Harmonicas for Health®
Music to Maximize the Lungs
Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of chronic lung disease. The Harmonicas for Health program, created by respiratory therapists, teaches patients to mimic pursed-lip breathing, which may make breathing easier and lessen the stress of not being able to breathe well.
Benefits of Harmonicas for Health include:
- Stronger muscles needed to pull air in and push air out of the lungs
- Stronger abdominal muscles for a more effective cough
- Better breathing control
- Greater self-confidence and stress relief
- Connection and fun with others
- Decreased shortness of breath, increased sputum mobilization, and increased quality of life
Healthcare Professionals and Group Leaders
If you work in pulmonary rehabilitation or are a breathing support group leader you can offer an effective, engaging, and sustainable harmonica program using Harmonicas for Health. We offer materials in English and Spanish so that you can provide the classes in-person or virtually. The virtual program also includes video lessons, slides, lesson plans, and helpful information to easily facilitate an online group and build a social community.
Patients
If you are affected by chronic lung disease, playing harmonica may help strengthen your lungs to help you breathe easier. You can purchase an H4H Player Kit to learn and play on your own.
Are you interested in playing with a group? The COPD Foundation hosts a monthly free online H4H play-along group. This is an informal opportunity to learn new music, meet new people, and have a good time - all while doing something that can benefit your health. No musical experience is necessary. The play-along dates will be announced in our newsletters and on our social media pages.
Kits
To order a Harmonicas for Health kit, please visit our online catalogue.
Harmonicas for Health Leader Kit:plus
- Basic model harmonica
- Welcome letter and instructions
- "Play Harmonica Today!” book with DVD and audio CD
- Player's manual (includes easy-to-read information on lung anatomy, COPD, breathing techniques and more)
- Binder Inserts cards
- Curriculum guides
- Breathing Support Group
- Pulmonary Rehab education
- $50.00 / shipping not included
Harmonicas for Health Players Kit:plus
- Basic Model Harmonica
- Player's manual (includes easy-to-read information on lung anatomy, COPD, breathing techniques and more)
- $20.00 / shipping not included
Harmonicas for Health Starter Kit:plus
- 1 Harmonicas for Health Leader kit
- 15 Harmonicas for Health Player kits
- $350.00 / shipping not included
For more information about Harmonicas for Health, email harmonicasforhealth@copdfoundation.org.
Play-Along Archives
Are you looking for more songs to play?
Did you miss a play-along, or just want to practice the songs we learned? Below are the slides from past events. If you have any questions, email harmonicasforhealth@copdfoundation.org.
We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of many health care professionals in the development of the COPD360music Harmonicas for Health™ Program. Their expertise and experience were invaluable in this project.
We are also grateful to more than 40 individuals impacted by COPD, their family members and caregivers for their enthusiastic participation in the Harmonicas for Health pilots. Their feedback helped make this a great and complete program.
Spanish translations of Harmonicas for Health were sponsored by: