Accorda Music-Thanatology Institute

Training music-thanatolgists to provide support and comfort with prescriptively delivered harp and vocal music, helping to transform palliative and end-of-life care.

Job Opportunity!

Providence St. Vincent in Portland, Oregon, is now accepting applications for up to a full-time music-thanatology position.  One year music-thanatology experience is recommended.  Certification through the Music-Thanatology Association International (MTAI) within 2 years of hire is required.  

For job description and application, please click here

Apply Now for the Cohort of 2027!

Classes begin September 2025. Click below to learn more.

Click Here To Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Training and Certification Preparation

Accorda offers a 23-month, hybrid training and certification preparation program for future music-thanatologists for careers in hospice, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.

Who We Are

Accorda is a Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and a licensed Private Career School in the state of Oregon. Accorda provides education, training, and formation for those who are called to the work of music-thanatology, and for all who seek to transform palliative and end-of-life care in the world.

Music-Thanatology

Music-thanatology is a musical and clinical modality that unites music and medicine in end-of-life care through prescriptive delivery of harp and voice.


Music-thanatology is a professional field within the broader subspecialty of palliative care. It is a musical/clinical modality that unites music and medicine in end-of-life care. The music-thanatologist utilizes harp and voice at the bedside to lovingly serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people who are terminally ill or dying (and their loved ones), with the prescriptive delivery of music. 

Accorda Music-Thanatology Institute does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, admission and training of students, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our student body, faculty, staff, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.