Music has a certain kind of magic. It’s influence on people, their behaviors, their mood, motivation and creativity has been studied for generations. Music therapy is taught and practiced around the world. To see it happening in person and be a part of it is a blessing and a gift. It’s something that Christine Aliano has been doing for a long time.
Christine Aliano, ED Tech, warms up ahead of sharing her musical talents with patients.
A per diem ED Tech at Saint Mary’s Hospital for 26 years, and longer at Waterbury Hospital, Chris as brought her musical talents to patients throughout her health care career. She has played guitar, mandolin, the organ and accordion since childhood. Always sharing her musical abilities in school and in church, it wasn’t until the chaplain at Waterbury Hospital asked her to play for patients in the hospital that she fully understood the healing power of music.
“No one knows what is going on in someone’s heart. Sometimes something like music brings someone happiness and warmth to their heart. You make their day,” said Chris. “And it shows them that there are people out there who do care about the lonely, the neglected and the sick.” This past St. Patrick’s Day, she certainly made the day of one patient at Saint Mary’s. In the ICU for several days, the patient was having a difficult time both physically and emotionally. Chris was called and in she came with her Excelsior accordion. The staff felt that as a musician, the patient might respond positively to a visit from another musician.
“I just hope to make him happy,” said Chris.
With his foot tapping and palpable focus on the music, it appeared that she did just that.
“I have such empathy for people,” Chris continued. “Because no one thinks it’s going to happen to them. No one comes into this world with a written guarantee. Any one of us could be that patient.”