Music Therapy Essay
explanatory Essay
1237 words
People are constantly exposed to music. Whether it is in a car, an elevator, or the waiting room of a doctor’s office, almost everyone, every day, hears some type of melody or song. Can you imagine your life in the absence of music? Although listening to music is a common phenomenon, most people know little about how it affects the mind and body. Music can be used to create specific atmospheres, elicit certain emotions, and promote community and bonding. By understanding the beneficial effects that music has on our minds and bodies, we can utilize its powers to facilitate healing. One way in which music, even simple consistent rhythms, can be used to help strengthen the body and the mind is through music therapy. In this type of therapy, music is used to stimulate certain parts of the brain to enhance cognitive function and modify behavior. Some of these brain regions include the visual cortex, the cerebellum, and the motor cortex. Music therapy can involve therapeutically listening to certain songs or playing a particular instrument. In either case, participants usually express feelings of happiness, relaxation, and ease. Music therapy has been beneficial for people who suffer from autism, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. The following paper will explore how music therapy has been beneficial for the human immune system as well as for people with acquired brain damage and Alzheimer’s Disease. Each of the studies provides good evidence in support of music therapy as a means to help physical and psychological problems. As more research is done to further solidify the potential of music therapy, the chances of becoming a widely accepted form of medical treatment increases. One effect that music can have on biology is improving the... ... middle of paper ... ... sleep, behavior, attentiveness, and aging. [ADD SENTENCE] Normally, melatonin levels are low during the day and generally high at night. The high levels of melatonin signal to the body that it is time to go to sleep. But because melatonin serum levels decrease with increasing age for humans, older people tend to wake up and fall asleep earlier than normal. Since AD patients are typically older individuals, music therapy aids in the normalizing of this hormone. This allows the patients to get better quality sleep and improve behavior. Music therapy may have long-term effects since the elevated serum levels of melatonin last even after the therapy sessions ended. Similarly, norepinephrine and epinephrine levels also increased after music therapy but eventually returned to baseline levels after six weeks. [FINISH THIS SECTION] [TALK ABOUT THE LARGE IMPLICATIONS]
In this essay, the author
- Explains that music is a common phenomenon, but most people know little about how it affects the mind and body. music can create specific atmospheres, elicit certain emotions, and promote community and bonding.
- Explains how music can be used to strengthen the body and the mind through music therapy, which stimulates brain regions to enhance cognitive function and modify behavior. music therapy has been beneficial for autism, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
- Opines that as more research is done to further solidify the potential of music therapy, the chances of becoming a widely accepted form of medical treatment increase.
- Explains that music improves the immune system after a stressful event. the experiment was conducted by identifying which song selections were high- or low-uplifting.
- Explains the correlation between music and immune system function after a high stress situation can be utilized in many medical settings.
- Explains that studies that explore the connection between music and psychology have provided evidence that music can be beneficial for various tasks involving the brain. the study aims to provide evidence for the immediate effectiveness of music therapy on subjects with acquired brain damage.
- Explains that participants with mild to severe brain injuries showed improvement in both executive function and emotional adjustment.
- Opines that the results of this study demonstrate the potential power of music in aiding those with acquired brain damage.
- Explains that music therapy has also had success in treating people who suffer from alzheimer's disease. one study focused on the effects of music on men with alzheimer’s after daily therapy intervention for four weeks.
- Explains that the changes in serotonin and prolactin were too minimal to be considered significant. however, men had higher levels of melatin after music therapy and six weeks after therapy ended.
- Explains that melatonin levels are low during the day and generally high at night, signaling to the body that it is time to go to sleep. music therapy aids in the normalization of this hormone, allowing patients to get better quality sleep and improve behavior.
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- Music Therapy in Treating the Physiological or Psychological Aspect of an Illness or Disabilityexplanatory essayIn the last decades of the information age, where technology has rapidly advanced and information is readily available through search engines connected to databases on the World Wide Web, medical studies have similarly advanced and enlarged their domain to psychological and physiological areas of study in addition to their traditional physical concerns. Music therapy, one area of study, has shown growing development and interest. Music therapist Deforia Lane defines music therapy as “the systematic application of music to aid in the treatment of the physiological or psychological aspect of an illness or disability” and notes that the human soul relates inseparably to this treatment (Lane 15). It is an increasingly prevalent and effective program which has a history, method, and effect.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that medical studies have advanced and enlarged their domain to psychological and physiological areas of study. music therapy is an increasingly prevalent and effective program which has a history, method, and effect.
