Table of Contents
Who invented musical therapy?
It was originally created by American composer and music therapist Paul Nordoff and British music therapist Clive Robbins as a therapeutic approach for children and adults with significant developmental disabilities (e.g., intellectual, sensory, or motor disability). Music-based therapy is based on two fundamental methods – the ‘receptive’ listening based method, and the ‘active’ method based on playing musical instruments (Guetin et al., 2009). Music Therapy as it is currently understood began after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types, both amateur and professional, went to Veterans hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the wars. It took place at Blackwell’s Island in New York. The 19th century also saw the first known experiment using music therapy for mental health, where a psychiatrist used music to change the dream states of patients during therapy. To accomplish specified goals in a music therapy session, music therapists will prepare interventions within one of four broad intervention categories, which include receptive, re-creation, improvisation, and composition/songwriting. While the needs of our clients’ vary, the goals that music therapists work on are generally broken down into five domains: social, emotional, cognitive, communication, and physical.
Why was music therapy invented?
During two of the biggest wars in history, musicians in the community volunteered and went to veteran hospitals to play music for the wounded. Patients with physical and emotional trauma (or both) noticed a difference in their mood and experienced a positive emotional response to the music. According to the American Music Therapy Association,2 research shows music therapy can be used to help: Improve overall physical rehabilitation. Facilitate movement. Increase motivation to engage in treatment. Whereas traditional forms of therapy focus on patient-therapist, music therapy focuses on the therapist, patient, and music. In music therapy, “these relationships can be manifested and experienced physically, musically, mentally, behaviorally, socially, or spiritually.” Aristotle believed that music had cathartic effects and could provide relief from negative emotions through catharsis (Dobrzynska, et. Al., 2006). Aristotle believed that creating an ideal environment would help to achieve optimal mental and physical well-being.
When did music therapy become popular?
In the 1920s, music made its way into hospitals all the way from operating rooms to recovery areas. By the conclusion of WWII, the value of music therapy was known and widespread. It was being used in treatment of psychiatric disorders, veterans, medical diagnoses, and those with physical disabilities. Though music therapy practice employs a large number of intervention techniques, some of the most commonly used interventions include improvisation, therapeutic singing, therapeutic instrumental music playing, music-facilitated reminiscence and life review, songwriting, music-facilitated relaxation, and lyric analysis. The concept of music therapy in India is addressed with different terms such as musical therapy, therapeutic use of music, music or musical healing, Nada Chikitsa, Nada Yoga, Raga Chikitsa, Raga Therapy, संगीतीय उपचार, सांगीतिक चिकित्सा, etc. Music can be distracting and lower your stress In fact, research has shown that it can lessen the impact of depression and anxiety. A study done in 2019 found that college students who listened to classical music every day for two months lowered their levels of anxiety significantly. Necessary Skills Music therapists should have knowledge of a wide variety of music history and the power of musical elements. They must also be able to play and perform on many different types of musical instruments. Additionally, music therapists must possess empathy, compassion, imagination, and patience.
What is another name for music therapy?
Cognitive behavioral music therapy (CBMT): This approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with music. In CBMT, music is used to reinforce some behaviors and modify others. This approach is structured, not improvisational, and may include listening to music, dancing, singing, or playing an instrument. Engaging in music has been shown to facilitate neuroplasticity, therefore positively influencing quality of life and overall functioning. Research has shown that music activates cognitive, motor, and speech centers in the brain through accessing shared neural systems. Based on the elements of rhythm, melody, pitch and harmony, music produces psychological responses within a person when it passes through the auditory cortex of the brain, which processes the music. This processing occurs in the limbic system, which is known as the centre of emotions, sensations and feelings. Assessment. The first step in the treatment process is a functional assessment of the individual’s strengths and needs through musical responses in the areas of motor, cognitive, communication, social, emotional, behavioral, sensory and musical abilities.
Why is music therapy unique?
One of the great aspects of music therapy is that it is individualized from patient to patient. This means that one child may find success learning a new instrument, while others may enjoy writing songs, singing or simply listening to music. In conclusion, music therapy has brought a tremendous impact on people’s psychological health, enabled patients to suffer less pain, anxiety, and feeling stressful and thus improves our emotional states, bringing psychological health to the patients. Positive emotional behavior development Music therapy can assist in identifying and naming emotions in a safe setting, which can lead to improved communication with others. Emotional awareness and nonverbal expression are also part of emotional behavior. The most common settings are hospitals, schools, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, mental health centers and residences for individuals with developmental disabilities. Music therapists also go to juvenile detention facilities, schools and private practices.