Music Therapy: Connecting the Mind, Body, and Soul

Introduction

It is incredible just how much music can move a person. Being able to connect with the lyrics, melody, and harmony of a song seems to heal the soul. Like a comforting bowl of soup on a cold, snowy night, music has the same effect on the body and mind. The effects music has on us does wonders not only physically but mentally as well. Music therapy is a new-age type of treatment that offers tremendous healing effects. Music is often associated with moods, a particular song can bring about emotions of happiness, and sadness, work as an energy enhancer, or even relax an individual as music can have such an impact on a person’s mindset and well-being, it should come as no surprise that music therapy has been studied for use in managing numerous medical conditions (Musictherapy.com). Music therapy has been proven to have positive health benefits on the smallest of patients to patients in their last years of life. What music therapy entails, what is included in the scope of work for musical therapists, and how musical therapy makes a difference (from a medical aspect) will all be addressed throughout this research paper.

Imagine listening to some of your favorite songs while also receiving the positive benefits of doing so as well. It has now been proven that music is more than just an auditory delight, it can also offer positive therapeutic benefits. Music is something most people can connect with, so it should come as no surprise that music can be used as a tool in therapy as well. Music is so diverse, and the genres range from children’s songs to gospel to gothic or even punk rock. Although it is so different, it has a way of connecting and bringing people together. Being able to use music as a therapeutic tool today, seems like a big advance in medicine.

Music therapy as a leading method of treatment

Medicine is making huge strides every day, and music therapy is definitely up there with other cutting-edge methods in medicine. It isn’t always about using different drugs and medications to heal individuals. Music therapy has been proven to provide the same results as medications without the use of constant pills, injections or even surgery. Typically, when someone thinks of medicine, they think of oral medications, vaccines, medical procedures or even surgery. Medicine isn’t always looked at from a positive perspective since most people are resistant to having to take meds or get shots and go through invasive surgeries. I know I personally wouldn’t think of music as being the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about medicine and how to treat a patient. So, what exactly is this new age therapy and what is it all about? According to the Musical Therapy Association, “Music therapy is the clinical evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish specific goals tailored to individuals within a therapeutic relationship conducted by a professional who has successfully completed and is thoroughly knowledgeable in an approved music therapy program.” (Musictherapy.org).

Meaning that in order for musical therapy to be conducted properly and successfully, trained professionals in this expertise must have completed and passed an approved music therapy program. Musical therapy is very similar to occupational or physical therapy; however, musical therapy can be used to address physical, psychological, cognitive and social functioning for patients of all ages. Due to its gentle, non-invasive approach, this type of treatment is both powerful and often the opted for method of treatment for patients since various disabilities as well as patients of all ages are eligible to receive this breakthrough kind of therapy. Neurologist Oliver Sacks thinks music therapy is very productive and states: “I certainly think that every institution should have its music therapy and its music therapists” (Musictherapy.org). Let’s talk a little bit about the history of music therapy, music therapy actually has a long and diverse history. Music being used as a therapeutic tool dates back all the way back to Greek mythology and is even used in Native American Culture as well as was a useful tool during World War I as well as World War II.

The earliest known reference to music therapy was in 1789, when it was featured in a Columbian magazine article and again in 1800, when the value of therapeutic music therapy was discovered in two different medical papers. Music therapy continued to make strides in the early 1900’s, which ultimately lead to the formation of several associations but unfortunately, they were all very short lived and unsuccessful at their goal. (Musictherapy.org). Some individuals made great efforts to contribute to music therapy as well as get it the credit it deserved. Some of these individuals include Eva Augusta Vescelius who founded the National Society of Musical Therapeutics in 1903 and Isa Maud Ilsen who founded the National Association for Music in Hospitals in 1926 (Musictherapy.org). Both of these people made great attempts to help shed light on and bring awareness to the idea of music therapy as well as to try and get it the type of recognition it deserved. Although these organizations contributed some of the first journals, books, and educational courses on music therapy, they failed to succeed at being able to develop an organized clinical profession (Musictherapy.org).

