This morning on the Third Hour of the Today Show, Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen, The Politician) and his sister-in-law Courtney Platt (So You Think You Can Dance, Glee) announced a new program they have launched with Bristol Myers Squibb and the American Music Therapy Association called MS In Harmony. The first-of-its-kind program offers people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) digital offerings to help achieve mind-body harmony through music therapy techniques. MSinHarmony.com offers educational content and music therapy informed video exercises, facilitated by credentialed music therapists. Some of the videos feature Ben and Courtney Platt.
Music is a huge part of who I am, and it has always had the power to shift my emotional and mental state," said Ben Platt. "Music therapy harnesses the power of music to evoke physical and mental responses, and I am so proud to be involved with MS in Harmony for my sister-in-law Courtney - and everyone living with MS."
The MS in Harmony centerpiece –MSinHarmony.com– provides educational information about the potential physical, mental and emotional effects of MS, and offers visitors an interactive and engaging opportunity to explore music therapy for themselves (and with friends and/or family) – from the safety and comforts of their own homes – through a variety of video techniques designed specifically for people living with MS and led by credentialed music therapists.
“As a lifelong dancer, a lover and believer in the power of all things musical – and someone living with relapsing MS, MS in Harmony is an amazing experience for me. I’m so glad to have music therapy as another tool to help me manage my condition – and I am so incredibly excited to be able to share the potential of music therapy with the rest of the MS community,” said Courtney Platt.
In an effort to help spread mind-body harmony across Instagram, Courtney Platt is kicking off the #MSinHarmony social challenge – and asking everyone (those with MS – and others as well!) to dance and sing it out to their favorite song, share their video on Instagram, tag #MSinHarmony, and challenge three others to do the same. Anyone can follow the challenge on Instagram via @MSinHarmony.
Watch the full interview in the player above