts of Universal Life Force Energy to flow through. Reiki is not a religion, as it holds no creed or doctrine. It is a very ancient science hidden for thousands of years until it was rediscovered in the Tibetan Sutras. Researchers at Stanford, using highly sensitive instruments which measure the flow of energy forces entering the body, determined that Reiki energy enters the healer through the top of the head and exits through the hands. The evidence to date shows very clearly that there is a plasmatic streaming – a release of energy through the bodily system – when blocks are released. Reiki is a wonderful tool to help one develop conscious awareness.

Independent Study

Internship
Practicum Experience with approved Supervisor

Each student will complete 80 hours of practicum experience under the direction of an approved supervisor. This training may be in specialized areas such as neo-natal, rehabilitation units, stress reduction clinics in business, etc.  The on-line presentations may open many new avenues for the practitioner to explore. This is the opportunity to fine tune skills and knowledge. 45 hours must be completed with attending and exercising your studies at the bedside at an approved facility with 100 patient visits.

Your clinical rotation can be done in your own locale. The International Harp Therapy Program is now affiliated with APREVA Hospice in San Diego. A week clinical rotation can be set up to receive 20 hours of the required 80 hours (focused on implementing Resonant Tone). This may be discussed when you are nearing the end of your on-line studies.  You may also set up Internships with other mentors throughout the world. You will both follow them and then be expected to participate.

Goal: For satisfactory program graduation

Students will be required to play individualized music at an intermediate level of proficiency for the patient circumstances. Candidates must play in tune, smoothly and without hesitation. They will be required to demonstrate proficiency in improvisation and modulation, and have a repertoire of appropriate duration that meets the needs of many different types of patients. An additional emphasis on assessment will be made for those wishing to work in Hospice. Identifying Resonance during the last stages of life is amazingly powerful! For those wishing to work with the Dying in Hospices, attendance to one of our Resonance Studies program is designed for you.

Graduates are listed here in our IHTP CERTIFIED GRADUATE DIRECTORY  at https://dir.harptherapy.world/dir/directory.php with certification upon successful completion at the end of the 2 Modules. You will be required to keep your certification active by obtaining 20 CEU’s every 2 years.  Questions and answers can be directed to Hannah Brockow – our IHTP CEU director at  HarpTherapyCEUs@gmail.com

In addition to the 2 Modules, you may wish to add the COLOR MY WORLD with Harp Program, a community music-making program, which is a division of the Rainbow of Sound Program. No attendance is necessary to become facilitator of these programs. All materials are supplied for you both in Manuals and on-line. For more information, please go to PlayHarp.com  (designed for administrators of facilities) or (for those wanting to find out how to start a community music-making program for schools, nursing homes, support groups, special needs groups etc.)