The American Music Therapy Association

The American Music Therapy Association
The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) defines music therapy as an "established health
profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional,
cognitive, and social needs of individuals". Studies have shown that there are clear benefits from
listening to or playing music, but research over the last decade proves music can be used to heal in
the medical field. Dementia and other neurological disorders have no cure, only treatments to lessen
the symptoms. Music therapy offers a cost effective and less invasive form of treatment that focuses
on the individuals needs and goals. Music therapy is also a more creative and personalized form of
treatment. This paper will provide evidence to answer the question: Are dementia and other
neurological disorders improved through music therapy?
In this publication, Matthews focuses on the effects of music therapy on dementia patients. He hones
in on a case that was featured in the documentary "Alive Inside". Henry, an elderly man with late
stage dementia is given the chance to listen to some music. The music therapist plays his favorite
artist, Cab Calloway and Henry begins to light up, move and remember feelings he had when he was
younger and heard that song. The music therapy didn't restore what was lost but it was able to have
positive effects even after the song stopped. It awakened parts of his brain that may have been
dormant and music helped him bring back old memories. Matthews
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Music Therapy
Music therapy is used to treat people for various reasons and there are multiple styles of treatment
presently being used. Music therapy is an effective form of therapy that is used on people of all ages
to improve quality of life.
Music therapy has been used in the medical industry for more than 60 years and there are many
people who have no idea what it is. During W.W.I., music therapy in the United States began to
develop when music was used in the Veterans Administration Hospitals as an intervention to address
traumatic war injuries. There were several musicians who were not working and they would go to
the Veteran hospitals to play for the injured soldiers. "Numerous doctors and nurses witnessed the
effect music had on veterans' ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In addition, music therapy is beneficial for people who suffer from substance abuse, brain injuries,
and acute pain, to mothers who are in labor (American Music Therapy Association, Inc., 1999).
Music Therapy has had numerous clinical studies to suggest that not only musical therapy is an
effective means of treatment, but the sound of music is soothing and comfortable, and it lowers
cortisol, a stress hormone, as much as 25%. The music can reduce pain for patients who have come
out of surgery, decreases nausea with patients who are receiving chemotherapy, and increases
awareness of self and environment. A study conducted at Yale University School of medicine proved
that patients who were awake during a surgical procedure listening to their favorite music need
lower doses of pain medication than patients who did not listen to music (Syed, 2006).
Developmentally disabled individuals and individuals with mental health needs are also receptive
and benefit from music therapy. Music therapy for autistic individuals has helped to teach social
interacting, encouraging the desire to communicate, and minimizing non–communicative speech.
"As far as autism is concerned, studies have shown that music therapy has a significant, positive
influence when used to treat autistic individuals" (Evans, 2008, para. 3). Children diagnosed with
autism are very receptive to music therapy. It was stated "Music

Music Therapy For The Elderly
Most adults between the ages 65 and 85 have at least one chronic condition (heart disease, diabetes,
cancer, or arthritis, for example). Because aging brings with it a variety of changes to people's
physical, mental, and emotional well–being, music therapy for seniors and their caregivers can be
beneficial. Champion Home Health Care, serving Brevard County, aims to provide caring, expert
home care. We have found that music therapy can be quite effective in aiding seniors, as we will
explain below.
Since music has the ability to take us back in time, evoking memories and feelings from the past and
offering comfort and cheer, it is cherished by many people. Music therapy has been shown in studies
to help some older people restore and maintain their health, and also help them remember memories
and fight off feelings of depression. Music therapy means the use of musical or rhythmic
interventions to restore/improve social, emotional, physical, and mental functioning. ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
For dementia patients, music from a person's childhood or young adult years has proven to be
effective in obtaining a positive response and involvement (and this happens even when the patient
can no longer communicate). Music has been shown to help seniors process their thoughts and
recall/maintain

Music Therapy Research Paper
Music therapy is not a very well known form of therapy. I believe that many people think that
listening to music can make you feel better but don't actually know that it can be used in real therapy
sessions. Music therapy is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, cognitive,
emotional, and social needs of an individual. (AmericanMusicTherapyAssociation) In this paper I
will be talking about how music therapy is effective in individuals with autism, the history of music
therapy, and how it's effective in people for pain management. For people with autism music therapy
is used to effect change in behavior and create skills. (MusicTherapyPerspectives) Music provides
auditory and visual stimulations. It can also manage stress, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
Music therapy is offered by many pain centers and cancer centers.
(MusicTherapyforPainManagment) The music distracts the individual from the pain so they can
focus on the music. Music therapy helps people with pain by lowering blood pressure, reducing
heart rate, and relaxing muscle tension. (MusicTherapy) These people can be conditioned to feel
relaxed when calming music comes on during a time where they have tension and worry.
(MusicTherapy) Music therapy can also change mood, cue positive visual imagery, cause deep
relaxation response, and provide musical stimulus for rhythmic breathing. (MusicTherapy) After so
many sessions with a music therapist, patients in chronic pain learn to relax just as they hear the
music. (MusicTherapyforPainManagement) These therapy sessions can include making music,
listening to music, singing along to songs, writing music, and meditating with music in the back–
round. (MusicTherapyforPainManagement) A lot of the brain pathways that process music also
process pain so when focusing on the music it competes with the pain. (MoreMusicLessPain)
Actively listening to music can help with pain that's only happening at the moment because while
focusing and really listening to the songs it distracts you, but for chronic pain zoning out to relaxing
music instead of focusing in helps more. (MoreMusicLessPain) The type of music that helps people
the most just depends on what kind

Music Therapy: Music Treatment
Music treatment:
Music Therapy is the clinical and confirmation based usage of music mediations to accomplish
individualized targets inside a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed capable who has completed
a certified music treatment program.
Music Therapy is a developed prosperity bringing in which music is used inside a medicinal
relationship to address physical, enthusiastic, scholarly, and social needs of individuals. Ensuing to
looking over the qualities and necessities of each client, the qualified music pro gives the indicated
treatment including making, singing, moving to, and also listening to music. Through musical
incorporation in the therapeutic setting, clients' abilities are invigorated and traded to various parts
of

Music Therapy Reflection
Introduction Music has always been an integral part of my life. For years, I have been performing,
writing, and enjoying all genres of music, but since enrolling in Introduction to Music Therapy, I
have come to understand that music can be used for so much more than enjoyment. Music can
connect and heal people, and music therapy is the profession that seeks to harness the power of
music to accomplish these things and more. According to Bruschia (2014),
Music therapy is a reflexive process wherein the therapist helps the client to optimize the client's
health, using various facets of music experience and the relationships formed through them as the
impetus for change. As defined here, music therapy is the professional practice component of the
discipline, which informs and is informed by theory and research. (p. 36)
This complex and controversial definition offers only a small glimpse at the expansiveness of music
therapy, much like my introductory course. This semester has given a broad overview of music
therapy as a profession and greatly expanded my understanding of the role of music therapy in
people's lives.
Functions of Music The beginning of the semester brought forth a myriad of discussions, one of the
most important being about the functions of music in the world around us. I always knew music
could be found and heard everywhere. However, I paid little attention to the functions of that music.
Merriam's Functions of Music identify the ten ways in which music works

