By Brett Ratner Nashville songwriters and professional Music Therapists demonstrated the positive effect of music on a crowd at Henry's Great Coffeehouse on Oct. 18. The first in a series of Music Therapy Awareness Nights, sponsored by Gibson Musical Instruments at the Nashville club, featured great songs and compelling stories about this innovative method of treatment. Music Therapists use music to aid in the treatment of a variety of illnesses, whether they be mental or physical. Conducted in traditional Nashville "guitar pullin'" format (where each performer takes a turn), the show included several tunes written about specific experiences or patients, along with some interesting anecdotes. Sue George, MT-BC (Music Therapist-Board Certified), emceed the evening and performed a few of her well-crafted tunes. One of the more memorable performers, Andy Tubman, MT, explained to the crowd that he entered the field because of an experience in college. Tubman's best friend was in an automobile accident which left him in a coma. Tubman made a habit of practicing his guitar regularly in his friend's hospital room after noticing him mouthing the words to various songs he sang. A patient in an adjacent room, suffering from a rare bone disease, also found cheer in Tubman's playing. Tubman then proceeded to play three hauntingly catchy songs marked by sparse guitar and acrobatic vocals. Each selection left the audience wide-eyed with their collective chins on the floor. Tubman proved his ability to directly affect people through song, the same way he might with a patient. Another notable performer, albeit more upbeat, was Georgia Middleman. While charming in between songs, Middleman wowed the crowd with her strong and soulful voice, singing songs of road trips and relationships. Other performers included Dave Berg, Lane Brooks, Susan Fiering, Tina Haynes, RMT-BC (Registered RMT-BC), Roy Kennedy (Professor of Music Therapy at Tennessee Tech), Randy Neff, and Marianne Osiel. The next Music Therapy Awareness night will be held at Henry's on Nov. 11. For more information about Music Therapy, please call The National Association For Music Therapy 301.589.3300.