When words aren't enough to convey the depth of emotion, music steps in to fill the gap. Through my work in hospice, I am sharing with you all a new, unique and deeply personal service: heartbeat recordings. Outside of my role as a performer and entertainer for private events, I am a board-certified music therapist having served in both mental health and currently, hospice care, which brings a completely different presentation of music with it. These recordings blend the natural rhythm of a heartbeat with custom-composed music, creating a cherished keepsake that can be treasured forever.
What Are Heartbeat Recordings?
Heartbeat recordings are exactly what they sound like—a beautiful fusion of a heartbeat with a musical accompaniment with the heartbeat driving the rhythm and dictating the musical accompaniment patterns. These recordings capture the essence of life's most intimate and precious moments. Whether it's the soft, fluttering heartbeat of a newborn, the steady pulse of a loved one, or the tender rhythm of a hospice patient nearing the end of their journey, these recordings provide a way to hold onto these memories in a unique and lasting way. The founding credit of this unique intervention is attributed to Brian Schreck, MA, MT-BC. More information about Brian and heartbeat recordings can be found at: https://www.amplifiedcpr.org/
The Beauty and Significance of Heartbeat Recordings
Heartbeat recordings serve multiple purposes and resonate deeply with people at different stages of life. Here are a couple of special examples:
A Hospice Patient's Heartbeat: In moments of farewell, capturing a loved one's heartbeat provides a tangible memory that families can hold onto. It’s a way to celebrate their life and keep their presence close. One of my most moving projects is creating a heartbeat recording for a hospice patient-it is even takes on a whole new meaning when the patient themselves is able to take part in the experience and listen to the final product. Paired with music to reflect the patient's story and journey, the recording is able to provide the family a comforting piece of their loved one to cherish forever. Some have been calm and soothing while others created have been lively and energetic-the heartbeat dictates how the music is layered over.
A Newborn’s First Sounds: The arrival of a new life is a momentous occasion. For new parents, capturing their baby's heartbeat along with the first ultrasound sounds creates a magical keepsake. Recently, I had the joy of recording a good friend's newborn's heartbeat, paired with the audio from their ultrasound. The resulting piece was an enchanting lullaby that will forever remind them of those first precious moments. The music in this case wrote itself after listening to the 'whooshing' sounds of the ultrasound.
Why Choose Heartbeat Recordings?
Personalization: Each heartbeat recording is custom-tailored. We work closely with you to select the perfect musical accompaniment that reflects the emotions and significance of the moment, stemmed from an existing song, or a unique custom composition.
Emotional Connection: These recordings offer a unique way to connect with your memories. The sound of a heartbeat, paired with beautiful music, can evoke powerful emotions and provide comfort during both joyful and challenging times.
Timeless Keepsakes: Heartbeat recordings are timeless. They can be passed down through generations, providing a lasting connection to the people and moments that matter most. With today's ease of technology, the audio files can be shared instantaneously with relatives in whatever the globe.
How It Works
Recording the Heartbeat: In a live setting, we can capture the heartbeat using a special stethoscope utilized as a recording device or any recorded audio of the heartbeat you have. This can be done during an ultrasound for expectant parents or in a calm setting for adults.
Musical Composition: Once the heartbeat is recorded, I compose a unique piece of music to accompany it usually after meeting with the client/family and having them answer some questions regarding music preferences, style, etc. This is to ensure the final product is exactly what you envision.
Final Masterpiece: The heartbeat and music are seamlessly blended together to create a beautiful, personalized recording with the heartbeat remaining in front focus at all times. You’ll receive this as a high-quality digital file, and if desired, we can also provide a physical keepsake.
Listen to Recorded Samples
Experience the magic of heartbeat recordings by listening to these samples:
Medley of Promentory theme from Last of the Mohicans, Amazing Grace, and Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah for hospice patient.
A personalized recording of my own resting heartbeat with music layered over a custom composition of "They Long to Be Close To You" by The Carpenters.
A sample of a custom composition of a newborn's ultrasound audio recording set to original music.
Each recording tells a unique story, preserving the heartbeat of a loved one in a way that words alone cannot capture.
Conclusion
Heartbeat recordings are more than just music—they are memories made audible, emotions rendered in sound. Whether you're celebrating a new life, remembering a loved one, or simply cherishing a special moment, these recordings provide a deeply personal and enduring keepsake.
For more information or to create your own heartbeat recording, please feel free to inquire further HERE.
Joined in our music on this journey. Till next time!
Rory
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