Pros Of Music Therapy
In the 1940's music therapy began to be recognized as its own organized profession
(musictherapy.org). According to the CAMT (Canadian Association for Music Therapy), music
therapy is: "The skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to
promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health..." (Lightstone 40).
It has been used as a healing process since ancient times. Over 2,500 years ago, Hippocrates, the
father of modern medicine, would use such practices to treat his mentally ill patients (Graf 2).
Today, music therapy is becoming more popular. The use of music as medicine is beneficial to many
people as it is easily accessible, inexpensive and free of any harmful side effects (Thompson,
Schlaug 6). According to Thompson and Schlaug, music therapy has proven to be beneficial to those
... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
According to the National Stroke Association, 800,000 people develop a stroke each year (Bethoux
et al. 1463). During one study in 2008, psychologist Teppo Sarkamo of the University of Hesinki
recruited 60 patients who have suffered from a stroke (Thompson, Schlaug 7). Strokes can cause a
loss of language and communication skills. When stroke affects areas of the brain that control
speech it is known as non–fluent aphasia (Thompson, Schlaug 8). The purpose of this study was to
evaluate the effects that music therapy has on those who have had a stroke. Sarkamo split the
patients into three groups; those who receive sessions of music listening everyday, those who
listened to audiobooks everyday, and those who listened to nothing at all. After observing his
patients over the span of two months, those who listened to music everyday showed greatest
recovery in verbal memory and attention. Another example of the effects of music therapy on stroke
survivors can be seen within the story of an eleven year old girl,

Music Therapy Research Paper
Alternative methods of healing have been utilized by non–western medicine for generations. The
use of acupuncture to heal everything from seasickness to muscle soreness is well documented and
widely used. Physical therapy is often a precursor to surgery and many times will prevent the need
to undergo a more invasive procedure. A lesser–known form of alternative healing but becoming
more popular is music therapy. In the late 18th century, scientists began to investigate the effects of
music on the human body; however, using music as a healing medium dates back to ancient times.
There are many forms and techniques of music therapy that aid a variety of disabilities having to do
with communication, behavioral issues, the autism spectrum, ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
A song or a piece of music has the power to transform an individual and take them not only to a
different state of mind, but quite possibly a different consciousness. Making or singing music also
has the power to transform an individual. "There is a resemblance of music in pitch, volume,
rhythm, melody and structure to the natural human expression of emotion in voice, demeanor and
behavior" (Ushedo, 2006, 1). Making music can create an environment where it indirectly teaches
individuals communication and social skills through the emotions brought out by the music. The
social interaction between individuals with behavioral problems has been aided by using musical
activities. It can "encourage or motivate communication through musical activities, which are
responsive to the child to promote eye contact, turn taking, sharing, joint attention" (Stephenson,
2006, 297). While creating a calmer and more relaxed environment with musical activities,
behavioral problems can be aided through the use of this form of music therapy.
Music elicits an emotional and cognitive response in all who listen to it. It is powerful at the
individual level because "it can induce multiple responses – physiological, movement, mood,
emotional, cognitive, and behavioral" (Francis, 2008,

Music Therapy And Its Effectiveness
Musical therapy is a precise, evidence–based use of music to help accomplish certain goals or
objectives in a therapeutic setting. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in many
areas such as: overall physical rehabilitation, increasing people 's motivation to become more
involved in their treatment, giving emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an
way for expression of their feelings to others. Musical therapy in a more detailed descriptions is an
established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic setting to address physical,
emotional, subjective, and social needs of individuals. After figuring out the strengths and
weaknesses of a client, the music therapist ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The Certification Board for Music Therapists is the association that distributes said certificates, to
identify music therapists who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to
practice at the current level of the music therapy. The purpose of having to require this certificate is
to create a even measurement across the country on what should be expected of musical therapists as
a whole. There is a code of ethics for musical therapists and section three, paragraph one reads, "The
welfare of the client will be of utmost importance to the MT" ("Code of Ethics." American Music
Therapy Association. Nov. 2014. Web. 20 May 2015. .)
The idea of music as a healing influence which could affect health and behavior in a positive way
can be traced back to being practiced in 357 B.C. Music was always thought to release bad energy
from the body. The 20th century researchers officially began after World War I and World War II
when musicians of all types, both amateur and professional, went to Veterans hospitals around the
country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the
wars. The patients ' obviously physical and emotional responses to music led the doctors and nurses
to hire or ask musicians to continue coming in and playing for the

Should Music Therapy Be Taught?
Gabriella Boccia
Mrs. Price
English III Honors
10 March 2016
Medicinal Melodies
Jodi Picoult, New York Times best–selling author of Sing You Home once said, "Music therapy, to
me, is music performance without the ego. It's not about entertainment as much as it 's about
empathizing. If you can use music to slip past the pain and gather insight into the workings of
someone else's mind, you can begin to fix a problem." Music therapy is precisely that: an assuaging
therapy meant to heal patients who need empathy, love, and tranquility. Patients in the neonatal
intensive care unit (NICU), residents of nursing homes, or non–verbal people on the autism
spectrum all can use music therapy to their advantage. Music therapy is truly beautiful to many
patients, who are not the only people benefitting from this type of therapy. Therapists and family
members are wholly affected by music therapy as they watch their patients or loved ones develop
through the love of music. Although music therapy is not for all patients, it has wonderful
perquisites for many disorders and injuries. In music therapy, there are many different exercises and
methods to heal a person's mind and body. For example, rhythm exercises are physical, but also
require the patient to utilize their mind by counting, keeping time, and respecting note values. The
execution of these exercises can improve fine and gross motor skills, which benefits patients who
are losing these skills or trying to learn them for the first

