An introduction to music therapy concepts and practices from historical and international perspectives, with descriptions of the many models of practice and theories that have shaped the discipline since the 1930's. The book recounts the circumstances and historical precursors for establishment of today's profession, while tracing the enormous diversity of the discipline. The implications of this diversity for the future are discussed, and recommendations are made for identifying and claiming the sole ""jurisdictions"" that are the rightful claim of music therapy.
Music, whether performed or heard, has been seen as therapeutic in the history of many cultures. How have its therapeutic properties been conceptualized and explained? Which cultures have used music therapy? What were their aims and techniques, and how much continuity is there between ancient, medieval and modern practice? These are the questions addressed by the essays in this volume. They focus on the place of music therapy in European intellectual, medical and musical traditions, from their classical roots to the development of the music therapy profession since the Second World War. Chapters covering the Judaic, Islamic, Indian and South-East Asian traditions add global, comparative perspectives. Music as Medicine is the first book to establish the whole shape of the history of music therapy in a systematic and scholarly way. It addresses the problem of defining what music therapy has meant in different cultures and periods, and sets the agenda for future research in the subject. It will appeal to a diverse readership of historians, musicologists, anthropologists, and practitioners.
Many musicians, music students, and general music lovers are curious about the field of music therapy the who, what, where, and how. This book provides a general overview of the profession, and it includes 26 audition essays, written by former students, confirming their motivation to "do good in the world through music." A career in music therapy combines their love of music with the desire to be of service to others. This book offers both the pragmatic reasons and "feel good" aspects that inspire people to enter this fulfilling profession.
This book addresses the issues in music therapy that are central to understanding it in its scholarly dimensions, how it is evolving, and how it connects to related academic disciplines. It draws on a multi-disciplinary approach to look at the defining issues of music therapy as a scholarly discipline, rather than as an area of clinical practice. It is the single best resource for scholars interested in music therapy because it focuses on the areas that tend to be of greatest interest to them, such as issues of definition, theory, and the function of social context, but also does not assume detailed prior knowledge of the subject. Some of the topics discussed include defining the nature of music therapy, its relation to current and historical uses of music in human well-being, and considerations on what makes music therapy work. Contemporary thinking on the role of neurological theory, early interaction theory, and evolutionary considerations in music therapy theory are also reviewed. Within each of these areas, the author presents an overview of the development of thinking, discusses contrasting positions, and offers a personalized synthesis of the issue. The Study of Music Therapy is the only book in music therapy that gathers all the major issues currently debated in the field, providing a critical overview of the predominance of opinions on these issues.
Music therapy as an intervention in medical, educational and many other environments has a rich and diverse history of methods, approaches and models. Consolidating the many components of music therapy, this completely updated edition of A Comprehensive Guide to Music Therapy covers everything students, teachers and practitioners of music therapy need to know. Building upon the work of Tony Wigram and developments within the field of music therapy over the last 15 years, this second edition looks at the theoretical foundation of music therapy, selected models and interventions, how it can be applied in clinical practice, and the recent progress made in research and evidence-based practice. Giving a complete picture of the multifaceted world of music therapy, it is a must-have for music therapy students, teachers and practitioners.
The Routledge Companion to Applied Musicology brings together academics, artist-researchers, and practitioners to provide readers with an extensive and authoritative overview of applied musicology. Once a field that addressed music’s socio-political or performative contexts, applied musicology today encompasses study and practice in areas as diverse as psychology, ecomusicology, organology, forensic musicology, music therapy, health and well-being, and other public-oriented musicologies. These rapid advances have created a fast-changing field whose scholarship and activities tend to take place in isolation from each other. This volume addresses that shortcoming, bringing together a wide-ranging survey of current approaches. Featuring 39 authors, The Routledge Companion to Applied Musicology falls into five parts—Defining and Theorising Applied Musicology; Public Engagement; New Approaches and Research Methods; Representation and Inclusion; and Musicology in/for Performance—that chronicle the subject’s rich history and consider the connections that will characterise its future. The book offers an essential resource for anyone exploring applied musicology.
