The healing power of music

(New York -WABC, January 25, 2006) (WABC) -- For most of us, certain types of music can put us in particular moods. But one local hospital is taking that concept a step further, and using the power of music to heal.

Lauren Glassberg explains.

Once a week Jeremy Delliotte heads to the Beth Abraham Rehab Center in the Bronx for a little therapy. This is the Music Has Power Club, and the therapy comes from music.

Jeremy started meeting with his therapist, David Ramsey, after losing not one, but two hands. He was the victim of an arson, a devastating blow, especially for a man who made his living as a barber.

Jeremy Delliotte, Music Therapy Patient: "I remember laying in bed and wondering how I was going to live. I don't know how."

But the creative process behind writing a song has taught him how.

Thirty year-old Carrie Gordon was a professional chef before brain surgery and a stroke caused his right hand to shake. Then he took up the piano.

David Ramsey, Music Therapist: "The more he's in tune with the music, and striving and living the music, the shakes start to diminish."

Music helps activiate the right side of his brain. That little extra push could help Carrie get cooking again. After three years of music therapy, Jeremy is also a believer that music has power.

'Music Has Power' serves about 200 patients each week, but it is totally subsidized by private donations and grants. The music therapy is proving helpful for people with autism, alzheimers and depression as well as people with reduced motor skills.

For more information on the program, visit Beth Abraham Rehabilitation Center.