Music Therapy Essay
Music Therapy: Is It The Cure To Mental & Physical Problems?
Music therapy is defined as the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music
therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music
has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities. These are used in the therapeutic
relationship to facilitate contact, interaction, self–awareness, learning, self–expression,
communication, and personal development (Source: Canadian Association of Music Therapy).
In other words, music therapy is the use of music by a trained professional to achieve therapeutic
goals. Goal areas include, but are not limited to, motor skills, social/interpersonal development,
cognitive ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In essence, music produces a counter to the stress response, in that relaxation is promoted, and the
body is returned to a healthier balance (Source: Watkins, G. Music Therapy: Proposed Physiological
Mechanisms and Clinical Implications, 1997).
How Music Affects the Body
All music components of music – Tempo, pitch, volume, and rhythm – affect our body. Tempo is
defined as the pace of the music. Tempos in the range of 60 – 70 beats per minute have been found
to be most soothing, because they reflect the similar tempo of the heart. A pace faster than that
causes tension, while a pace slower than that creates the feeling of suspense. The pitch or highness
or lowness of a sound is determined by the frequency of sound waves and it acts on the autonomic
nervous system. A high pitch causes tension, while a low pitch promotes relaxation. The volume, or
intensity/loudness of the music, can cause pain if very high, yet can be soothing and relaxing if low.
Rhythm helps the body to regain the order that it had previous to the stress caused by the medical
illness or condition. Specifically, music assists in restoring the circadian rhythms of temperature and
sleep, the ultradian rhythms of autonomic system regulation, metabolic processes, and cerebral
dominance, and the rhythms of respiration, peristalsis, and heart rate. In addition, for infants born
premature or ill, music helps to recreate the order of the fetal environment experienced in utero, and
promotes a low

Music And Music Therapy ( N.a.m.t ) Essay
Musical Therapy "Music, even in situations of the greatest of horror, should never be painful to the
ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music." (Mozart). Music is pervasive
in everyday life. It is used as a means of communication. It allows us to better oneself, and
continues to be an outlet for creativity that is ever changing in this era. The use of music in a therapy
session dates back to ancient times and has even been discovered in ancient biblical scriptures. "The
National Association for Music Therapy (N.A.M.T) was established on June 2, 1950 in New York
and has been the basis for Musical Therapy since and continues to allow the growth and progression
of therapy" (History of Music Therapy). From the article; How Does Music Therapy Work; "At its
core, music therapy is the interaction between a therapist, a client (or clients) and the use of music.
"A music therapist assesses the client(s) and creates a clinical plan for treatment in conjunction with
team and client goals, which in turn determines the course of clinical sessions. A music therapist
works within a client–centered, goal–directed framework"(How Does Music Therapy Work?). While
music in general is a great thing, there is an unlimited range for possibilities for use in therapeutic
practice. Musical therapy is critical because of the mental, physical and social benefits it provides.
To begin,let 's look at some of the mental benefits that music therapy provides. From Dr.

Music Therapy And Its Effects
Following the developing of social sciences, everybody has started to get concerned about the issue
if music is good for healthy body and mental recently. This phenomenon makes the music therapy
becomes popular. Music therapy is defined as " the therapeutic use of music as to reduce anxiety,
improve cognitive functioning, promote physical rehabilitation, or enhance interpersonal
communication that typically involves listening to music, singing, playing musical instruments, or
composing music " in the Merriam–Webster.com. In other words, through the activity of music
people can improve physical or psychological disease that achieves cure and health. For many
centuries, music has been applied as a therapeutic tool and effected some disease treatment of
methods. In 18 century, the idea of music as a therapy that showed the article in Columbian
Magazine titled " Music Physically Considered. " In 19 century, many psychiatrist started to use the
music to cure disease and even experiment it to their patients. In 20 century, especially after World
War I and World War II, throughout apply the music therapy for the veterans suffering both physical
and emotional injury from the war. Music extremely effective solve the variety of diseases, for
example, depression, during pregnancy, and dementia. Nowadays, music therapy extends to
application in hospital or school of disability children. In the end, the professional organization was
established that increased the

Music Therapy Observation
The related service observed during the field experience with students with low incidence
disabilities was music therapy. The observation setting provided the students with ample space and a
multitude of instruments to choose from. The lights would be turned off and a string of small lights
would illuminate the room along with various instruments that lit up. The music therapist was
extremely engaging and encouraged the students to play with the instruments found within the
room.
The students were from a low–functioning, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) transitions class and
many were non–verbal. When it came time to go to music therapy, the students seemed eager. Music
provides a multi–sensory stimulation that is beneficial for students with ASD. The music therapist
described the ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Music therapy helps individuals with disabilities to identify and express his or her emotions as well
as to assist in the development of verbal communication, speech and language skills. The data
collection tool implemented to track the progress of students focused on student participation and
independence levels. These levels were tracked weekly and broken down into 5 sections:
Independent, Verbal, Gestural, Physical, and No Participation. Data was also collected when
measuring a student's response to musical selection and to see if a rhythm was followed in either
double or triple meter.
Overall, the music therapy that was observed was truly informative. I have never been exposed to
this form of therapy and I was impressed. Not only does music therapy provide students with
disabilities an outlet for emotional expression, but it also helps to address student IEP goals when it
comes to social skills, speech and language skills, and verbal communication. The students were
receptive of the therapy and seemed to enjoy the atmosphere within the music

Statement Of Music Therapy
I believe that helping people and taking care of each other is our duty. We should use our talents to
accommodate the needs of not only ours but, others' too. This is my motivation for becoming a
Music Therapist. This profession ties two of my strong interests as I have been a musician under
development for 7 years. I strongly believe and have been told that my personal qualities are exactly
what it takes to work in therapy. I am patient, respectful, responsible and supporting. These four
qualities are essential when working with vulnerable adults, adolescents, and children.
An immediate goal of mine is to improve my knowledge on all of the different types of illnesses that
are dealt with in Music Therapy. I have always been interested in ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
I have gained experience with working with Nursery aged children, as well as secondary school
adolescents. Every day worked with school children is very rewarding when I know that I have
taught them something or, given them a fresh, new outlook on something. I continue to take on
exciting opportunities to work with charities. Due to the upcoming World Awareness Autism day, I
will soon be helping with the 'bucket collections' in busy places in London. I believe that this is an
exciting opportunity because I will be able to share my gathered knowledge on Autism.
After completing the Postgraduate course at Anglia Ruskin University, I am eager to start work with
the NHS. My ideal sector would be the elderly, as I have gotten to know the Alzheimer's disease
more, it has become an increasingly desirable group for me to work within the future. Thus this
would be my ideal area of work, I would also like to experience working with Autistic patients
because that is also an interest of mine. I trust that my experience and skill set are a strong match to
study on the Music Therapy masters

