Music Therapy Hits the Right Notes by Ash Espinoza
M
usic: We listen to it when we clean, drive, and do various tasks and pretty much just because we can. But what if music could actually be more than just a way to pass the time or fill the silence when we are alone? What if there were a way that music could have deeper benefits and help not only lift your mood but also improve your mental health or even your physical health? I wanted to take the time to show people that music can really change the world in more ways than one – that there are more positives to a song than just liking the band or artist, and that this is something that can definitely make a change in the years and generations to come. The definition of Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. As noted by the American Music Therapy Association and others, it is clear that evidence-based treatment does help with a variety of disorders, including cardiac conditions, depression, autism, substance abuse, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
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Therapy has also been shown to help generally healthy individuals with improved memory, communication and coping skills, reduced stress and muscle tension, lowered blood pressure, improved self-esteem, and more. It is credited with alleviating physical pain, as well as lessening feelings of isolation. A VERSATILE TOOL Did you know that formal music therapy was defined and first used by the United States War Department in 1945? It was used to helped military service members who were recovering in army hospitals with occupational therapy, education, recreation and physical reconditioning. Of course, most of us naturally sense the more casual benefits of music. Music can bring people together, no matter the circumstances, such as during weddings, funerals, concerts. It works even in more intimate settings, like having a special song with someone you care about – or just having that one song that makes you smile even when you listen to it alone, because sometimes music just needs to be enjoyed solo so you can really feel the lyrics, and truly hear the artist behind the words. I don’t know about any of you, but certain songs
