With the recent news about COVID-19 diagnoses in Williamson and Davidson Counties, I am writing to reassure you that the In Harmony Music of Middle Tennessee team is following these developments closely. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the clients, children, adults and older adults we serve, and we are putting extra attention into the infection control procedures we have always had in place.
We have reviewed our infection control policies and procedures as a team, following a review of recommendations from the CDC, Music Together, LLC and the American Music Therapy Association, and we will continue working with our clients in a manner that minimizes infection risk.
First, both Ms. Nina and I wash our hands or use hand sanitizer before and after contact with clients. We have reviewed proper hand-washing procedures and use of hand sanitizer. We carry hand sanitizer with us.
Second, we have procedures for keeping our instruments clean, using bleach wipes and spray. It has always been our practice to carry bleach wipes with us at all times. For children and adults who use instruments and props that we bring, we have changed the disinfectant to be compliant with the CDC list of disinfecting agents. We will use Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. It is important that the items air dry in order to be effective. We will be wiping instruments and props as they are used, rather than waiting until the end of the session. Please note that these disinfecting agents are not safe to ingest, so we will be monitoring children to make sure that they don’t put instruments and props in their mouths.
During this period of heightened risk, we have also minimized the number of instruments we use that are difficult to clean, and we have reviewed ways to minimize physical touch during greetings and sessions without compromising the quality of our music therapy services.
As a board-certified music therapist and a trained Music Together teacher, I have had training to know what to do to reduce the spread of infection. Infection control is one of the competencies covered in music therapy education and training, and is tested on our board-certification exam. We have trained in medical settings with strict infection control protocols. We also consider it an ethical obligation to stay home when sick.
We value having you as a partner in care for the children, adults, and older adults we serve and in navigating this public health concern. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your loved ones!
All the best,
Carrie Friddell, MT-BC
