Introduction to Music Therapy

Chapter 13: An Introduction to Music Therapy

Overview

• Provides definition and history of Music Therapy
• Discusses the differing effects music has on human psychophysiology
• Offers practical suggestions for making music therapy a positive influence on an individual’s life
• Lists numerous styles of music in a clear and comprehensive table
• Explains various ways to study music therapy

Description

Music is another ancient therapy that is experiencing a renaissance as a contemporary healing modality. Music as sound waves and as evocation has many interesting effects on the body and mind. These effects can be negative as well as therapeutic. Music therapy is clearly explained and relevant research from various disciplines is used to support the discussion. Practical advice on different approaches to music therapy, from one-on-one to ambient sound, is offered.

Topics

• Introduction
• Defining music therapy - its origins and its applications
• History of music therapy
• The physics of sound and music
• The effect of music on human psychophysiology
• Positive effects
• Negative reactions
• Making music therapy work for you: practical suggestions
• Selecting appropriate music
• Ways to study music therapy
• Conclusion
• Acknowledgments
• References

Speaker / Author

Tonia Plack

Bachelor of Education Music Degree, Certificate of Somatic Therapy, Institute of Experiential Psychotherapy (Sydney).

I am a registered secondary school music teacher currently working as a music therapy consultant. I have produced several CDs for the health music industry. In addition to my consulting work, I have worked for the past 10 years as a somatic therapist and health practitioner in body work. Music is such a part of me that it is as natural for me to play and connect through music as it is to speak. A large part of my attraction for and affinity with music is that it can establish and harness an instant personal response and connection between people and enhance their communication. I see music, therefore, as a resource and a potentially invaluable tool that has many uses and applications.

To my mind, music is a natural source of energy within us all. Part of my quest as a music therapist is to find ways of tapping into this energy to bring about positive development. Establishing my consultancy, Essential Health Services (EHS),was the first commercial step toward this goal. It began in Vancouver, Canada, where I worked in the movie industry and created a business devoted to massage therapy sessions on location.The concept was well received and as a result led me to work in both Canada and America developing innovative ways of incorporating music therapy into people’s daily lives.

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