- Explains that the importance of music in an individual's life has only recently acquired scientific support, although for much of human history its benefits have been suspected.
- Explains that music can bring a more positive state of mind as well as an activation of the relaxation response. it can reduce blood pressure, heart and respiration rates, decrease pain reception, levels of fear, stress, and anxiety.
- Explains how music's uses have expanded beyond its traditional roles of entertainment and communication. cities have begun to experiment with alternative uses for music and reap the benefits.
- Explains that music therapy has a history of its own, from ancient israel to gregorian chants and tibetan singing bowls.
- Explains that music therapy has matured and developed rapidly over the past fifty years. it has been used to relieve pain from dental procedures, teach hyperactive children to focus their attention, and treat those with autistic needs.
- Explains that music therapy focuses on the individual need and response of patients with needs and fears and hopes.
- Analyzes how music therapy has brought healing and life to many circumstances which previously may have seemed futile.
- Explains that music therapy is an increasingly important field of study and has been proven as an effective and invaluable means of healing, encouragement, support, life, joy, and hope.
- Explains campbell, don g., the mozart effect: tapping the power of music to heal the body, strengthen the mind, and unlock the creative spirit.
- Explains gaynor, mitchell l., m.d. sounds of healing: a physician reveals the therapeutic power of sound, voice, and music.
- Describes grocke, denise, and wigram's receptive methods in music therapy: techniques and clinical applications.
- States that jones, j. d., "songwriting and lyric analysis." journal of music therapy 42.2 (2006): 94-110.
- Explains safranek, rita, and pro quest's use of music therapy in stroke rehabilitation.
- Explains stoppler, melissa c., md. "endorphins: natural pain and stress fighters."
- Explains that wigram, tony, bruce saperston, and robert west, eds. art & science of music therapy: a handbook.
1616 wordsRead More - Music And Therapy: The Benefits Of Music Therapyexplanatory essayMusic and sounds have the power to effect one’s thoughts and emotions. Certain tones, pitches, lyrics, and melodies can invoke happiness, sadness, relief, and confidence. To achieve these emotions with music, many people find it helpful to enroll into music therapy. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals. These goals may be to manage stress, promote wellness, alleviate pain, enhance memory, or express feelings. Music therapy is widely used in hospital and other inpatient settings, furthermore in outpatient settings and personal use. It is studied in patients and family with cardiac issues, cancer, psychiatric cases, and as general palliative care, as well as other fields. It has been found that women preparing for labor received the greatest benefit of music therapy, followed by medical procedures and occupational stress. (Elliot, 2011)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that music therapy isn't just about classical music, or soft lyrical content, but the use of nature sounds can help in it.
- Explains that nature sounds provide frameworks for tension release, integration, and pleasure. a study was done at the university of cumbria in australia to determine the types of music was best for anxiety control amongst students.
- Explains that music therapy involves three stages: contact, awareness, self-expression, resolution, and enriched by songs.
- Demonstrates the power of music therapy with association to grief and mourning.
- Explains the major goal of music therapy is overall stress reduction, whether it be related to social situation or physical ailment.
- Explains that music and sounds have the power to effect one's thoughts and emotions. music therapy can provide emotional support for clients and their families, and an outlet for expression of feelings.
1254 wordsRead More - Music Therapy: Highly Effective Therapyexplanatory essayIn the world there are many illnesses and conditions that need therapy. When people think of therapy they may think of the typical methods: speech, physical, vocational, and behavioral therapy. Most people do not think of music therapy. Music has a high impact on the body and brain. There have been traces of music therapy dating back to the Greek philosophers proving that it has been around longer than many other forms of therapy (Graf). Growing steadily, music therapy is recognized in the 1700s and is more prominent today than it has ever been. As the therapy becomes more well-known, the quality of the therapy gets better because of the high standards, requirements and codes. Music therapy is little-known but it is highly-effective and acceptable. It has been around for a long amount of time and the qualifications of a music therapist are very high due to the standards set. Music has a great influence on the body and brain.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that music therapy has a high impact on the body and brain. it has been around since the 1700s and is more prominent today than ever before.
- Explains that music has been a dynamic part of our lives for all of time. during slavery, slaves sang and played instruments to pass the time and to enjoy themselves.
- Explains that music therapy dates back to greek philosophers, plato and aristotle, and pythagoras. the greek understood the importance of music because they knew the connection between medicine and music through apollo.