Music Therapy Papers
Music Therapy
Music therapy spans and assists various areas of medicine. To further understand the benefits of
music therapy one must first learn what it is, who is qualified to perform, and who it helps. With
further public education and acceptance, music therapy outreach can help many patients.
The first thing that must be explained is what music therapy is. "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."
(American Music Therapy Association) The American Music Therapy Association is a group that
helps patients by incorporating music into their daily lives to ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
When people decide to go through with music therapy they research it to see what happens during a
music therapy session. During a music therapy session most patients will sit down in a room and
they will either listen to music or they will play an instrument that is provided in the sessions room.
When the patients come out of the room they should feel refreshed or as if they have started a new
day. As for how much a music therapy session costs, the groups normally costs anywhere from $130
to $200 dollars an hour depending on the type of session. When people think of music therapy they
might think of someone sitting down in a room and listening to music the whole time and then just
leaving feeling like a new person, but it is much more than that. When people start music therapy
they are expecting nothing less than listening to music and talking about what made them come to
these sessions. Although when they walk in they are presented with many opportunities like playing
a type of music they like on a drum or different type of instrument. During the session the music
therapists ask how the music they play or listen to makes them feel. Most sessions have good results
ending in a happy patient and a satisfied therapist, but those sessions that don't go as well as planned
might need to take a longer time to help that

Music And Music Therapy
Music is present in our everyday lives, in many different forms, yet we are oblivious to its
therapeutic values. Individuals with mental illnesses have hardships that they face daily. Patients
will mental illnesses may use music therapy to improve the extremity of their mood swings and
ultimately, their way of life. What is music therapy? Music therapy is "the skillful use of music and
musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental,
physical, emotional, and spiritual health (Ulbricht, Psychology Today)." Since the beginning of
time, music therapy has been documented in multiple ways. In the Old Testament of the Bible,
David was found comforting Saul with his harp. Also, Plato and Aristotle both wrote of the virtues
of music to calm and soothe, as well as for stimulation and motivation. On the contrary, music
therapy wasn't a professional discipline in the United States until the 1940s. In the 21st century, it
has broadened even further and is used in diverse areas of medicine, such as cancer, palliative and
pain control for surgical patients. Even with countless experiments and evidence, there are plenty of
people that are still suspicious of the therapeutic benefits of music. As a result of this, music has
been found as one of the least–funded activities in schools and universities. One of the biggest areas
that music needs to be referred to is mental illnesses. What necessarily makes someone have a
mental illness? A mental

The Importance Of Music Therapy
A bullet to the left of the brain almost caused Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords, a permanent
speech imparity. Gabrielle experienced aphasia (a language disorder that stops communication), but
she participated in music therapy for healing. She learned how to think straightforwardly by
matching the lyrics of the song to the rhythm and the melody. In the right side of the brain, singing
abilities occur, but on the left side people can work around the injury by dropping the melody after
they sing their thoughts (Harvard). Eventually, due to this music therapy process, Gabrielle
recovered and got her speech ability back. Even though music is used everyday as entertainment, it
can also be used as a treatment option to help people. Music therapy has been able to help people
communicate and it has recovered speech and hearing imparities. Music therapy is the use of music
elements by music therapist to help restore and maintain physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional
health. Music therapy opens a path of communication for people who have trouble communicating
through words. Doctors should use music therapy more as a treatment in hospitals, nursing homes,
and rehabilitation centers.
Participating in music therapy was found to help people who experience self–esteem issues and
depression. A scientific study was performed by a group of scientist in Poole, England to prove
whether or not music lessened the amount of depression a child felt. Bournemouth University in
England and

Music Therapy Essay
Music therapy is a therapeutic use that harnesses the musical strengths of the participants while
focusing on alleviating the different impairments that each autistic person might endure. These
music based interventions are specifically beneficial for individuals with the autistic spectrum
disorder as they address impairments in joint attention, social reciprocity, and non–verbal and verbal
communication. In addition to these, multisensory perception, motor performance and behavioral
issues. Children with the autistic spectrum disorder also tend to find musical activities enjoyable
because of their enhanced musical understanding making music therapy successful in keeping their
attention focused (Heaton, 2003). Additionally, children with autism ... Show more content on
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Each of these therapies address different issues found with autism. AMMT and MIT facilitate
language production with children who have either low or nonverbal communications. These use
self–produced sounds such as hitting a drum or tapping, articulatory movements as well as auditory–
motor mapping (Carrol, 1996). With this therapy use, participants begin working with the therapist
forming sound words and tapping the tuned drums to group singing and music making allowing for
the child to produce words without being dependent on the therapist. Studies show that autistic
children show improvements in enunciating words as well as phrases after 8 weeks of AMMT and
MIT therapy (Wan et al, 2011). Through this therapy, improvements in timing deficits of language,
perception, cognition and motor control are addressed using rhythm training and improvisational
music therapy works with the social engagement and communication skills. Therapists use
improvisation and music making in order to engage in the patient's musical and non–musical/verbal
behaviors. These musical techniques between the patient and therapist aid in the development of
communicative expressions leading to an improvement in social skills like imitation, joint attention
and turn taking (Kim et al.,

Music Therapy And Its Effects
Music Therapy is the use of music interventions in the healthcare field to help patients accomplish
their goals with an accredited professional. It can be used to treat a variety of ailments, both physical
and a mental. Music therapy interventions can be designed to promote an individual's well–being,
manage their stress levels, and even to enhance their memory.
The purpose of this paper is to look at the way that nurses can use music therapy as a way to heal
someone from the inside out. It will explore how we are able to process music and utilize it for
therapeutic purposes to improve cognitive and behavioral functions. Nurses can use music in a
psychiatric setting to evoke various thoughts and feelings in their patients (Covington and Crosby,
1997). The particular interest of this paper is to look at how a musical work affects Alzheimer's
patients. Although Alzheimer's disease is still incurable, there has been research to show that music
therapy can be a beneficial treatment and can spark compelling outcomes even in the very late
stages of Alzheimer's disease (Music Therapy). Music therapy has shown promise as a way for
patients to express themselves through sensory stimulation.
Music, as a means of healing, dates back to ancient times. The ancient Greeks, worshiped Apollo,
the god of music and medicine. Both Plato and Aristotle taught that music offered not only
entertainment value, but also a force that could affect the emotions and character of an individual.
Using

