Music Therapy

MUSIC THERAPY
Is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a
therapeutic relationship by a qualified professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
In other words, music therapy is the use of music by a trained professional to achieve therapeutic goals. Goal
areas may include, but are not limited to, motor skills, social/interpersonal development, cognitive
development, self-awareness, and spiritual enhancement.
Music therapists are found in nearly every area of the helping professions. Some commonly found practices
include developmental work (communication, motor skills, etc.) with individuals with special needs,
songwriting and listening in reminiscence/orientation work with the elderly, processing and relaxation work,
and rhythmic entrainment for physical rehabilitation in stroke victims.
The idea of music as a healing modality dates back to the beginnings of history, and some of the earliest
notable mentions in Western history are found in the writings of ancient Greek philosophers. Robert Burton
wrote in the 16th century in his classic work, The Anatomy of Melancholy, that music and dance were critical
in treating mental illness, especially melancholia.
Many experts suggest that it is the rhythm of the music or the beat that has the calming effect on us although
we may not be very conscious about it. They point out that when we were a baby in our mother's womb, we
probably were influenced by the heart beat of our mother. We respond to the soothing music at later stages in
life, perhaps associating it with the safe, relaxing, protective environment provided by our mother.
Music can be one of the most soothing or nerve wracking experiences available. Choosing what will work for
any individual is difficult, most will choose something they 'like' instead of what might be beneficial. In doing
extensive research on what any given piece of music produces in the physiological response system many
unexpected things were found. Many of the so-called Meditation and Relaxation recordings actually produced
adverse EEG patterns, just as bad as Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. The surprising thing was many selections of
Celtic, Native American as well as various music containing loud drums or flute were extremely soothing. The
most profound finding was Any music Performed Live and even at moderately loud volumes even if it was
somewhat discordant had very a beneficial response. Whenever the proper sounds were experienced an
amazing right/left brain hemisphere synchronization occurred. The normal voltage spiking pattern changed to
a smooth sinusoidal waveform and the usual voltage differential equalized. The entire human energetic system
is extremely influenced by sounds, the physical body and chakra centers respond specifically to certain tones
and frequencies. Special consideration should be given to the positive effects of one actually playing or
creating music themselves.
Among the first stress-fighting changes that take place when we hear a tune is an increase in deep breathing.
The body's production of serotonin also accelerates.
Music was found to reduce the pain during dental procedures.
Playing music in the background while we are working, seemingly unaware of the music itself, has been found
to reduce the stress.
Music was found to reduce heart rates and to promote higher body temperature - an indication of the onset of
relaxation. Combining music with relaxation therapy was more effective than doing relaxation therapy alone.
Maximizing With Music Therapy
As we mentioned before, there is not a single music that is good for everyone. People have different tastes. It
is important that you like the music being played.
The following are general guidelines to maximize the effectiveness of the music.
 To wash away stress, try taking a 20-minute "sound bath." Put some relaxing music on your stereo,
then lie in a comfortable position on a couch or on the floor near the speakers. For a deeper
experience, you can wear headphones to focus your attention and to avoid distraction.
 Choose music with a slow rhythm - slower than the natural heart beat which is about 72 beats per
minute. Music that has repeating or cyclical pattern is found to be effective in most people
 As the music plays, allow it to wash over you, rinsing off the stress from the day. Focus on your
breathing, letting it deepen, slow and become regular. Concentrate on the silence between the notes
in the music; this keeps you from analyzing the music and makes relaxation more complete
 If you need a stimulation after a day of work, go for a faster music rather than slow calming music.
 When going gets tough, go for a music you are familiar with - such as a childhood favorite or favorite
oldies. Familiarity often breeds calmness
 Take walks with your favorite music playing on the walkman. Inhale and exhale in tune with the
music. Let the music takes you. This is a great stress reliever by combining exercise (brisk walk),
imagery and music
 Listening to the sounds of nature, such as ocean waves or the calm of a deep forest, can reduce
stress. Try taking a 15- to 20-minute walk if you're near the seashore or a quiet patch of woods. If
not, you can buy tapes of these sounds in many music stores.

Music Therapy

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MUSIC THERAPY

Music was found to reduce the pain during dental procedures.

Maximizing With Music Therapy

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