Finally, The National Association for Music Therapy (NAMT) was founded in New York City on June 2, 1950. The NAMT had finally succeeded where previous music therapy associations had failed, by creating a constitution, laws, developing standards, making research and clinical training a priority, creating a registry and, later, board-certification requirements, and publishing research and clinical journals (Musictherapy.org). NAMT was active from 1950-1997 and over saw the creation of a board-certification program. The American Music Therapy Association was formed in 1998 as a somewhat melting pot between the National Association for Music Therapy and the American Association for Music Therapy (Musictherapy.org). AMTA was finally able to bring the music therapy community together for the first time since 1971. Currently, the American Music Therapy Association is home for and serves members comprised of music therapists, students, graduate students and other supporters. AMTA's mission is to advocate and educate for the music therapy profession as a whole (Musictherapy.org).

Music therapy was also used as an aide to help veterans in 2012 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Later, in 2014, an event was held at the Pentagon which showcases veteran’s artwork (Petersonfamilymusicfoundation.org). Art therapists and musical therapists took service members through a creative process which allowed them to reflect and organize thoughts that were bottled up and had been bothering them. The use of music therapy in the military is just one of the many amazing examples of how powerful and beneficial music therapy can be. (Petersonfamilymusicfoundation.org). Musical therapists have both a very special and unprecedented job. Therapists treat patients one-on-one and often see them in their most vulnerable state. Professionals in this line of work design and utilize individualized music experiences as tool in assessing, treating and evaluating patients receiving this type of medical treatment/therapy. (Musictherapy.org). The first task of a musical therapist’s job is to collect information and examine each patient thoroughly in order to develop a successful patient-oriented treatment plan. The therapist is then able to evaluate patients throughout the span of treatment.

Goals for patients receiving musical therapy are often very specific, relevant to medical diagnosis, course of treatment, evaluation of patients and discharge timeline (Musictherapy.org). In order to become a musical therapist, individuals must take a national exam that is given to all potential musical therapists by the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Upon successfully passing this exam, graduates from the program are then issued the credentials necessary in order to be able to professionally practice, which is called MT-BC (Music Therapist-Board Certified). Without the required training as well as receiving the scores necessary from the specific exam they must take; a person cannot be qualified and therefore is unable to provide music therapy or services related to them (Musictherapy.org). Upon completing the required schooling necessary, musical therapists often take jobs inside hospitals, care facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, adult daycare centers, senior centers, hospice, psychiatric treatment centers, drug and alcohol programs, schools and other facilities. The possibilities of where a music therapist can work are honestly endless. In these types of medical settings, musical therapists are able to work with a diverse range of patient needs, giving them the opportunity to treat patients from all walks of life. Therapists may also work in many different hospital units, including the ICU, NICU, Pre and Post-Op surgery unit, chronic pain management, cardiac unit, obstetrics, emergency department, pediatrics, physical rehabilitation, and outpatient programs.

The American Music Therapy Association represents over 5,000 music therapists, corporate members, and related associations globally. “AMTA is committed to the advancement of education, training, professional standards, and research in support of the music therapy profession.” (Musictherapy.org). Their mission is to advance public knowledge of music therapy benefits and increase access to quality music therapy services. Members of AMTA follow a special code of ethics and standards when conducting music therapy to patients (MusicTherapy.org). Now knowing what music therapy is, we can delve into the scope of work that is included as a musical therapist. Music therapy involves musical activities, whether they be vocal or instrumental. These activities are then used in hopes of changes in an individual’s medical state.

These specially-made programs are based on a patient’s assessment, treatment, and ongoing program evaluation. Reduction of pain, anxiety, stress management, communication, and emotional responses have all been reported after receiving musical therapy. “Individuals who received music therapy reported an increase in self-acceptance, sense of belonging, both self-awareness and expression and motor integration” (Draxe.com). Music therapy used inside of a medical setting adheres to both expectations and requirements that are essential to the medical field. The benefits of musical therapy are often described in medical terms rather than in musical ones (Musictherapy.org). Music therapy has been scientifically shown to be both an effective and valid treatment option for medical patients suffering from various diagnoses. Music therapy is most beneficial as it can be used to treat a plethora of medical conditions.