Music Therapy Dementia
Music Therapy Aids Dementia Sufferers
My great–grandmother was diagnosed with dementia around the time she turned 85. This meant that
her cognitive functions were deteriorating (Vink). She rapidly began to forget what she once knew.
She could no longer recognize her children. She even forgot her name. The possibility of her
memories being restored quickly became a hopeless case.
However, there was one thing my great–grandmother could recognize and remember; music. When
her daughter played some of her favorite tunes she would bob her head to the beat of the music. On
some days, she'd mouth the lyrics she had learned up to 50 years ago. The memories that had seem
hopelessly lost forever had been temporarily restored through music.
Music therapy ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This phenomenon occurs when a person creates a "direct association of a musical event with some
extramusical object or event, so that emotions previously associated with the extramusical object
come to be associated with the music" (Dowling 204).
Because musical pieces portray emotions, different music make people feel different things and thus
get associated with different things. Jay Dowling and Dane Harwood explain that "patterns within
the music itself ... of tensions and relaxations ... mirror the form of emotional tensions and
relaxations" (Dowling 205) that humans relate to their own. This is shown by a study where every
subject who associated a song with their current relationship explained that the song gave them the
pleasant emotions that their relationship provided (Baumgartner 616).
Music helps us remember events and feel emotions – whether we want to or not. This phenomenon
has changed the way we experience and remember songs. Humans have associated certain music
with events and emotions for as long as we had the capability to (Baumgartner 316), so listening to
these familiar sounds brings forth the memories that come with

Music Therapy for Children with Autism: Essay
In a setting with someone with autism spectrum disorder, music therapists make use of music as an
educational tool to encourage learning. One of the purposes of music therapy for someone with
autism is to provide the student with an initial assistance using melodious and rhythmic strategies,
followed by fading of musical cues to assist in simplification and transfer to other learning
environments. Music therapy has been proven to decrease symptoms of children with autism, and
could even facilitate motivation and social interaction. Even autistic children, who rarely or never
speak, can respond to music; sometimes they may even sing along. Music therapy provides a tool
that can link the gap between a non–communicative child and one who can ... Show more content on
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In 1944, the first music therapy degree program in the world was established at Michigan State
University and now, more than seventy colleges and universities have approved programs, according
to the American Music Therapy Association ("American Cancer Society" par. 8). Music therapists
must have at least a bachelor's degree, 1,200 hours of clinical training, and one or more internships
before they can be certified.
No one knows all the ways music can benefit the body but, it is known that music can affect brain
waves, brain circulation, and stress hormones. Students who take music lessons have improved IQ
levels and show improvement in nonmusical abilities as well. Listening to music composed by
Mozart produces a short–term improvement in tasks that use spatial abilities. Studies of brain
circulation have shown that people listening to Mozart have more activity in certain areas of the
brain, which is called the Mozart effect. Although the reasons for this are not clear, this kind of
information supports the idea that music can be used in many helpful ways. In general, music
therapy done under the care of a professionally–trained therapist has a helpful effect, and is
considered safe when used with standard treatment.
Music therapy can help an autistic child in many ways. One way is helping their speech by singing.
Singing can help a child learn how to grammatically structure a sentence correctly. Singing and
speech have many

Music Therapy
"Music can heal the wounds which medicine cannot touch" Mridha (n.d). Music is a part of most
people's lives; from birth, to death. In fact, Schaeffer (n.d.) relayed that "the ideas of music as a
healing influence able to affect health and behavior is at least as old as the writings of Aristotle and
Plato" (Carpente as cited by Schaeffer, n.d). It has been shown that music can evoke emotion,
improve cognition, lower stress hormones, ease pain, and assist in rehabilitation and learning. It has
been established that our senior community is among the fastest growing of all populations, and
because music can reach such a large sector of this population, and can help in so many aspects;
incorporating music into elderly care can enhance their quality of life. ... Show more content on
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The goal of this program is to implement music therapy programs for diverse populations in nursing
homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and even while aging in place. In order to make this
program successful; considerations such as staffing, implementation, and evaluation of the
program's effectiveness must be considered.
What is Music Therapy: What Can it Do, Who Benefits? According to The American Music
Therapy Association (2006) "music therapy is the clinical and evidence–based use of music
interventions to accomplish individualized goals..." (para.1). Music is used to promote wellness,
manage stress, alleviate pain, enhance memory, and improve communication (para. 1). Music
therapy has been shown to provide an opportunity for memory recall, more positive moods and
emotions, awareness of environment, social interaction and reduction of stress and anxiety for both
the individual and caregivers, manage pain and discomfort, and provide social interaction with
caregivers and families (para 4.) Ulbricht (2013) stated that "all forms of music may have
therapeutic effects, although music from one's own culture may be most

Music Therapy Essay
Modern medicine is the combination of modern technologies and ancient practices. Along with
technological advance in medical equipment and treatment, using music to connect to patients is still
a reliable practice. Throughout the history of healing practices, music has been used as a remedy.
Music is so groundbreaking in the fact that it actually has the ability to affect human beings in so
many ways. Music is a huge advantage in a treatment plan as it is calming, strengthening and it can
be used for both the physically and mentally ill.
To start, the American Music Therapy Association defines Music Therapy as, "the clinical and
relationship ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This component is why it's a smarter choice then pharmaceutical drugs. Humans have a
physiological response to music. The way a person can get chills from music, the way heartbeats are
effected, and breathing are all proof of the physical response music has on human beings. Musical
Therapists are just trained to use this beneficially. They are trained to use music to elicit the desired
effect on people.
From birth brains are able to process music, there's been research showing that day–old infants have
the ability to notice differences in rhythmic patterns. This is why lullabies have an effect on babies,
and why being rocked rhythmically calms babies, this trick has been used with babies even before
language existed. This readiness to respond to music is why children dance and sing at such young
ages, and it's why music therapy for young children is just as productive as music therapy for adults.
Music is also strongly attached with memories. Often times people relate songs with times in their
life. Music is second to smell in this ability to stimulate memory. This quality of music can be taken
advantage of with patients who are in depressive states due to mental or physical reasoning, to bring
back happier memories or allow them to mentally be somewhere else.
There is proof behind this theory that music helps heal, it's not just a concept people choice to
believe. In one

Music Therapy Interview
Music therapy is one of several approaches individuals can utilize to improve or maintain their
mental condition and treat various underlying health conditions in a holistic manner. It is a modality
that utilizes many allied health professions. Music therapists have found the use of music during
therapy improves patients' ability to maintain and improve their daily routines, cognitive abilities,
sensory–motor skills, social skills, confidence, and overall perspective. The most important mind–
set that a patient can achieve is that of confidence. When a person is under the continuous stress that
comes with declining health, their confidence and self–esteem is often shattered. The patient's
negative perception of themselves can trigger numerous ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The purpose of this interview was to obtain information from a program that has been already
implemented in an acute healthcare facility and get insight information on the challenges and
resistance faced from patients or other healthcare personnel. The Nurse gave an overview of the
program in place currently at the hospital. The goal and purpose of the program is to offer patients
with a holistic approach to treating their sickness or underlying problem, with a focus on their
overall physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. The program director explained that patients are
offered the option to have different holistic interventions in place at the time in which they are
admitted to the hospital and the medical record is being registered. With the interventions that are
offered at the hospital, music therapy is the main one chosen by the patients. The rational for this is
that patients feel comfortable with this intervention because of the already known impact music has
on their normal daily life. After the patient has opted for these holistic interventions, the patient's
admitting doctor has to approve those requests. This is the doctors acknowledging the patient's
wishes and write an order to have those intervention started for that particular patient. With all this
in place the patient receives his therapy at times that fit into his plan of care. This therapy is worked
into his patient plan of care while at the facility in the same way that physical therapy is set for the
patient. The same importance is given to a music therapy appointment as would be given to any
other appointment. The program coordinator stated that much resistance was found from healthcare
personals that were involved in the direct care of several patients that requested

