WHAT IS MUSIC THERAPY? By Christy The article in the 1789 Columbian Magazine titled, ‘Music Physically Considered’ is the earliest known reference to music therapy (American Music Therapy Association, 2021a). The definition of music therapy has changed over time. From, “music therapy is the treatment of physical and mental ills by means of music” (Antrim, 1944), to the modern definition that it is a clinical and evidence-based intervention using music in a therapeutic setting, to achieve personal goals (American Music Therapy Association, 2021b). The defining factors of music therapy is alleviation, change, music, relationship and personal qualities (Bunt, 1988).
Music therapy can be used to help people with communication difficulties, ranging from children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to patients who suffered from brain injuries to elders with dementia (Cleveland Clinic, 2020) (University of Minnesota, 2016). Other applications of music therapy include lessening withdrawal symptoms for individuals with substance abuse disorders and aiding individuals with mental health disorders to understand their feelings (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). There are numerous approaches for music therapy, for instance, the Nordoff-Robbins method, Cognitive Behavioural Music Therapy, Analytical Music Therapy, and Community Music Therapy (Wong and Gans, 2021). They are all categorised under 4 types of musical interventions (Parkinson, 2020). Firstly, receptive music therapy is when the patient listens to music, either a live performance or a recording, and responds. This approach is more passive, and it can help stimulate or relax the patients, depending on the music choice. Secondly, recreation music therapy is when the patient is encouraged to play or sing along to a precomposed song. This approach is more engaging, and it helps the patient to develop fine motor skills. Thirdly, improvisation music therapy is for spontaneous music making. This includes patients playing a rhythm on the drum or singing a melody, which helps patients build their relationship with the music therapist or other individuals, if practised in a group setting. Finally, composition music
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therapy is when the patient creates their own piece of music, or a song with lyrics, with the support of the music therapist. This approach allows patients to express their creativity and externalises their thoughts and emotions, so they can understand their feelings. Each music therapy session is unique and tailored to the individual, and it can be in a group setting or just the patient and the therapist; it can use recorded music, or a live performance by the music therapist or even professional musicians; the session can use a combination of the different music therapy approaches, or it could use just one approach. Music therapists are trained to select the most beneficial approach and pieces to tailor to the patient’s therapeutic goals. Their main role is to build a relationship with the individual so they can achieve any physical, emotional, cognitive, or social goals through different musical activities. A music therapist can either be an experienced musician who is trained to be a therapist or a highly trained clinician who is trained in musician skills (Bunt, 1988). In order to be a music therapist in the UK, it is necessary to complete an approved Master’s degree in music therapy, and be registered with the HCPC1 (NHS, 2015; British Association for Music Therapy, 2021). Music therapists are a part of a multidisciplinary team alongside other healthcare professionals, including psychotherapist and physical therapists. They work with each other to provide the patient with holistic healthcare.