These include but are not limited to chronic pain, anxiety, headaches, diabetes, cardiac conditions, respiratory problems, recovery from surgery, and obstetric/gynecological issues (Musictherapy.org). Both research results, as well as clinical experiences, have proven successful, music therapy even in patients who haven’t had much luck with other treatment options. What makes musical therapy so successful is its use of sensory stimulation. Listening to music stimulates an individual’s senses allowing them to open up. This specific type of therapy generates responses that are often rooted in familiarity predictability and a sense of security that is associated with it (Musictherapy.org). “Through a planned and strategic use of music and musical activities, stress reduction, positive changes in mood, decreased anxiety levels, decreased pain and discomfort have been reported by patients who received this break-through therapy” (Musictherapy.org). Music therapy can also promote a general more positive outlook overall for patients as it is one of the many advantages that has been reported by some patients who received this breakthrough therapy.

Dr. Walter Quan, an Oncologist-Hematologist at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio advocates for this therapy, he states, “Music therapy is quantifiable and qualitative, As a doctor you tend to only use things that you can measure, but there are a number of disciplines, and music therapy is one of them, where there is a qualitative effect which can give a lot of benefit for patients” (Musictherapy.org). Music therapy has been shown to have a significant effect (positively) on a patient’s grasp on the effectiveness of treatment. Patients receiving this type of therapy reported a significant reduction in their amount of pain, and respiration rate, behaviorally observed and reported reduced anxiety levels and a self-reported significant drop in patient choice of anesthesia and amount of analgesic medication (Musictherapy.com). It is amazing how something like music therapy came about. In today’s society, modern medicine is supposed to be the cure all and when it doesn’t work, people usually are left helpless. However, most individuals aren’t aware of alternative medicine or other options besides pills that could have horrid side effects. It is very refreshing to be able to explore options and be able to choose a different alternative if the first one presented doesn’t work.

Music is constantly evolving, so it should come as no surprise that using it for a therapeutic tool can be done as well. Another way music therapy can also be used is for women during labor. “A summary of evidence showed the positive effects of music therapy during assisted childbirth, therapists used music to cue rhythmic breathing, assist the mothers in relaxation, prompt positive associations, and help focus attention on the music as a diversion from pain and hospital sounds.”(Musictherapy.com). The music therapists were present at the births and monitored the music during labor for the mothers, every mother experienced periods where music was played as well as went periods without it, then they were observed under both conditions. Physical observations were made and recorded from the women who experienced tension and relaxation in various parts of their bodies. During the delivery phase of birth, the music therapists played music that was specially selected by each mother and her coach, then a week post-partum (after delivery), the mothers were then given a questionnaire and asked how music helped them through the entire labor process. Based on their answers, the mother’s feedback was unanimous. They all claimed they had fewer pain responses in the periods where music was played vs. the no music periods and that music offered them concentration, relaxation, cued breathing, and diverted attention from pain (Musictherapy.com).

Music has even been clinically shown to have effects on a baby before it has even left the womb. Music can calm both mother and fetus as well as reduce the heart rate and has even been proven to have positive effects on a fetus’ neurological development (Healthprep.com). After reading about music therapy and the benefits it can offer, I am left intrigued and curious. The fact that one can use music as a form of medicine is so incredibly fascinating. Music in itself is nice to just listen to and relax, let alone offer actual health benefits. The sheer fact that music can help in such diverse health ailments is proof that both music and medicine are making tremendous strides. How knows how music will be used to help individuals in the future. Being that I am so fascinated with all things related to medicine, this was pretty neat to learn as well as write about.

Conclusion

Music therapy being so diverse and offering the ability to be altered and detailed based on a patient’s needs, makes this type of healing ideal. From Greek mythology to its use in veterans to being used in Children’s hospitals, the possibilities of music therapy are endless. It’s mind-blowing to me how something as simple as music can offer such positive effects for people who suffer from debilitating illnesses or diseases. After completing this paper, I absolutely look at music differently. I will say, I was hesitant to take this class when I first registered for it, but after learning about the history and now the health benefits from it, I am truly glad I followed through with this course.