What is Music Therapy?
Music Therapy is an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets- physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual- to help clients to improve or maintain their health. Music Therapy is used with individuals of all ages and with a variety of conditions; including such as, psychiatric disorders, medical problems, physical handicaps, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, communication disorders, interpersonal problems and aging. It is also used to: improve learning, build self-esteem, support physical exercise, and facilitate a host of other health related activities.
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History/Origins
The origin of music itself is unknown, but the use of music in healing ceremonies is an ancient practice. Music in combination with dances or words, along with songs, and the music producing instruments were used in exorcising diseases or healing wounds. Music is even related to one of the oldest medical practices ever documented was the Kahum papyrus. It used incantations for healing the sick.
By the end of the 18th Century, scientists began to study the effects of music on the human body. It was during this time that the effect of music on function such as cardiac output, respiratory rate, pulse rate, circulation, blood pressure, on electrical conduction of tissues, on fatigue-ness, and on general vibratory effects on the body were initiated.
By the end of the 19th Century, music and emotions had become a hot topic for scientists. They were studying the relationship between music, physiological and/or psychological responses.
The development of music therapy as a profession is believed to be a hospital-developed practice that originated in psychiatric hospitals. Much of the contribution to it popularity and establishment originated from wars. Wars are considered to have had a big influence to both bringing in mental illness to the fore, and in establishing strategies for treating problems.
In the United States, music therapy began in the 18th Century. It developed during World War I, when music was used in Veterans Administration Hospitals. Music was focused on alleviating their pains.
In 1950, a professional organization was formed by a collaboration of music therapists that worked with veterans, mentally retarded, hearing/visually impaired, and psychiatric populations this was the birth of the National Association for Music Therapy (NAMT).
In 1998, NAMT joined forces with another music therapy organization to become what is now known as the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
References
1. Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_therapy
2. HIstory of Music Therapy. http://www.musicasmedicine.com/about/history.cfm
3. The History of Music Therapy http://www.macalester.edu/psychology/whathap/ubnrp/audition/site/history%20of%20music%20therapy.htm