The Power of Music: Meaningful Moments at Pathways
A familiar melody. A comforting voice. A moment of connection.
Music can reach people in deeply personal ways, particularly when they are living with a serious illness or approaching the end of life. At Pathways, music therapy is one of the ways our care team helps patients experience comfort, connection and moments that matter to them.
This morning, Pathways Music Therapy Intern Ethan Minard shared his musical gifts with patients at the Pathways Care Center, singing songs and creating opportunities for connection through music.
Each patient responded in a different way. For some, music may evoke memories or emotions. For others, it may offer comfort, encourage engagement or provide a peaceful moment in the day. These individual responses help inform the care each patient receives, supporting personalized care plans that reflect their needs and preferences.
Music Therapy Is Personal
Music therapy is much more than singing a favorite song. It is a therapeutic approach that can support emotional expression, connection and quality of life.
In hospice care, those benefits are especially meaningful. Patients and families are navigating a deeply personal journey, and music can provide another way to communicate, share experiences and find moments of comfort.
At Pathways, music therapists work as part of an interdisciplinary care team, collaborating with other professionals to support patients and their families. Each discipline brings a different perspective, helping ensure care reflects the whole person—not just their medical needs.
Preparing the Next Generation of Music Therapists
Pathways’ music therapy internship program gives students the opportunity to apply their training in meaningful, real-world settings while learning from experienced professionals.
Interns may work with patients in senior living communities, in their homes and at the Pathways Care Center. Additional opportunities may include supporting individuals and families experiencing grief or serious illness through the Pathways counseling center, as well as working with children who have life-limiting illnesses.
Throughout the program, students receive supervision and support from master’s-level, board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs). They also participate in group supervision alongside other multidisciplinary interns, creating opportunities to learn collaboratively and better understand the many ways different professionals contribute to compassionate care.
These experiences help interns develop their clinical skills while deepening their understanding of how music therapy can support patients and families through some of life’s most challenging moments.
Creating Moments That Matter
Ethan’s time with patients this morning is a reminder that meaningful care looks different for everyone. Sometimes, it happens through a conversation or a reassuring presence. Sometimes, it happens through a song.
We’re grateful to Ethan for the thoughtfulness and musical talent he brings to Pathways and to the patients and families we serve. We’re also proud of the experienced professionals who mentor our interns and help prepare the next generation of music therapists.
At Pathways, every patient has a unique story, and we’re committed to finding meaningful ways to honor that story—one person, one connection and sometimes one song at a time.
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