Nebraska Heartbeats and the Healing Power of Music

Mary Perkinson, D.M.A., an award-winning artist, associate professor, and community leader, brings together the power of music, service and research

by Samantha Pastorino

Perkinson’s inspiration comes from the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s HeartStrings® program, a music therapy-informed program that brings live, interactive presentations to healthcare and residential facilities.

“I thought, how cool would it be to model that program in Omaha,” Perkinson says, “I wanted to focus on one group of culturally underserved individuals and get to the heart of a best practice by working with experts in the field.”

Perkinson, a University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) music professor, founded Nebraska Heartbeats in 2018.

“Our mission is to engage individuals with dementia in meaningful ways through music that’s joyous,” Perkinson says. “The music listening and engagement brings about a sense of well-being for the listeners and caregivers alike.”

Nebraska Heartbeats is a platform for musicians to engage with their community in ways that build relationships and make a difference. The curriculum was developed by Vaishali Phatak, Ph.D., ABPP-CN (neuropsychologist, UNMC); Steven Wengel, M.D. (geriatric psychiatrist, UNMC); the UNO Maverick Quartet (Gregory Clinton; Mary Perkinson, D.M.A; Brian Sherwood; and Olga Smola, D.M.A.); and Bridget Shevlin, MT-BC (music therapist).

During Nebraska Heartbeats sessions, UNMC researchers study music and memory while UNO faculty and students engage with participants through music-making, listening and reminiscing.

Dementia deteriorates the mind in stages; it can develop to the point of patients becoming non-verbal. Nebraska Heartbeats seeks to connect with patients through all stages of dementia, which makes music a vital stimulant.

“Music has a unique durability that individuals at all stages of dementia are able to enjoy,” says Perkinson.

Through the power of music, patients with dementia become more energetic and active when they hear their favorite songs from the past.

“Someone will be relatively non-verbal, but when they hear a song that they remember from their 20s or 30s, all of a sudden their eyes will just light up, they become more energetic and alert,” Perkinson says. “Music has the ability to tap at the tip of the iceberg of exploring music and memory research.”

Perkinson remains steadfast in her passion for service and research, and Nebraska Heartbeats demonstrates that passion.

“I want musicians to be educated about the dementia community so they can work with individuals in ways that are joyful and effective.’’

This story was originally published by UNO’s Office of Engagement in partnership with MaverickPR is a full-service, award-winning, student-run public relations firm in UNO’s College of Communication, Fine Arts, and Media.