- Explains that music therapy became a profession during world war i and wwii when musicians came into hospitals to help take care of the wounded soldiers.
- Explains that becoming a music therapist involves many steps, including being accepted to programs, assessments, treatment planning, implementation, documentation, termination of services, continuing education and supervision.
- Explains that music exercises improve many areas of the body, such as the brain, the immune system, and performance.
- Explains that therapists use four exercises to exercise the brain and mental characteristics: improvising, recreating, composing, and listening.
- Explains that music disguised as a rhythmic heartbeat and the breaths they take is built into people's bodies. music could be the center of life.
- Explains that they work on a field called string theory, which describes the fundamental constituents of matter.
- Explains how the connection between the auditory and motor regions of the brain causes the fetus to respond to music. singing helps people with speech problems.
- Explains that music therapy is performed on many different ages of people, including children. infants are sang lullabies to comfort and entertain a baby.
- Explains that music therapy eases nausea and discomfort for patients undergoing chemotherapy. the 2011 conference research poster session verifies that it does make cancer patients more comfortable.
- Explains that music therapy is a newer form of therapy but has dated back to the beginning of time. as the profession has grown, so has the curriculum which makes today’s music therapist highly effective.
- Explains how music affects the brain and the power of music, and opines that this is your brain on music: the science of a human obsession.
1407 wordsRead More - Music Therarpyexplanatory essayMusic Therapy facilitates the creative process of moving toward wholeness in the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual self in areas such as: independence, freedom to change, adaptability, balance and integration. The implementation of Music Therapy involves interactions of the therapist, client and music. These interactions initiate and sustain musical and non-musical change that may or may not be observable. As the musical elements of rhythm, melody and harmony are elaborated across time, the therapist and client can develop relationships, which optimize the quality of life. It is believe that Music Therapy makes a unique contribution to wellness of a person, because man’s response to music is so unique. Using music to establish a trusting relationship, the music therapist then works to improve the clients physical and mental functioning through carefully structured activities. Examples can include singing, listening, playing instruments, composition, moving to music, and music and imagery exercises.
In this essay, the author
- Explains music therapy is the prescribed use of music and musical interventions to restore, maintain, and improve emotional, physical, physiological and spiritual health as well as a person’s well-being.
- Explains that music therapy facilitates the creative process of moving toward wholeness in the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual self in areas such as: independence, freedom to change, adaptability, balance and integration.
- Explains that music therapy engages individuals in their growth, development, and behavioral change, bringing them from isolation into active participation in the world.
- Explains that premature babies in intensive care who were exposed to music were calmer and used oxygen more efficiently. burn victims and patients undergoing treatment for cancer reported less discomfort when music was played during painful procedures.
472 wordsRead More - UMmmmmcomparative essayMusic therapy is a health occupation, in which music is harnessed to aid the social, cognitive, physical and emotional needs of patients in a restorative way (Drum Circle Music). Music therapists are specifically trained to play various instruments and even give their patients lessons. Since individuals who seek music therapy have different past experiences, music preferences, and cultural backgrounds, all genres of music are utilized to aid in this innovative healing experience. For instance, my father may not find any progress in music therapy if he were to listen to Gregorian chant during his session; however, another individual may find comfort in this genre. All in all, the effectiveness and length of this program varies because there are many factors within music therapy that contribute to a person’s progress.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that music therapy is a health occupation in which music is harnessed to aid the social, cognitive, physical, and emotional needs of patients. music therapists are specifically trained to play various instruments and give their patients lessons.
- Illustrates how leo dunson, a war veteran in las vegas who fought in iraq, used music therapy as an outlet to express his thoughts.
- Describes how dunson's mental state was entering a slippery slope, and he couldn't control himself. he found his safe-haven within music therapy, while creating support group amongst other veterans who also suffer from ptsd.
- Explains that songwriting has become an extended pathway to expressing one's thoughts and emotions. the lyrics portray the many emotions that surround being in combat.
- Concludes that music therapy is highly effective on veterans who are diagnosed with ptsd, because the musical elements in each song all retain the power to heal.
730 wordsRead More - Negative Effects Of Music Therapyexplanatory essayTrials have been done on children with autism, cancer patients, and those with substance use disorders. In music therapy trials done on various cancer patients, significant positive affects have occured. Data collected from a study at Wake Forest Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina showed significant improvements. The patients was diagnosed with Leukemia. The music therapy type was PME and the patient showed improvements in relaxation and heart rate normality (Boehm). Music therapy not only facilitates the brain and allows the patient to relax and be in touch with their
In this essay, the author
- Describes music therapy as a theraputic technique treatment. music therapy has shown significant physical and mental improvements in cancer patients.
