Music Therapy

Paper Summary:

In this essay, the writer discusses that since humans first walked on the earth, they have used music as a way of gaining inner peace, solitude and pleasure. The writer points out that with voice alone or musical instruments, with friends and family and small groups and large, music has been an important part of human societies throughout the world. Music connects with the inner self. It provokes emotional response, or it reduces it. The writer notes that it is not surprising, then, that modern-day therapists use music as part of their treatment for social or emotional problems for the youngest child to older adults. Music therapy is as old as the beginning of humankind, itself. The writer concludes that it is only recently that it is finally being recognized for the power and importance it plays in helping individuals of all ages, backgrounds and mental, physical and spiritual needs.

From the Paper:

"Although music therapy has only recently been designated as a profession, it goes back to the earliest of times. At the beginning of the 19th century, William B. Davis reported on the activities of The Guild of St Cecilia, established in 1891 by the musician Canon Harford, which played calming music to a large number of patients in London hospitals. Unfortunately, the Guild was closed due to criticism from the musical and medical press, lack of funds and Harford's illness. Davis also noted that a number of similar organizations were founded in the United States during the early 20th century. However, they also did not last long."
"During World War II, there was an increasing interest in using music as a therapy for soldiers who were returning home in mental or physical pain. Hospitals and physicians increasingly began to use music and asked musicians for research that would indicate the therapeutic value. Musicians, however, did not have the academic background for such research."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Music Therapy Association. Website retrieved 3 March, 2007. http://www.musictherapy.org/
• Davis, W.B. (1988). Music therapy in Victorian England. Journal of British Music Therapy 2(1): 10-17.
• Fleshman, B., and Fryrear, J.L. (1971). The Arts in Therapy. Chicago: Nelson-Hall.
• Hesser, B. Interview. "Perfect Sound Forever. Retrieved from website 3, March, 2007. http://www.furious.com/perfect/barbarahesser.html "Perfect Sound Forever"
• Wigram, T. (2002). Indications in music therapy. Evidence from assessment that can identify the expectations of music therapy as a treatment for Autistic Spectrum Disorder. British Journal of Music Therapy 16(1).

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