My name is Fidelma and I joined the Sisters of Mercy. In 1963 I came to the USA. Presently I live and work in San Jose, California. Around 2000, I acquired a Celtic harp and this opened to me the music of the famous Irish harpist, Turlough O’Carolan and other harp composers.
Presently, I play with a group at Mercy Center for Taize around the Cross. I also play for memorial services in funeral homes. Some years ago, I volunteered at one of the local hospitals. It was here that I learned and experienced the effect of harp music on both the hospital staff and the patients. In researching this topic there were certain musical elements that were important and needed to be acquired. To begin with the tone quality of the instrument is critically important. It is important to make sure that the harp is not too loud, abrasive or muddy sounding. Learning improvisational techniques is necessary. Again, one needs a good understanding of the elements of music: harmony, melody, tempo, rhythm and dynamics to help make good judgments when improvising.
Another element is that one needs to learn a basic repertoire of tunes in a variety of categories i.e. patriotic, classical, oldies, Broadway, hymns, Celtic music and Christmas songs. Songs that were popular during a person’s younger life are valuable, especially for Alzheimer’s patients.
Research in leading hospitals around the country has shown that harp music can help patients breathe more easily and also help reduce anxiety levels. Some patients report reduction in pain levels when live harp music is present.
Harp music can help babies relax and nurses often report that the music quiets crying babies almost instantly. I have not experienced but I have heard from others what a wonderful experience it is to welcome the newborn into the world with soft gentle sound.
The music played by the harp player often provides a respite for family members and hospital staff. The doctors and nurses report that the sound of the harp helps their work day become a little more pleasant and can even reduce stress levels.
I have received comments such as: “It was calming and helped to make the pain go away for a short while.” Family members will sometimes say the sound helps them to forget where they are. For the harpist, there is a certain joy in sharing this music whether in the oncology section of the hospital or indeed any other area.
It is so important for the musician to be present to whatever situation comes up. This does call for awareness to the present moment. I have learned that if one becomes distracted somehow there is a break in that moment. The harpist also needs to be relaxed. I have often said to myself that it is almost impossible to be angry and hold the harp in readiness for playing the music.
There are occasions when I am asked to play in a funeral home either before or after the prayer service. In the midst of tears and goodbyes, one can respond with appropriate religious music and sometimes with Celtic or classical music. Similar to playing in the hospital one is aware of the people gathered there and the one for whom they grieve.
I now have come full circle. My first piano lesson at age 6 was taught by Sister Attracta, a Sister of Mercy, in the little town of Mohill. I still remember being very excited about my first lesson and from that moment I knew I loved music. Some years ago, I found a bronze statue of O’Carolan in Mohill town and I learned that one of the craters on Mars is named O’Carolan.
This journey has brought me some wonderful opportunities and experiences. I feel I walk Mercy with those who are most vulnerable, the sick and the lonely. I leave it to the Spirit to heal what is broken and to comfort those who feel intensely the loss of loved ones. Just two weeks ago, I played at a funeral Mass for my dear friend, Anne Piazzon, whose husband and family are heartbroken. Leading the congregation we sang “Long have I waited for your coming home to me and living deeply our new life.”
Fidelma Heeran
US Province
