You are on page 1of 15

By Anthony Pantalena

Music acts like a magic key, to which the


most tightly closed heart opens. -Maria
Von Trapp
"Music is your own experience, your own
thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it
won't come out of your horn. They teach you
there's a boundary line to music. But, man,
there's no boundary line to art." - Charlie
"YardBird" Parker
Music Therapy Definition
the systematic application of music by
the music therapist to bring about
helpful changes in the emotional or
physical health of the client.

Also, ability to experience an altered
state of physical arousal and
subsequent mood by processing a
progression of musical notes of varying
tone, rhythm, and instrumentation for a
pleasing effect.
Music has always been used as a form of
healing
Indian drum circles to Medieval dance get-togethers
The National Music Therapy Association was
founded in 1950 (NMTA)
Originally the Urban Federation of Music
Therapists, 1971 marked the founding of
American Association for Music Therapy
(AAMT)
Similar goals to the NMTA, just a different approach
Theories of Music Therapy:
Biochemical Theory
Entrainment Theory
Metaphysical Theory
The Biochemical Theory states that music is a
sensory stimulus that is processed through
the sense of hearing. Sound vibrations are
chemically changed into nervous impulses
that activate either the sympathetic or
parasympathetic nervous system.
The Entrainment Theory, based on a law of
physics, suggests that oscillations produced
by music are received by the human energy
field and the various physiological systems
and organs entrain with or resonate with the
given Hz (oscillation) of the music.
The Metaphysical Theory suggests that music
and song have a transcending quality that
provides a direct communication with the
divine.
Music is divine in nature
Many musicians say that when they compose,
they are eavesdropping on the thoughts of
God (e.g., Mozart, Beethoven, Paul
McCartney).
Studies show, when Music is most effective as
a relaxation technique, the music has no
lyrics and is purely instrumental.
Type of music selected, listening
environment, posture, and attitude also affect
the quality of the relaxation response.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMmMNy
TwePY
This song is known as the most relaxing song
of all time
So much so that it is recommended that you dont
listen to it in a car, because of these effects:
Decreases resting heart rate
Decreases resting blood pressure
Decreases muscle tension
Decreases other metabolic parameters
associated with the stress response
Music has a profound ability to effect ones
mood whether its a lullaby or a rock concert
Two Theories:
1. Music serves as a pleasant distraction
from pain
2. Healing vibrations entrain a healing
effect to reduce pain
7.8 Hz is thought to be the vibration
of homeostasis
Dolphins and whales sing at 7.8 Hz
Make a good musical selection
Create a good listening environment
Create your own mix of relaxing songs
Select songs without words/lyrics that could engage
left brain to run amok with emotions.
Listening to instrumental music can be a form
of meditation
It should be done without distractions (e.g.,
cell phones, TV, etc.)
Playing an instrument also qualifies as music
therapy
Singing also qualifies as music therapy (so
does whistling!)

You might also like