Therese Schroeder-Sheker describes her pioneering work in the application of palliative music during deathbed vigils. She also discusses the medicinal uses of music, pointing out that ancient traditions refer to music as a bridge between the earthly plane and the various celestial spheres through which it was believed that the soul journeys.

Schroeder-Sheker is director of the Chalice of Repose Project at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, Montana, and an internationally known musician and recording artist.