Deforia Lane is the first music therapist to receive a grant to study music’s therapeutic effects on cancer patients. Thousands of patients have been inspired by her, and her success has spurred hospitals across the United States to launch music therapy programs.

“Music and healing are often matters of the human spirit,” says Deforia, “Because of the nature of my job, I have witnessed more than a few miracles, miracles worth telling and retelling.”

Music as Medicine is a window into Lane’s world of miracles, where the melody of one person’s life has brought healing and strength to many.

About the Authors

Dr. Deforia Lane holds a bachelors in voice from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music and a Ph.D. in music education from Case Western Reserve University. She has designed and implemented music therapy programs for diverse populations for many years, including cancer patients, the mentally handicapped, abused children, geriatric clients, and others. She retired from her position as resident director of the Ireland Cancer Center and Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, part of the University Hospitals of Cleveland. But she continues to serve as a music therapy consultant and to soothe the hearts of many hospital patients and staff.

Rob Wilkins is author of Taking the Child’s Way Home and the award-winning Tender Love. He is also co-author with Bill Hybels of Descending into Greatness. He currently lives in Zanesfield, Ohio.