`This book is a detailed introduction to music therapy, and should be of particular interest to intending students of the subject and those wishing to pursue a career within the profession. It should be of considerable use to all with a general interest in the subject as well those making a career on music therapy′ - The Organ `I found this a useful book in terms of its clarity and carefully thought out structure. It is a rich source of information and of ideas which are extremely important for the potential music therapy trainee to think about; it also makes valuable reading for more experienced therapists, bringing our minds back to some central questions about the nature of our work.... Whatever stage you may be at in your life as a music therapist, it will refresh your mind and your practice′ - Eleanor Richards, Nordic Journal of Music Therapy From the Foreword: `Rachel Darnley-Smith and Helen M Patey have managed so well to tell their story of music therapy offering the framework of theory, training and professional practice, and the complimentary value of Analytical Music Therapy and Creative Music Therapy within improvization. The authors devote a whole chapter to promoting a wider understanding of improvisation, describing its value as a form of play, free association, with more or less structure depending on the form of intervention and the client′s needs. There is really a valuable resource of meaningful and relevant examples from their own clinical work. These examples clearly validate and illustrate the seminal theoretical concept of the first great pioneer of music therapy in the United Kingdom, Juliette Alvin, who taught us that music is a creation of people, and therefore we can see people in their music′ - Professor Tony Wigram Music Therapy is an introduction to contemporary training and practice. Written in a clear, jargon-free style, the book provides a lively source of information and ideas for all who are new to music therapy. Written by highly experienced practitioners, the book examines improvization, the principal method for music therapy, and points to the underlying assumptions about music, which shape this way of working. Two of the main music therapy approaches - Analytic Music Therapy and Nordoff- Robbins Music Therapy - are also outlined. Drawing on their own experience, the authors examine a range of clinical situations and give examples of working with children and adults with a range of needs, including autism, learning disabilities and mental health problems. They highlight the many issues which arise from day-to-day practice and explore other aspects of professional life, such as personal therapy and supervision. For anyone training or thinking of training to be a music therapist, this book provides an ideal place to start. As a guide to contemporary music therapy, it also has much to offer those already in practice.
The Handbook of Music Therapy takes the reader on a journey through the historical and contemporary landscape of the field of music therapy, updated with the latest practical, sociocultural and theoretical perspectives and developments in music therapy. The second edition is divided into four parts: foundation and context; music therapy practice; learning and teaching; and professional life. This includes the trajectory of music therapy as a health, social and community-based discipline in the 21st century with an evolving evidence base that also acknowledges the growing edges in the field, such as perspectives around equity, inclusion and diversity. The editors have included practice-based chapters including contributions from music therapy specialists in the fields of autism, adult learning disability, forensic psychiatry, neurology, immigration and dementia. The second edition is thoroughly updated to showcase a series of new interviews with Elders in the music therapy field, a thoroughly revised first section of the book with new materials on values and principles, updated chapters on music therapy practice, online and print resources supporting music therapy practice including musical illustrations with new and revised examples, and an extensively revised final section with new chapters on professional life and research. Illustrated with rich case studies and practical examples throughout, The Handbook of Music Therapy covers a variety of different theoretical and philosophical perspectives. It will be invaluable to music therapists (novices, students, professionals), other arts therapists and practitioners such as speech and language therapists, psychotherapists, teachers, community musicians, psychiatrists and social workers.
Music therapy is an established profession that is recognized around the world. As a catalyst to promote health and wellbeing music therapy is both objective and explorative. The Oxford Handbook of Queer and Trans Music Therapy (QTMT) is a celebration of queer, trans, bisexual and gender nonconforming identities and the spontaneous creativity that is at the heart of queer music-making. As an emerging approach in the 21st century QTMT challenges perspectives and narratives from ethnocentric and cisheteronormative traditions, that have dominated the field. Raising the essential question of what it means to create queer and trans spaces in music therapy, this book presents an open discourse on the need for change and new beginnings. The therapists, musicians and artists included in this book collectively embody and represent a range of theory, research and practice that are central to the essence and core values of QTMT. This book does not shy away from the sociopolitical issues that challenge music therapy as a dominantly white, heteronormative, and cisgendered profession. Music as a therapeutic force has the potential to transform us in unique and extraordinary ways. In this book music and words are presented as innovative equals in describing and evaluating QTMT as a newly defined approach.
Resonant learning allows students to develop and fine-tune their therapeutic competencies through first-hand experiences: being in client roles themselves, being in preliminary therapist roles with co-students in client roles and reflecting on those experiences. These resonant learning processes are preparatory steps in developing a professional music therapist identity through internship and later employment positions and continuing supervision. Outlining the Aalborg model of resonant learning, developed at Aalborg University, Denmark, Resonant Learning in Music Therapy discusses the benefits and drawbacks of 'tuning the therapist' and encourages its integration into music therapy courses around the world. The book sums up research on resonant learning and presents core exercises, directives and vignettes from the training processes of the Aalborg model. Explaining how students' self-agency is enhanced by long-term personal experiences in group- and individual therapy, observing work with clients in an institutional setting, working with clients themselves, and undergoing close group and individual supervision, the editors and contributors also explore the benefits of implementing resonant learning within other therapist training programs and healthcare professions.
