History of Music Therapy and its Applications (Essay Sample)

Music is such an important aspect of life that some people may find it difficult to imagine what the world would be like without it. The main idea of music therapy was used as a healing technique and an influence which could affect health and behavior. The 20th century profession formally began after World War I and World War II with community musicians of all types, producing a certain genre of music or a certain instrument to listen to to help cope with how one is feeling. The contemporary environment for music therapy had its early stages in the 1700’s with a variety of interventions, eventually leading to the creation of the National Association of Music Therapy and exposure to various colleges, which led to emerging case studies and scholarly research which benefited the field of research as a whole. Music therapy has a variety of benefits and is an effective tool for improving one's mental health.

To understand the full development and growth of how music therapy emerged, the need for background information is essential. "In the 1940s, three people began to emerge as innovators and key players in the development of music therapy as an organized clinical profession." (History, n.d). Looking at the date where these three people became involved in the development of music therapy shows how early music therapy became so relevant. Ira Altshuler, MD, and Willem van de Wall all had different skills in music where they helped develop music therapy for the next three decades. This demonstrates the importance of music therapy development because these three people were extremely talented musicians who contributed to the advancement of music therapy.During the early years of the twentieth century, physicians, musicians, and psychiatrists noted that music might be an effective treatment aid in a variety of settings...." (History, n.d). The traditional use of music has re-entered the medical domain, and during a pandemic, During the early years of the twentieth century, physicians, musicians, and psychiatrists noted that music might be an effective treatment aid in a variety of settings. "Musicians sometimes serve as unpaid part-time staff members who work under the supervision of hospital personnel." "Music therapists, too, were exploring options to represent their various needs." In 1971, the Urban Federation for Music Therapists (UFMT) was founded with its office at New York University. " (History, n.d). Music therapy is a multifaceted discipline that harnesses the power of music to treat a wide range of patient populations. A therapist who plays music in a private room for a patient is not subject to copyright restrictions on public performances.This shows the relevance and benefit of the history of music therapy.

There are many ways that you can benefit from music therapy. It helps with depression, anxiety, and more. Previous reviews on the efficacy of MT emphasized the "dearth of research evidence for this topic," although various positive effects were identified. (effects N.d)". Music and music therapy can help counteract or prevent the damaging effects of chronic stress and also promote not only relaxation but health. State of Mind: Music can also be used to bring a more positive state of mind, helping to keep depression and anxiety at bay. (effects.nd)". This is heart healthy. Research has shown that blood flows more easily when music is played and that it also elevates the mood. Music can boost the brain’s production of the hormone dopamine.It reduces stress and it relieves symptoms of depression." published longitudinal trials could be found. The analysis of the qualitative studies revealed four themes: emotional expression, group interaction, development of skills, and improvement of quality of life... (effects, n.d)). Music can actually enhance brain functions. It is said that music can evoke emotion, help regain memories, stimulate new neural connections, and focus attention. While listening to music can bring greater health benefits, making it yourself can be an effective therapy too.

Music therapy can be exercised in many different ways, but the most common way is through group music therapy sessions. Group music therapy sessions are an amazing and cost-effective way of bringing the benefits of music therapy to the most people at one time. Group music therapy encourages communication and social relating through shared music-making as well as offers the opportunity for increasing movement....." (music N.D). Mainly, the number of groups will vary depending on the type of music they like or prefer. Sometimes there will be groups who don't mind what type of music is played, but as long as it helps them or calms them down with whatever they have going on, it is usually no problem. "Music therapy is an old cure, the use of which is lost in the mists of time." Music has always been perceived to have particular healing powers. (music by N.D). Music therapy is a pleasant diversion during chemotherapy or a hospital stay. Even if you can't carry a tune or play an instrument, you can probably reel off a list of songs that evoke happy memories and raise your spirits. "The teenage years are a time of growth and change, which can be challenging but also offers real opportunities for development and learning." (music N.D) Music is a medium that teens tend to gravitate towards naturally. Music therapy provides a unique way to work with teens that draws on the many healing aspects of music.

An artist named Xavier Fleming, who has been working with KVC Hospitals since 2017, works with the youth at Niles and KVC Hospitals Kansas City every week. He works with children, teens, and adults receiving mental health treatment. He likes to use each person’s musical preference to help them meet treatment goals through music composition, improvisation, therapeutic singing, and playing instruments. "I was working with an adolescent boy receiving treatment at one of our hospitals. He always verbalized his appreciation of music therapy and said that it helped him cope with depression... (Hospitals, 2019). Though the boy was going through depression and abuse back home, Xavier helped him cope with that just by playing music, making all of his bad thoughts and depressions go away. Another artist, Hillary Sametz, has been with KVC Hospitals since 2018. Hillary is a musician and music therapist originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, and moved to Kansas City in 2011 to complete a Masters in Music Performance. Hillary worked with clients in the adolescent girl’s unit twice a week.There was a particular client who had challenges responding to the self-love activities performed on the unit. When she did participate, she would be asked to give her opinion on the activities but would only say, "I just really don’t care." (Hospitals, 2019). Hillary decides to spend more time researching one of her favorite bands to see if she can find a therapeutic application for their music that will help her engage in and start a healing conversation. Xavier worked with another client who would engage in one-on-one music therapy sessions. "During our time together, we focused on therapeutic singing and I taught him how to play the piano." (Hospitals 2019,) This boy enjoyed learning new artistic skills that also helped him manage his emotional pain. The client says that music helped him stay occupied because he kept himself focused on improving the new skills he was learning. Music therapy had given him a positive and productive benefit.

Music therapy has many benefits and is a very strong tool for improving one's mental health.The effects of music therapy have positive impacts, helping with depression, anxiety, etc. Without music therapists/artists, there may not have been as many successful clients as we have today. It is good to have more than one type of music therapy because it shows you have a variety of options and don't have to rely on just one. Xavier and Hillary demonstrate their ways of helping their clients through music therapy and how they have overcome the problems they had.