Music Therapy: Making Miracles One Note at a Time
Miracles come in all sizes. Sometimes a smile in a psychiatric ward can mean internal healing in
someone with depression. When the "Happy Birthday" song means more than just becoming another
year older. Music therapy can help make these miracles, however small, possible and much more
likely. Music therapy can improve the quality of life for those with medical conditions.
Music therapists use music to benefit patients by reducing anxiety and can influence relaxation in a
hospital setting. Board certified individuals use various techniques to help patients forget about their
difficulties (Green). Music therapy has many proven benefits and has an important role in many
pediatric hospitals (Mechanic, Burns). Music therapy is a way to motivate people, who have
sustained an injury or have some type of medical condition, to work hard to improve their lives or to
draw them back to where they were.
Music therapy helps rebuild language after a traumatic episode. It turns out the brain can heal itself
if the patient uses the correct protocol. Protocols such as music, speech stimulation, and melodic
intonation therapy has proven to help patients relearn to speak (Moisse). This shows that it is
possible to rewire the brain and relearn how to speak as long as they follow the protocol and are
willing to work hard for it. Some researchers are finding that the brain is hardwired to process and
understand music, even if they are not

Music Therapy Is Effective Or Not?
In today's day and age, people cannot go anywhere or do anything without listening to music. From
elevator music, to exercise in the gym, to background music in restaurants, to the radio in the car,
we cannot escape music. It is such an overlooked yet essential part of our daily lives, but what is
unknown by many is that music is also used very deliberately in the lives of others. Many hospitals
use music therapy to help treat their stroke patients, premature infants, those diagnosed with
Alzheimer 's disease, etc. One might wonder why physicians do this, but the more prevalent
questions is whether music therapy is effective or not.
There have been numerous articles written and research done to determine if music therapy is
working. The majority of these articles give various reasons as to how music therapy is used and
why it works. These articles take into consideration that each patient is different, and each patient
requires different treatment. The articles echoed praise to different forms of treatment, and one even
had a testimony from a patient saying how much he enjoyed the music treatment. Each source
brought a different element of explanation and description to music therapy and its methods. One
area of interest for researchers is the healing power of music through its vibrations and rhythms.
Music has a beat and a pattern that our bodies pick up on and connect with; our bodies identify the
rhythm, and it is sent directly "to motor nerves in our spinal

Music Therapy Outline
Nakayla Smiley
Ms. Thomas
English IV, 1st
20 April 2017
Music Therapy
Thesis: Music Therapy is a skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music
therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
I. Introduction
A. What is music therapy?
B. Music therapy is a skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to
promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
C. Music has nonverbal, creative, structural, and emotional qualities.
D. There are no potentially harmful or toxic effects.
II. Body
A. Musical therapist work with people for many different reasons.
1. Music therapy is used in hospitals to help patients reduce ... Show more content on
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Music can change mood, have stimulant or sedative effects, and after physiologic process such as
heart rate and breathing.
Hilliard, R. E. "Music Therapy in Hospice and Palliative Care: A Review of the Empirical Data." C.
Music therapy should be done only by a certified music therapist.
1. Degrees in music therapy became available in the late 1940s, and in 1950s, the first professional
association of music therapist was formed in the U.S. a. You must pass a certification exam. b. To be
certified, a candidate must complete a bachelor's or higher degree in music therapy from an
approved college or university program, as well as 1,200 hours in clinical training followed by a
supervised internship. c. Some music therapist are self–employed and may be hired on a contractual
basis to provide assessment, consultation, or treatment services for children and adults.
Bruscia, Kenneth E. Defining music therapy.
III. Conclusion
A. Music has been used throughout human history to express and affect human emotion.
B. B. The Old Testament describes King Saul as finding relief from his mood disorder through

listening to David's harp music.
C. C. Music can relieve muscle tension and improve motor

Creative Music Therapy
In the final case study, Fraser Simpson further demonstrates the importance of Creative Music
Therapy and its active music–making in his sessions with a client experiencing advanced dementia
(Aldridge, 2000). The client was dealing with aggression and anxiety, and later depression in coping
with a recent move into a nursing home. Throughout an eight–week period of casual weekly
sessions, the "art of spontaneous music–creation" (Klink, 2016) was used to divulge the client's
peaceful acceptance of their current predicament. It was noted by Simpson that through the
communicative aspects of improvisation, the client was able to find freedom in music almost at a
subconscious level (Aldridge, 2000). As Nordoff and Robbins suggested, this idea that ... Show
more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Perhaps, if current research conduction delves into uncovering preventive methods, and conversely,
maintenance strategies for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, the results of these case study
hypotheses would be more informed. Current studies in Canada show the majority of federal
investment lies in pharmaceutical research (Sonya Norris, 2015). A country–wide call for action
across Canada was issued in June of 2015 to initiate a strategy to address an increased incidence of
AD and other age–related conditions (Norris, 2015). Norris states that "The distribution of the
economic burden is unlikely to change until there are more therapeutic options for treating, slowing
or preventing AD" (p. 17). The necessary focus of research on this client population could greatly
benefit from the realm of Neurologic Music Therapy, and correspondingly, Neuroplasticity. The
initial groundwork is evidence–based and observable, however, more research must be made linking
patients with dementia to the possibility of rebuilding and repurposing their regressive neuronal

Music Therapy Essay
It is no secret that music has a strange way of reaching people who were previously thought to be
too far gone. Music has the capability to connect to individuals and touch them in a way that causes
them to have some strange reactions (Warner et al, 35–36). These reactions aren't fully understood
but have the possibility to lead to great medical advancements. While some psychologists, and
parents are strong believers in the helpful effects of music on people's mental health, others see the
dangers that come with music's great influence and think it could be used as a dangerous tool against
individuals. Music therapy is not a new idea. In fact, it's been used in thousands of civilizations
throughout history. The Incan nation thought that a soul was connected to the gods through music
and it determined the health, success, and future of every living thing (Stobart et al, 26). But most
every nation, from Africa, to Asia, to Europe, has had a history of music being used as a healing
tool. There is evidence of music therapy leading to an increase in emotional functions and motor
control skills (Warner et al, 15). One of the places that music therapy is used most is with geriatric
patients, or residents in elderly homes. Jillian Babcock talks about how comfort, relaxation, and
positive moods are some of the difficulties in assisted living homes, but music therapy has proven
successful in achieving these criteria, "...it helps improve social, psychological, intellectual and

