What is Music Therapy and How is it Applied?
Music therapy is a specialized field that uses music and musical activities to meet the physical, psychological, social, and mental needs of individuals. In music therapy, elements such as rhythm, melody, and harmony are used for therapeutic purposes. Music positively affects the nervous and endocrine systems, leading to meaningful responses in emotions and thoughts.
Music therapy is a method that can be applied to individuals of all ages and with all kinds of issues. One does not need to have any talent or knowledge about music to benefit from music therapy. There are many forms of music therapy. Not only listening to music but also singing, playing instruments, dancing, composing, or writing lyrics are all part of music therapy.
How is Music Therapy Applied?
Music therapy is applied through two main techniques depending on the participation form: passive music therapy and active music therapy.
Passive Music Therapy: In this technique, selected music appropriate for the person is played. Factors such as the person’s issues, needs, preferences, and physical and psychological condition are considered when choosing the music. The aim of passive music therapy is to help the person relax, reduce stress, and alleviate emotional problems like anxiety or depression.
Active Music Therapy: In this technique, the person is encouraged to make music themselves. It is a process carried out together with the individual. Activities like singing, playing instruments, dancing, or composing are carried out. The goal of active music therapy is to improve the person's cognitive and motor skills, boost their self-confidence, and strengthen their communication and social skills.
Music Therapy Sessions
Music therapy sessions typically consist of five stages:
Breathing Therapy: In this stage, the person is taught proper breathing techniques. A person who knows how to breathe correctly can better control their anger, regulate blood pressure, and increase the oxygen intake of their body.
Rhythm Therapy: In this stage, exercises are done to help the person keep rhythm or adapt to rhythm. Rhythm therapy enhances concentration, coordination, and memory. Additionally, individuals with a sense of rhythm are happier and more creative.
Melody Therapy: In this stage, the person is encouraged to play melodic instruments or sing melodic songs. Melody therapy improves emotional expression, mood, and mental performance. Hearing or creating melodies also triggers the release of endorphins in the brain.
Harmony Therapy: In this stage, the person is encouraged to play harmonic instruments or sing harmonic songs. Harmony therapy enhances the ability to harmonize, cooperate, and solve problems. Hearing or creating harmony also triggers the release of serotonin in the brain.
Composition Therapy: In this stage, the person is asked to compose their own music or write lyrics. Composition therapy helps the individual express themselves, unleash their creativity, share their feelings, and build self-confidence.
The Music Used in Music Therapy
The selection of music in music therapy varies according to the individual's needs, preferences, and goals. However, generally, some criteria should be considered. The music used in music therapy should:
- Elicit relaxing, enjoyable, and positive emotions in the person.
- Be appropriate in tempo, rhythm, and tone for the person.
- Have suitable lyrics, meanings, and messages for the person.
- Contain appropriate instruments, sounds, and styles for the person.
- Be listened to or performed at an appropriate duration and frequency for the person.
Applications of Music Therapy
Music therapy applications can be used in many different fields and for various purposes, such as:
- Treatment of neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, autism, cerebral palsy)
- Treatment of psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia)
- Treatment of cardiological disorders (e.g., hypertension, heart attack, arrhythmia)
- Treatment of oncological disorders (e.g., cancer, chemotherapy)
- Pain management (e.g., migraine, fibromyalgia, chronic pain)
- Addiction treatment (e.g., alcohol, smoking, substance abuse)
- Education for individuals with special needs (e.g., intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, attention deficit)
- Elderly care (e.g., dementia, restlessness, loneliness)
- Pregnancy and childbirth (e.g., relaxation during pregnancy, pain reduction during childbirth)
- Child development (e.g., language development, social development, intelligence development)
Who Can Perform Music Therapy?
Individuals authorized to perform music therapy are called music therapists. Music therapists are either graduates from university musicology departments or those who have received music therapy training. Music therapists are knowledgeable about both music and human psychology. They plan, apply, and evaluate music therapy sessions and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
Benefits of Music
Music has many benefits for human health. Some of these benefits include:
Mental Benefits:
- Reduces stress and anxiety levels. Listening to music helps lower cortisol, the stress hormone.
- Enhances emotional expression and communication. Music helps us express our emotions and communicate with others.
- Alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety. Listening to music can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Increases motivation and quality of life. Listening to music can boost motivation and enhance quality of life.
Physical Benefits:
- Eases pain and discomfort. Listening to music can reduce the perception of pain and help relieve chronic pain.
- Improves sleep quality. Relaxing music can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and enhance sleep quality.
- Regulates blood pressure and heart rate. Listening to music can help regulate blood pressure and heart rate.
- Strengthens the immune system. Listening to music can help strengthen the immune system.
Cognitive Benefits:
- Enhances memory and concentration. Listening to music can help improve memory and concentration.
- Improves learning and language skills. Listening to music can help improve learning and language skills.
- Boosts creativity and problem-solving skills. Listening to music can help enhance creativity and problem-solving skills.
Social Benefits:
- Increases socialization and self-confidence. Music helps us come together, communicate, and socialize.
- Enhances group cohesion and teamwork. Music helps improve group cohesion and teamwork.
- Strengthens social bonds and sense of belonging. Music helps strengthen social bonds and the sense of belonging.
One of the best aspects of listening to music is that individuals of all ages and with all kinds of health issues can benefit from it. Music is a powerful tool that can accompany us at any moment in our lives, positively affecting our mood, body, and mind.
For a Better Life with Music:
- Listen to your favorite music every day.
- Explore different types of music.
- Learn to play a musical instrument.
- Participate in musical events.
- Learn about music therapy.
Music is the food for the soul. Add more music to your life and live a happier, healthier, and more peaceful life with it.