- Explains that depression affects the way one feels and responds to different situations. the most widely used treatment for depression is antidepressant medications (adm).
- Explains that 76% of adm responders relapsed following medication withdrawal, compared with only 31% of patients who had been treated with cognitive therapy.
- Explains the effectiveness of music therapy and why it should be used as a main treatment for mental diagnoses like depression.
754 wordsRead More - The Amazing Benefits of Music Therapyexplanatory essayThe human brain is made up of interconnected neural networks which fire electrochemical signals in order to release different chemicals and facilitate different functions (Levitin, 2006). This involves massive amounts of cooperation between five ‘main sections’: the frontal lobe, which controls planning, self-control, and signal-interpretation (‘executive functioning’), the parietal lobe, which controls spatial and motor movements, the temporal lobe, which controls hearing and memory, the occipital lobe, which controls vision, and the cerebellum, which controls emotions and plans movement (Levitin, 2006). Each of these sections has several structures within itself (Levitin, 2006). If a part of the brain stops working, it stands to reason that the function which it helps control becomes impaired; this is when cognitive disorders arise (Levitin, 2006). While the ideal treatment for different cognitive disorders is debated, recent research supports that music may provide an option for patients with disorders such as (but not limited to) Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and autism (Samson, 2009). This paper will explore such experiments, attempting to support that listening to and learning how to play or sing music can promote neuroplasticity, a form of brain ‘training’ that essentially allows it to re-wire and thus ‘cure’ itself (Samson, 2009), in multiple parts of the brain. This paper supports the assertion that such knowledge can be applied to both children and adults with cognitive disorders.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the human brain is made up of interconnected neural networks which fire electrochemical signals to release different chemicals and facilitate different functions. recent research supports that music may provide an option for patients with disorders such as alzheimer's, epilepsy, and autism.
- Explains that the term ‘music’ must be defined before the merits of music therapy can be explored.
- Explains that music is a cross-modal concept, meaning many brain centres work together simultaneously to process the sound vibrations. the exact structures used vary depending on factors such as musical training and familiarity of text.
- Explains that musical processing is integrative and difficult for even highly-abled and musically trained brains. difficulties arise because when signals first enter the brain, the information derived from the vibrations of sound is completely undifferentiated.
- Analyzes the role of music in increasing neuro-plasticity. music provides an ideal 'work-out' for the brain because it is so integrative.
- Explains that music therapy can facilitate significant improvements in multiple functions for individuals with cognitive impairments, including focus and attention, mood, cognition and executive function, responsiveness and communication, and sensory perception.
- Explains that music therapy improves mood and motor functions for individuals with cognitive impairments. the study split hospitalized patients into a control group and an experimental group.
- Explains that motor functions can be improved when exposed to musical therapy due to the amounts of feedback needed for musical processing.
- Explains that there are two different streams of music therapy, one that aids patients through guided listening, and one which trains them to play simple melodies or replicate rhythms.
- Opines that music is a complex creation, and that further research is needed on the benefits of playing versus listening for individuals with similar impairments.
2075 wordsRead More - Music Therapy Essayexplanatory essayWhat is music? Where did it come from? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, music is defined as the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity (Music). There are many types of genres of music. Examples include classical, rock, rap, techno, metal, acoustic, pop and many others. Music is one of the most popular cultural aspects that we have adopted from ancient societies throughout history. Some forms of music date back to ancient civilizations of Egypt, China, India, Greece and Rome. Music can be used during every day activities such as working out, relaxation, for entertainment and also therapeutic uses. Many types of music therapy have been seen all over the world and also in different time periods. Music Therapy was used in the 20th century for World War One and World War Two veterans. Local musicians were hired to play in the local hospitals where veterans that were suffering both physically, emotionally and mentally were making progress towards recovery. Music therapy is still very common today. It gives an opportunity for a musical therapist to work with people of all different ages and varying disabilities. In order to become a musical therapist, a person must have some special qualities. Some of these include basic understanding of music, the willingness to help people, patience, creativity, empathetic and supportive. According to the Cancer Association society “ Music therapy may be used to encourage emotional expression, promote social interaction, relieve symptoms, and for other purposes.”
In this essay, the author
- Defines music as the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity.
