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Her business is Music and Motion, designed to train trainers in healthcare, education, and corporate situations. Music will aid the individual in "healing, to accelerate the learning process, and to manage stress," she said.

Bednar-Haynes said there is "hard data" to support the medicinal help provided by music. Making the immune system work better, aiding pain management and helping to control stress are attributed to music.

Bednar-Haynes is working on a research project in conjunction with the Arkansas Children's Hospital. Burn victims choose music to listen to while their dressings are changed. The study will quantify the help provided by music.

The Kerrwood Drive resident is providing training for the personnel at the Highland Avenue Veterans' Hospital, too.

"My vision is to spread the guidelines on how to develop these music interventions," Bednar-Haynes said.

Her company is just in the beginning stages, but she is working nationally. Other parts of the country are more advanced in mixing music and medicine than the local scene.

The professional musical therapist, trained with a bachelor's and master's from Ohio University, worked for a decade and a half in Austin, Texas. Along with working in clinical settings, she worked for the Texas Association of School Boards.

Music and children are a natural combination. She claims increased concentration, better cognitive functions and increased learning for children on music. And Bednar-Haynes practices what she preaches, making music part of child rearing.

"My children did not have a choice," she said. "It was just like eating."

Starting a business, working as a music teacher and parenting take a lot of time. Bednar-Haynes keeps up with help from her friends.

A graduate of Divine Providence Academy, the musician relies on her schoolmates for support. Christine Noonan and Cathy Sterling, her "right-hand who picks up the pieces," are important to the many strings Bednar-Haynes plays.

While Music and Motion grows, Bednar-Haynes teaches music. As part of her music therapy degree she plays just about every instrument. However, her lessons are specialized in voice, piano, and guitar.

With her students she emphasizes some of the same concepts as her business. She works with her students to manage stress and deep breathe, and she shares her philosophy about the importance of music.

For the O'Hara woman, music "gives words to feelings."

In her very melodious voice, Bednar-Haynes said there is no secret about music.

"Everyone's musical. The heartbeat is rhythm. The voice is sound."

At the heart of her beliefs is a quote from Wayne Dyer, a leader in the musical therapy field: "Don't leave this world with the music still in you."

For her, there is a belief she must share her skills -- and the music within.

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