Music at the End of Life Creates Sacred Space for Dying

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli sits down with music-thanatologist Catharine DeLong to talk about the powerful role of music at the end of life. With decades of experience bringing harp and voice to the bedside of those who are dying, Catharine offers a moving perspective on how music can provide comfort, connection, and peace during life’s final chapter. 

Together, they discuss what music-thanatology is, how it differs from simply playing music in the background, and why silence is often just as meaningful as sound. Catharine shares personal stories from her work in hospice and offers guidance for families and caregivers who want to bring music into end-of-life care, even without formal training. 

Whether you're a professional in the field or simply someone supporting a loved one, this conversation offers gentle insight into how music can help hold space when words are no longer enough. 

Links/Resources 

• Guest: Catharine DeLong – https://www.delongharp.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli – https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• Learn more about Music-Thanatology – https://www.mtai.org 

 
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