- Explains that music therapy uses music to establish a connection of physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of an individual of all ages.
- Opines that music therapy is not just used by autistic individuals but cancer, trauma, and stroke patients also use it.
- Explains that autism is one of the most prominent mental, physical and emotional disorders that exist in the world today.
- Describes how sharon ruben's daughter, ashley, was diagnosed with autism at 21 months. she was unable to speak or socialize with her family and the people around her.
- Explains how ashley's ears were introduced to the different high and low frequencies, and she was introduced with a tape of her mothers voice.
- Describes how stephen and electra noticed that their son nicholas learnt things at his own pace. he was enrolled in daycare, but his teachers were concerned about him. early intervention was the best recommendation for nicholas.
- Explains that music has been used to help veterans with emotional, mental, and physical disabilities. music therapy helps the individual interact with others and open up.
1763 wordsRead More - The Effects of Music Therapy on Mentally Handicapped Peopleexplanatory essayMusic therapy is a controversial but effective form of rehabilitation on mentally handicapped people. A great amount of research has been completed on this subject. It has been proven that our brains respond to music as if it were medicine. Music therapy is not a commonly used health care, but recent studies have suggested it can have a wide range of benefits.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that music can be a highly effective form of rehabilitation for anyone.
- Explains that music therapy is a controversial but effective form of rehabilitation on mentally handicapped people. it has been proven that our brains respond to music as if it were medicine.
- Explains that music therapy in the united states began during world war ii when it was used in veterans administration hospitals, as an intervention to address traumatic war injuries
- Explains that music therapy is a process which builds relationships. it can manage pain, increase body movement, lower blood pressure, ease depression, enhance concentration and creativity.
- Explains that music therapy improves self-esteem, reduces stress, develops leisure activities, and enhances motor skills for the mentally ill.
- Explains that musical interventions are developed and used by the therapist based on his or her knowledge of the music's effect on behavior, the client’s strengths, and the therapeutic goals.
- Narrates how a physician discovered that the monks' daily chanting had been reduced by several hours due to the reforms of vatican ii.
- Describes how the healer learned that pete had a potentially fatal blood clot in an artery just below his brain — he hummed for three weeks and meditated on healing images. classical and new age music helped people with sleep deprivation.
- Explains how music and rhythm can influence pulse, blood pressure, and electrical activity of muscles.
2214 wordsRead More - Music Therapy and Developmentally Delayed Childrenexplanatory essayMusic therapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment most commonly used to help children with developmental disabilities. Music as a therapy has been around longer than one might think and "recognized for centuries." (Bunt 179) Many years before that, music was used as a less scientific means of healing by medicine men (Hadley 215). By using music therapy directly, or indirectly, as a developmental aid, many people can be positively effected. When many people can use the treatment, it has to be available in many different locations. More than any other age group, children benefit most.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that music therapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment most commonly used to help children with developmental disabilities.
- Explains that music is a form of creative expression and freedom of expression is key in development among those of the developmentally delayed or normal.
- Explains that a child develops physically, emotionally, and cognitively in different ways, such as clenching their fists, playing instruments, etc., while having fun and boosting moods.
- Explains that music therapy can bring out emotions of happiness, anger, hurt, and contentment. the therapist guides the child along the way, reassuring him that his actions are ok.
- Explains that a child with developmental delays often has problems with cognition, learning, and logical thinking. music therapy can help treat all of these problems.
- Explains that children with developmental disabilities need music therapy more than the average child.
- Explains that everyone can benefit from music therapy, including people with special needs, people who have been through trauma, and the everyday person walking down the street.
- Explains that music therapists are found in psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitative facilities, medical hospitals and outpatient clinics. nursing homes, hospice programs, correctional facilities and schools are excellent places to introduce music therapy.
- Opines that music therapy can be integrated into every classroom, but there are side effects. a student with behavioral problems would need a different treatment.
- Explains that music therapy can help people of all ages in many different case scenarios. it has been used as an educational aide to help children learn.
- Cites aldridge, david, dagnar gustorf, and lutz neugebauer. a preliminary study of creative music therapy in the treatment of children with developmental delay.
- Describes bonny, helen lindquist's "the state of the art of music therapy."
- Explains that music therapy: a treatment modality for special-needs populations.
- Cites needlman, robert, m.d., and dr. spock's article, "praise and criticism."
- Explains schalkwijk, frans w. book music and people with developmental disabilities: music therapy, remedial music making and musical activities.
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