Music Therapy
Research Paper: Music Therapy
Abstract
There are many different ways that we benefit from music. Music can inspire better self–esteem, and
confidence. It's a great way to set the mood, and a wonderful tool. Music therapy is the clinical and
relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program
(Gram, 2005). Music therapy can reach out to anyone, age, race, gender it doesn't matter. Children,
adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs can benefit from music therapy. As
well as, those who have developmental and learning disabilities, those who suffer from Alzheimer's
... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
People are able to relieve stress in a few different ways. Some people relieve stress by journaling.
Journaling allows people to clarify their thoughts and feelings, thereby gaining valuable self–
knowledge. It's also a good problem–solving tool; oftentimes, one can hash out a problem and come
up with solutions more easily on paper. Journaling about traumatic events helps one process them by
fully exploring and releasing the emotions involved, and by engaging both hemispheres of the brain
in the process, allowing the experience to become fully integrated in one's mind (Scott, 2009).
Journaling isn't for everyone; some choose to mediate to reach full relaxation. Throughout the day,
when we experience stress, our bodies automatically react in ways that prepare us to fight or run. In
some cases of extreme danger, this physical response is helpful. However, a prolonged state of such
agitation can cause physical damage to every part of the body. Meditation affects the body in exactly
the opposite ways that stress does, restoring the body to a calm state, helping the body to repair it
self, and preventing new damage due to the physical effects of stress (Scott, 2010).
Along with journaling and meditation yoga is another stress management. Yoga, which derives its
name from the word,

Music Therapy And Autism
trouble with emotion recognition and the fact that the music helps them feel the emotion is
extremely beneficial. An activity would be for the music therapist to play a happy song and show
pictures of faces or their own face of emotions such as happy or excited, and have the child do the
same. The child can then feel the emotion of the music, see what a happy face looks like, and then
also do the happy face on their own. This can be done for sad, or scary of any type of emotion one
can get with music. One last type of activity would be to help with language development. Music is
a very good way to express language and emotions. So one activity would be for the music therapist
to have a song and have instructions to go with the song such as: ... Show more content on
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I knew about music therapy before my paper because I was actually going to major in it for college.
It is interesting because I honestly knew so little on how and what music therapists really do in their
sessions. One thing I learned and found extremely interesting was how music therapy can help
children with autism identify emotions. Music therapy can help individuals identify the correct
emotions and expressions of themselves and others around them. An example is if the music
therapist plays a sad song, the child will internally feel a little sad inside, they can sing words or say
expressions that relate to sadness, and then they can look in the mirror and see their own sad face
while also looking at the music therapists sad face (Music Therapy Center of California, 2005, p. 4).
I thought it was so interesting to know that music can help children understand emotions. Music
therapy can help to lessen negative self–stimulation and it can increase participation and social skills
among peers in more acceptable ways (American Music Therapy Association, 2012, p.1). Another
big thing I learned from my research is how much music therapy can help a child with autism's
language skills. Music therapy can help children who do not have verbal language express
themselves and communicate. The music can also let them participate freely. The connection
between the actual music and the interaction of play, such as listening, taking turns and responding
helps them with their communication skills (American Music Therapy Association, 2012, p.1).
Some personal experiences that I can account for is when I volunteered for a musical theater
production called Razzle Dazzle. This was a music production with adults with disabilities. Their
disabilities ranged from Down syndrome, to autism, to simply just an intellectual disability. One
man by the name of UNKNOWN, was a dancer in our show.

Music Therapy Should Not Be Considered A Therapy
It is surprising to realize the practice of one small therapy could impact the world in a big and
positive way. Music therapy is the practice of using music to better the lives of people with motor,
cognitive, and speech disabilities, along with surgical patients. This is achieved by redirecting neural
networks in the brain with certain types of music selected for that specific patient. This is not a field
for every musician however, only educated students who are board certified should practice music
therapy for the safety for the patients. Although many people believe music therapy should not be
considered a therapy, it should be considered a mainstream beneficial medical practice and used
worldwide. It greatly increases the education of mentally disabled children, surgical patients have a
safer option for pain reduction, and it creates employment for people who are interested in a career
dealing with music.
Music therapy is the clinical and evidence–based use of music interventions to accomplish
individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by an accredited professional who as
completed an approved music therapy program. "Music therapists hope that scientific research
continues to define how their work differs from entertainment, and how it benefits patients as much
as other more familiar complementary therapies such as art therapy." (Mellskog) This shows how
even though there is little research and evidence on music therapy, it is still very effective and a

Music therapy has been a healing ritual long before recorded history. The word music derives from
the muses in greek mythology. The muses were leaders of music, medicine, poetry, and the arts,
some of which include, Apollo, Socrates, and Aristotle. Historical texts such as the Bible and
Homers Odyssey have also referenced the therapeutic value in music therapy. "In the Bible, Sauls
melancholy disappeared while David played the harp (hughes, 1984); In Homers Odyssey, the
bleeding of Odysseus ceased when he heard a magic song sung to him by Autolycus (gruhn, 1967)."
In ancient cultures and traditions, exorcising the healing of diseases and pain through the therapeutic
value in music was a magical practice for change. It was during early eighteenth century, that the
first observation study was done to assess the aftermath of music on the body. But not until the
twentieth century did music therapy formally debut. During World War I, Soldiers suffering from
post traumatic stress disorder used music as a medium for coping. Military hospitals began
employing musicians to comfort and entertain soldiers through various musical art forms. Nurses
and doctors began to notice how music was affecting these soldiers and their post traumatic stress
disorder. Musicians were aware and went on to further their education to better treat these soldiers.
By the 1930s, psychiatric hospitals began managing the moods of their inpatients through music
appreciation and other music education

