A Song for Tyson: How Music Therapy Became Our Family’s Lifeline

When my six-month-old son, Tyson, contracted bacterial meningitis he was life-flighted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. As a result of this infection, he had a very severe traumatic brain injury and seizures, and he had returned to pre-birth development. His new diagnosis of Epilepsy, Delayed Development, and Cerebral Palsy were daunting. As a complication of the brain injury, he was suffering from thalamic storming—an unyielding state of fight or flight— which left us feeling helpless. During this tumultuous time, we worked with our medical team to figure out which medications would help Tyson the most. As we journeyed through this recent complication, we discovered the transformative power of music therapy, a beacon of hope in the dark days of uncertainty.

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From the moment the music therapist entered Tyson’s hospital room, the atmosphere shifted. He radiated warmth and empathy. As he strummed gentle chords and sang, the chaotic energy softened, offering respite. The therapist matched the tempo of his music to Tyson’s elevated heart rate, creating a therapeutic bridge between his distress and the calm that we so desperately sought. The music flowed around us, enveloping us in a cocoon of sound. Slowly, we began to witness a change.

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As he played and sang, Tyson’s heart rate decreased, mirroring the gradual deceleration of the strumming pattern. It was a mesmerizing process; with each subtle shift in tempo, his heartbeat would drop by 3 or 4 beats per minute. We watched as his tense body began to relax. The storm that raged within him started to quiet, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, we saw a flicker of peace. This was more than music; it was a lifeline tethering him back to comfort and safety.

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Over the years, music therapy has remained a cornerstone of Tyson’s recovery. It has evolved into a profound source of joy and connection for him, transcending hospital walls. On difficult days marked by seizures, his therapist adapts her approach to meet his emotional and physical needs—soothing melodies for overwhelming moments and lively songs for alert, happy days.

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The impact of music therapy goes far beyond entertainment; it’s a sanctuary for Tyson. Familiar strums of the guitar evoke feelings of safety and joy, creating a bridge between turbulent experiences and moments of normalcy. Whether we are in the ICU or settled on our couch at home following an emergency seizure medication administration, music remains a constant comfort. The songs become familiar friends, and the melodies weave through the fabric of our lives, creating a tapestry of resilience and hope.

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In our darkest moments, music therapy lightened our load. It has provided Tyson a way to cope and fostered a bond between us as a family through a shared experience that transcends words. Through music, we’ve found a way to communicate love, healing, and peace.

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Reflecting on our journey, the role of music therapists and artists extends far beyond the notes they play. Their work is an emotional and physical salve bringing our family solace. The expertise and compassion of music therapists have made an indelible mark on our lives, proving that even in the darkest of times, joy can be found in the simplest of melodies. We have learned that music has the extraordinary power to heal, connect, and transform lives.

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Read about Brandi Coon's advocacy work in the state of Arizona by visiting: http://www.raisingvoicescoalition.com/

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