Intro to Music Therapy

The first known reference to music therapy was in 1789 in an article titled “Music Physically Considered” in Columbian Magazine. Over time, music therapy has evolved and gained popularity in the United States. 

Music therapy is one of the fastest-growing professions worldwide. According to SkyQuest, from 2017 to 2021, the number of music therapy businesses in North America increased by 143%. In Europe, there was an even greater increase of 235%. 

This profession is gaining traction because it provides a different way to improve one’s overall health and well-being through the use of music. This article will explore the concept of music therapy, why it differs from other musically related therapeutic approaches, and its effectiveness in addressing physical, emotional, and mental health challenges. 

About Music Therapy

Music therapy, in its simplest form, is a healthcare profession that uses music (or elements of music) to accomplish a goal like improving the quality of life of an individual. A qualified music therapist is used to create a treatment plan for each individual and guides each session.

They learn about the individual’s music preferences and experiences to help create sessions specifically catered to them. They will also assess other aspects like emotional well-being, social functioning, perceptual/motor skills, communication abilities, cognitive skills, trauma history, and trauma triggers to be more detailed in their approach.

Along with this, they evaluate the effectiveness of each session. The amount of sessions someone has is determined by the needs of the individual and the effectiveness of each session. Some of these sessions can include learning/playing an instrument, singing, listening to music, improvising music, and discussing the lyrics of a song.

All of these help the individual express their inner emotions and help them find an outlet for any pain or negativity they may have. Music therapy is usually a complementary therapy, or a therapy as part of a larger treatment plan(ex. It’s used along with medication).

Because of this, music therapists work to coordinate with other healthcare providers an individual may have.

There are also different types of approaches to music therapy. They fall into the broad categories of active interventions and receptive interventions.

Active interventions are an experience in music therapy in which you play an active role in making music like singing. Receptive interventions are when you listen to music that’s recorded or music that the therapist plays.

There’s a discussion over the music after it’s performed to help process thoughts and emotions. Music therapy is a structured process that uses medical research to tailor to an individual’s specific needs.

Music Therapy Unique Characteristics

Music therapy has different aspects to it that make it a unique program. To begin with, music therapy uses a specific therapeutic framework of assessment, intervention, and evaluation stages.

This intentional process helps ensure that the therapy is effective and documented. In addition to this, music therapy has a multi-faceted impact. It addresses emotional, physical, social, and cognitive health.

According to Cleveland Clinic, it can offer benefits to people with dementia, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, autism spectrum disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, Chronic and acute pain, and substance use disorders.

These people have conditions all over the spectrum of health, but they all can be treated with music therapy. Music therapy emphasizes active interventions or the active participation of the individual.

This active engagement helps stimulate brain activity in numerous areas simultaneously. This is especially important for neurological rehabilitation.

This program serves all ages of people. Music therapy is used in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, and nursing homes.

Music therapy can also clear the way for social and emotional connections with others. This is because music therapy can also be done in groups, depending on the comfortability of the individuals receiving care.

This type of therapy is flexible with the limitations of each individual.

“I would like to add that music is a level playing field because no amount of limitation or disability can keep a person from engaging in music” said Nancy A. Jackson The Director of the PFW Music Therapy program in an email.

Music Therapy vs. Other Musical Interventions

Music therapy is often compared to sound healing, music medicine, and recreational music activities. Though they facilitate music in some capacity, their methods and goals are different.

With sound healing, there’s a focus on sound frequencies or vibrations to promote relaxation and energy balance. It doesn’t involve clinical assessment or treatment plans like music therapy.

Music medicine uses pre-recorded music, usually in a medical setting, to reduce stress and/or pain. Still, there aren’t as many interactive elements or personalized pieces as music therapy has.

Recreational activities like a community band do promote enjoyment and social bonding, but they aren’t conducted by trained therapists. The intentional, research-based, and individualized nature of music therapy is what distinguishes it from other approaches.

Effectiveness of Music Therapy

The success rates of music therapy have been widely studied and numerous research findings support its benefits across many populations and conditions. Music therapy has proven to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD). 

Studies have also shown that music can reduce cortisol levels, the hormone that deals with stress, and boost the production of dopamine, which enhances the mood. For those with PTSD, music therapy can be a helpful way to safely and comfortably navigate emotions and memories. 

One study found in the National Library of Medicine showed that veterans who participated in music therapy had improved emotional regulation and a significant decrease in symptoms. As stated earlier, music therapy can also help with the recovery of those with cases of brain injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases by stimulating neural pathways. 

Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation(RAS) or pulsed rhythmic or musical stimulation has successfully improved the gait and motor coordination of people with Parkinson’s disease. Stroke survivors’ singing can activate regions of the brain that are involved in speech production, helping with language recovery. 

Children with autism also respond well to music therapy. The ability to create a non-verbal form of connection makes this valuable for this population. 

Research shows that this therapy helped enhance verbal communication and reduce behavioral issues in children with autism. Music therapy is also used for managing chronic pain, post-surgical pain, and labor pain. 

Using music helps focus attention away from pain and helps reduce stress causing a decrease in perceived pain levels and the need for medication. In clinical trials, people who received music therapy during surgical recovery reported remarkably lower pain levels than those who didn’t. 

Music therapy assists in stimulating memory recall, improving moods, and reducing agitation in those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Familiar songs can help bring back memories and evoke emotions which can help form a sense of connection and comfort. 

In a study published by The Lancet Journal, music therapy helped reduce agitation and improve the quality of life in dementia patients more effectively than just standard care. Music therapy is also important for end-of-life care. 

It can help individuals and their loved ones cope with the emotional and physical aspects of terminal illness. It can comfort, and create better communication, and memorable and meaningful experiences before the last stages of life. 

Conclusion

Music therapy is a unique and effective approach that wields the power of music to promote healing and improve well-being. Its clinical, research-based, and personalized approach sets it apart from other music interventions.

Its success rates across a range of people and conditions show its versatility and value. Music therapy’s ability to address mental health challenges, aid in rehabilitation, and provide comfort showcases the impact of music on the mind and body.

As research continues to expand the knowledge of music therapy, more applications are likely to be found and offer hope and healing worldwide.

 “If you need therapy, go. Even if you think it’s a little problem, go,” said Junior Elliana Meyer who has anxiety and depression.