Music Therapy
Introduction In this research paper, the effectiveness of music therapy on the cognitive degenerative
disorder of dementia will be evaluated. To support the contention that music therapy is effective in
treating the symptoms of dementia, research documenting this therapy's impact on memory,
emotions, and behavior will be examined. In order to provide a greater understanding of music
therapy and dementia, these terms will be defined. Second, research will be examined to determine
music therapy's impact on the psychological and behavioral issues associated with dementia. Finally,
a summary of music therapy's benefits and an evaluation of its effectiveness in treating individuals
afflicted with dementia will be discussed. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Alzheimer 's disease causes 50% to 60% of all cases of dementia (National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke). In addition, researchers have found that two other nervous system conditions,
Lewy body disease and Pick 's disease, which were originally incorrectly diagnosed as Alzheimer 's,
are emerging as major causes of dementia (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke).
Dementia is considered a late–life disease because it tends to develop mostly in elderly people; as
many as half of all people over the age of eighty are suspected of suffering from Alzheimer 's
disease (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). Doctors administer a variety of
strategies to diagnose dementia (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). It is
extremely important that all treatable conditions first be ruled out, such as depression and Vitamin
B12 deficiency, which can cause the same type of symptoms as dementia (National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke). Timely and accurate diagnosis of dementia is extremely
important for both the patient and their families because it allows early treatment of symptoms
(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). A variety of tests are used to aid in the
diagnosis process, such as neurological evaluations, in which doctors look specifically at patients'
balance, sensory responses, reflexes, and various other functions (National

Informative Speech On Music Therapy
Have you ever been in a certain situation, and you just did not know what to do? And it felt as if
music solved your problem or helped you out? Well, you probably had your own music therapy
session. This topic is relevant because people use music on a daily basis to help with frustration,
depression, etc. and it just might be an alternative for illnesses and the addiction recovery process. I
am a credible resource because I have done extensive research on this topic. I believe music therapy
helps with drug addiction, illness, and depression and can replace medicine that people take for
illnesses and also be better than the process people go through with addiction recovery. I am now
going to give you the background on music therapy and hopefully persuade some of you that music
therapy actually does help and can replace medicine for the greater good.
First of all, what is music therapy and how can it help with drug addiction people may ask. Well,
according to wikipedia, music therapy is, (and I quote) "a non verbal approach to the person using
instruments and music in general, the use of interventions to accomplish individual goals." Music
therapy originated back in the old times and was usually used to express the way one felt, if they
could not express it their self in the 'common' way. Usually, people who are in the field to become
music therapist are successful musicians and/or have a deep knowledge in music itself and a very
big passion for helping other people through music (Harvard Medical School). Music therapy can be
a big part of a drug addiction recovery. According to Your First Step, "Music therapy itself is not
enough to help individuals recover from substance abuse on its own but it can be a useful
supplement to other types of addiction treatment." Although it is not 'enough' for recovering addicts,
I believe that one day it actually will be a big part of the recovery process. In group sessions, usually
the therapist will get interactive with the individuals and sit in drum circles which encourages group
cooperation. They also record their own personal relaxation CD's that helps reduce fear and anxiety
(The Saint Jude Retreats). As said by the Cabin blog, (and I quote) "music therapy can improve

Music Therapy ( Mt )
For most, music plays an integral role in life. Whether it's putting a playlist on to get hyped–up for a
daily workout, or shuffling through an Adele album to get through a bad break–up. In short, music is
connected to our mood. Henceforth, it should come as no surprise that music therapy (MT) has been
used in various forms of rehab, specifically in terms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a
condition masked with impairments to social functioning, speech, and language along with unusual
behaviors such as fixations and repetitive movements (Boso et al., 2007). Therapy associated with
ASD has usually been associated with speech & fixation therapy or occupational and physical
activity/challenged–based therapy, to name a few, however ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
In a study conducted by LaGasse in 2004 looked to measure the effect of music therapy when
conducted as a group to see if the social skills of children with ASD would change, compared to a
regular social skills group. The study employed seventeen participants with an age range of 6 to 9
years old. The groups engaged in 10 sessions, twice a week, with a schedule of a welcome exercise,
followed by a rotation of sensory and social experiences and finally ended with a farewell exercise.
The social experiences specifically looked at promoting eye contact, communication and joint
attention (LaGasse, 2014). Exercises included passing a ball amongst the group, board games, and
telling of jokes to the group. The experience of music to half of the groups was done in a way that
would be similar to the nonmusical groups, such as music making instead of play a game or using
music to help complete a social interaction (LaGasse, 2014). Results found that specifically after
finishing all ten sessions, parents of children who received music based therapy reported large
increases in not only eye contact situations, but also in length of time. While eye gaze did increase
overall, LaGasse found that it increased among peers but decreased amongst adults, explaining it
could be due to the facilitators shifting for a more peer–to–peer interaction. Results from LaGasse's
study were able to show initial evidence those social skills such as joint attention and eye contact
could be

Music Therapy And Its Effect On Children
Music plays an important role in everyone's life and, although the majority of people nowadays have
heard of music therapy, not many are exactly sure of what it is nor are they aware of its beneficial
effects (Peters 2). Children, in particular, have shown significant improvement in their disabilities
when subjected to musical therapy. Music therapist Ulla Holck's studies show that "music therapy
can meet the basic needs of children with special needs, such as behavioral problems, attention
skills, social skills, emotional needs and intersubjective skills. In addition cognitive skills can be
strengthened if the basic needs are fulfilled" (45). Music therapy is a process in which music is
utilized to meet or enhance the individual's mental and physical health. The introduction of music
therapy has always brought many benefits, no matter if in general settings or in schools and
families; it is documented to ameliorate the relationship between a child and the family, as well as
aid children with disabilities, such as autism, and special needs. Because of the proven effectiveness
of music therapy for children with disabilities and not, parents should be encouraged to make music
apart of their children's lives.
There is plenty of evidence that proves that music has been utilized in therapy and healing practices
since ancient times. Among the earliest people to practice music therapy before it even became a
profession were the shamans, who originated in the primitive civilizations

Is Music Therapy Beneficial?
Therapy can consist of a vast number of interventions. Some can be as simple as the presence of
music. Especially when dealing with patients experiencing bouts of mental illness. This article
provides specific insight in regards to whether music throughout therapy is beneficial to those
experiencing forms of dementia. According to, Sherrati, Thorton & Hatton, p. 13, (2004), "The use
of the term music in this paper refers to a variety of music interventions (eg. listening to music),
whereas the terms music therapy is reserved for music activities, which are carried out by A trained
music therapist." The study also measures certain variables such as the context of music, the quality
of music, the individual undergoing therapy, the therapist techniques and the therapist (Sherratti,
Thorton & Hatton, 2004). Research suggests that music therapy can be extremely beneficial in
regards to behaviors, which promote extreme aggression, agitation and distortion (Sherratti, Thorton
& Hatton, 2004). According to, Sherrati, Thorton & Hatton (2004), music therapy has presented a
number of questions in regards to effectiveness, such as the ongoing question as to what type of
music are most effective? Do patients benefit more from live music or recorded music? Well, the
answer still remains to be seen. Nineteen Studies taken over the course of several years provide the
same insight that overall music does have an effect on the human psyche (Sherratti, Thorton &
Hatton, 2004). A qualitative

The American Music Therapy Association

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