Music Therapy

Music therapy

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an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its facetsphysical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual-to help clients to improve or maintain their health

History

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The idea of music as a healing influence which could affect health and behavior is as least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato. The 20th century 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.

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The patients' notable physical and emotional responses to music led the doctors and nurses to request the hiring of musicians by the hospitals. Soon, the hospital musicians needed some prior training before entering the facility and so the demand grew for a college curriculum. The first music therapy degree program in the world was founded at Michigan State University in 1944

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The American Music Therapy Association was founded in 1998 as a union of the National Association for Music Therapy and the American Association for Music therapy.

Purposes

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It is also used to:  promote

wellness  manage stress  alleviate pain  express feelings  enhance memory  improve communication  promote physical rehabilitation.

Kinds Of Music Therapy

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Improvising - the client makes up his or her own music extemporaneously, singing or playing whatever arises in the moment -the client may improvise freely, responding spontaneously to the sounds as they emerge, or the client may improvise according to the specific musical directions given by the therapist

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Re-creating music

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-the client sings or plays precomposed music -This kind of music experience may include: learning how to produce vocal or instrumental sounds imitating musical phrases, learning to sing by rote using musical notation articipating in sing-alongs practicing taking music lessons performing a piece from memory working out the musical interpretation of a composition participating in a musical show or drama

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Composing - the therapist helps the client to write songs, lyrics, or instrumental pieces, or to create any kind of musical product, such as music videos or audiotape programs

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Listening - the client takes in and reacts to live or recorded music -listening experience may focus on physical, emotional, intellectual, aesthetic, or spiritual aspects of the music, and the client may respond through activities such as: relaxation or meditation structured or free movement perceptual tasks free-association story-telling imaging reminiscing drawing

Mechanics

Collects

necessary background information by reviewing any written records or referrals that may be available. Conducts an assessment to determine the client’s strength and therapeutic needs. Formulates goals sometimes with input from the client, client’s family, other professionals or an interdisciplinary team of clinicians. Makes a treatment plan outlining possible strategies and music experiences that might be helpful in meeting client’s needs. Conducts periodic evaluations to determine whether the methods of treatment are effective and whether the client is making any progress in reaching the prescribed goals Prepares the client for leaving and helps to bring some kind of closure to the process

Nursing Responsibilities

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In hospital setting, music therapist develop listening programs to meet various patient needs, produce shows or various kinds of musical events involving patients, arrange for patients to attend concerts in the community or direct various kinds of recreational or therapeutic activities. In schools, music therapist may consult with classroom teachers or develop group music programs for special students. In the community, music therapist may consult with psychologists or psychiatrists or provide musical instruction to special children.