The Power of Music Therapy
Ever wonder why a song may bring tears to your eyes? Or how music allows you to recall a specific memory of your past? Well others have thought of the same questions and actually have been able to harness the power of music and direct it toward healthcare. This practice is known today as Music Therapy.
Music Therapy is the prescribed use of music and music related techniques to assist and motivate a person towards specific, nonmusical goals. Music therapists use their training to effect changes in the cognitive, physical, communication, social, and emotional skills. This type of therapy utilizes music and music related activities to modify ineffective learning patterns, help to promote emotional, mental, social and physical growth and to develop non-musical goals. Music Therapy works as a creative, means of utilizing the popularity of music to aid people of all ages and abilities. It is considered an established health care profession that uses music to address physical, psychological, cognitive and social behavioral patterns. Music Therapy can positively affect both children and adults. Music Therapy can make the difference between isolation and interaction and has been proven in situations such as: depression, anger, pain, autism, stress, grief, loss, time management, motivation, growth, change, procrastination and improving communication as well as areas of medicine. Few can doubt music's ability to influence our behavior. We turn to music to express our feelings. Music "objectifies the sentience and desire, self consciousness and world-consciousness, emotions and moods " (Langer 90). We sing lullabies to put our babies to sleep, and "Amazing Grace" to express our loss over a loved one. Favorite ballads express our love toward one another, while rap music often expresses built up anger.
Music Therapy offers proven benefits to its patients. It is well tolerated, inexpensive, easy, to manage and free of side effects. It enhances the
Music Therapy is the prescribed use of music and music related techniques to assist and motivate a person towards specific, nonmusical goals. Music therapists use their training to effect changes in the cognitive, physical, communication, social, and emotional skills. This type of therapy utilizes music and music related activities to modify ineffective learning patterns, help to promote emotional, mental, social and physical growth and to develop non-musical goals. Music Therapy works as a creative, means of utilizing the popularity of music to aid people of all ages and abilities. It is considered an established health care profession that uses music to address physical, psychological, cognitive and social behavioral patterns. Music Therapy can positively affect both children and adults. Music Therapy can make the difference between isolation and interaction and has been proven in situations such as: depression, anger, pain, autism, stress, grief, loss, time management, motivation, growth, change, procrastination and improving communication as well as areas of medicine. Few can doubt music's ability to influence our behavior. We turn to music to express our feelings. Music "objectifies the sentience and desire, self consciousness and world-consciousness, emotions and moods " (Langer 90). We sing lullabies to put our babies to sleep, and "Amazing Grace" to express our loss over a loved one. Favorite ballads express our love toward one another, while rap music often expresses built up anger.
Music Therapy offers proven benefits to its patients. It is well tolerated, inexpensive, easy, to manage and free of side effects. It enhances the
Cited: Cassileth, Barrie R.. "Beyond the Mainstream; Music From the Soul, for the Body; (Home Edition)." Los Angeles Times 04/09/2000. Health. 18/03/2006 . Copland, Aaron. What to Listen for in Music. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 1957. Isabelle Leymarie. Perspectives on Contemporary Issues. Thomson/Wadsworth, 2006. Langer, Susanne K.. Philosophical Sketches. Baltimore: John Hopkins Press, 1962. Soothing Body and Soul. Ed. Charles Lauer. 09/01/2006. Modern Healthcare. 18/3/2006. .