Music therapy uses sounds and music
to support and encourage physical, mental, social, spiritual and
emotional well-being. No previous musical experience is necessary
as there is a natural musicality in each person that can be developed
in the relationship between the music therapist and client. Instruments
are used which are easy to play and produce a wide variety of sound.
Who are Music Therapists?
Music therapists are music graduates
or skilled musicians, who have also undertaken specialist training,
covering the diverse applications of music in healthcare and special
education settings. This training leads to a recognised professional
qualification at Masters level and registration with the Health
Professions Council. All music therapists employed by the Towersey
Foundation are members of the Association of Professional Music
Therapists. When necessary, the Foundation provides additional training
in palliative care.
How is music used?
Music therapy is tailored to meet
the individual needs of a client but may also be used in group settings.
The music can be used in several ways:
Patient-
therapist improvisation
Using
instruments accessible to the non musician, the client is encouraged
to explore sounds which are developed further by the therapist
and client playing together. Within this supportive therapeutic
relationship, the client uses the music to express themselves
and explore their emotions.
Traditional
music making
If
patients already play an instrument they can derive great enjoyment
by simply playing with another musician. Alternatively, pre-composed
music may be performed by the therapist to encourage singing,
movement, reminiscence, life review, and may also be used to enhance
the therapeutic environment of an in-patient unit, day hospice
or nursing home.
Listening
to music (recorded or live)
Live
or recorded music, sensitively chosen by a therapist can be used
in many different situations to influence mood, for example to
relax, stimulate, or act as a diversion from pain.
Songwriting
Leading
US clinician Bruscia eloquently presents the potential of song:
Songs
are ways that human beings explore emotions. They express who
we are and how we feel, they bring us closer to others, they keep
us company when we are alone. They articulate our beleifs and
values...as the years pass, songs bear witness to our lives...They
are our musical diaries, our life stories.
Songwriting
is a versatile medium capable of meeting a variety of clinical
goals, from giving a client permission to express difficult emotions,
to stimulating reflection and creativity, and increasing self
awareness. Songs written by clients may also be beneficial in
bereavement, leaving a positive legacy of their life to their
loved ones.
Singing
The
use of the voice should never be underestimated either in addition
to music or as another option if actually playing an instrument
is not possible. Today, inexpensive digital recording techniques
are also available to produce recordings of clients singing either
their own song, or a song holding a special meaning to them, which
may be easily converted to a CD.
