Music Therapy...coming soon

Music therapy is the use of music and musical interventions in order to restore, maintain, and improve emotional, physical, physiological, and spiritual health and well-being.

We all know that music is a significant mood-changer and reliever of stress, but it works on many levels at once. Many experts suggest that it is the rhythm of the music or the beat that has the calming effect on us although we may not be very conscious about it, which may be routed in the sound of our mother's heart beat as babies in the womb.

In extensive research on the effect of music there were many unexpected findings. Many of purposely recorded Meditation and Relaxation CD's actually produced adverse EEG patterns, just as bad as Heavy Metal, where as many selections of various music containing loud drums or flute were extremely soothing. The most profound finding was ANY music performed live had very a beneficial response. Whenever the proper sounds were experienced an amazing right/left brain hemisphere synchronization occurred. The normal voltage spiking pattern changed to a smooth sinusoidal waveform and the usual voltage differential equalized. The entire human energetic system is extremely influenced by sounds, the physical body and chakra centers respond specifically to certain tones and frequencies. Special consideration should be given to the positive effects of one actually playing or creating music themselves.

The ability to appreciate and respond to music is an inborn quality in human beings. This ability usually remains unimpaired by handicap, injury or illness, and is not dependent on music training. For people who find verbal communication an inadequate form of self expression, music therapy offers a safe, secure space for the release of feelings. Furthermore, music therapy involves a relationship between the therapist and client in which music becomes a way of promoting change and growth.

Music is administered by a trained music therapist. A music therapist's education and training is extensive. Musical interventions are developed and used by the therapist based on his/her knowledge of the music's affect on behavior, the client's strengths and weaknesses, and the therapeutic goals. The music played covers a wide range of styles in order to complement the individual needs of each client. Music therapy works towards specific therapeutic goals and objectives. Goal area include communicative, academic, motor, emotional, and social skills. Music therapy can help adults with mental health problems, people with learning difficulties, children with special needs, children with behavioural problems, the terminally ill and bereaved, and people recovering from illness or injury.

The benefits gained from music therapy may be as varied as the needs of the clients using the service. For example, music can convey feeling without the use of words. For a person whose difficulties are mainly emotional, music therapy can provide a safe setting where 'difficult' or repressed feelings may be expressed and contained. By offering support and acceptance the therapist can help the client to work towards emotional release and self acceptance.

Music is essentially a social activity involving communication, listening and sharing. These skills may be developed within the musical relationship with the therapist and, in group therapy, with other members. As a result clients may develop a greater awareness of themselves in relation to others. This can include developing greater confidence in their own ability to make relationships and to find positive ways of making their needs known. It can greatly enhance their self-esteem.

Music Therapy is a fairly recent development in the therapy field. Gurr's World of Music will be employing Music Therapists in the near future and a few of the teachers will be commencing their two year Music Therapy Masters qualification shortly.