Pushing a cart filled with drums and guitars through the halls of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Karen Popkin may not be a medical doctor — but she does play a key role in the center’s patients’ treatment and recovery.
The 46-year-old is a licensed creative arts therapist and the lead music therapist and manager of the Gabrielle’s Angel Music Therapy Program at the hospital, funded by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. She spends her days playing music for cancer patients and engaging them in musical activity to help them cope with the demands of their diagnoses and treatment. We spoke to the Kips Bay resident about music’s healing power:
What has been your favorite experience working with a patient?
I was working with one young woman who had a lengthy and complicated course. She had always wanted to play the piano but had never had time to learn. I brought the (xylophone-like) wing to her because it has tones. And as soon as I set it down in front of her, she just began randomly playing until she found a pattern that she enjoyed. She looked up at me, and she smiled, and she said, “When I play this, my pain is gone.”
What’s your typical day like?
On average, I see five or six individual patients a day, and I also provide two group programs throughout the week. In an individual session, I’m sitting at the bedside with someone, and there’s often an emphasis on symptom management — using music therapy to promote relaxation and reduce the perception of pain: the physical symptoms, such as nausea.
In a group session, I work with both patients and family members to build a sense of community and promote opportunities for communication through playing and listening to music.
What’s the hardest part of the job?
The profession is still not widely known by many people. If I’ve been referred to see someone and they’ve never heard of music therapy before, it’s a great opportunity to educate, but it can be a little bit of a challenge with folks who think it’s too alien or too different-feeling from what they’re expecting.
Which of your instruments are most popular?
Almost everyone likes the ocean drum, and the wings (similar to a xylophone). Drumming and doing rhythm work can be a great way to connect and also to have a sense of release.
What do you like best about the job?
Just getting to know so many wonderful individuals…through the experience of making music. I’m privileged to be let into their lives.