Healing Muses is a non-profit organization founded by Eileen Hadidian to
bring soothing music, played on Celtic harp, to Bay Area medical centers. The
program creates a peaceful sound environment for hospitals, clinics, hospices,
convalescent homes, retreat centers and homebound individuals.
Using a combination of medieval, Renaissance, and music from the Celtic and
American folk traditions, Healing Muses promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety
during stressful hospital stays and procedures. Patients and staff experience
the power of music to calm and soothe in noisy, high-anxiety environment.
Eileen Hadidian gave many of the last years of her life helping others
heal through music by way of the nonprofit she founded. Her involvement with
music for healing grew out of her own experience with breast cancer, which
claimed her life in December 2012 after many years of inspirational struggle.
She used music for her own healing, and began to play for other cancer patients.
Through Healing Muses she explored ways in which music can be used to help
soothe critically and chronically ill people.
Eileen appeared in concert throughout the Western United States. She was the
recipient of the Albany Woman of the Year Award for 2010, one of thirteen women
honored by California Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner.
Patrice Haan has played harp with Healing Muses since 2004 and served as
Healing Muses' Executive Director since 2012.
Best known for her vocal performances with the Oakland-based jazz ensemble
Leftover Dreams, Patrice is increasingly recognized for her songwriting and
poetry. She has released three albums of original music for harp, voice and
other instruments. Healing Muses' latest album, entitled A Garden of Healing
(2010), includes two of her original songs.
Since her first experience of music for healing, as part of a care-giving team
for a friend dying of cancer, she has continued to look for ways music can touch
and comfort the deep part of the self.
Maureen Brennan is an accomplished performer, playing both classical and
Celtic music on the Irish harp.
She has toured throughout the U.S. and Canada in a variety of ensembles,
specializing in traditional dance music, and song of Ireland and Scotland.
Maureen continues as a soloist for Irish and Scottish events. She teaches at
workshops and conferences throughout the U.S., and has recorded five CDs,
including the acclaimed Harpestry collection.
Natalie Cox was a founding member of Healing Muses and is featured on Dolce
Musica; she is now pursuing other music projects.
You can find out more about the Healing Muses and their current work on their website.
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