Introduction to Approaches in Music Therapy

Book excerpt: This book is written for entering students in music therapy programs. It presents the major approaches to music therapy used at this point in time. The process of reviewing these systems of therapy will likely renew the reader's admiration for the versatility of music, and prompt appreciation for the diversity of approaches that comprise the profession of music therapy. The procedures for most of approaches are quite distinct; nevertheless there remain important commonalities among all of the approaches. The intent of each approach is to stimulate positive changes in the client through music, although some approaches emphasize changes in a specific area of human functioning: cognitive, physical, psychological or social. All of the approaches depend on the appeal and influence of music to bring about changes in the client, all of the approaches provide valid avenues for therapeutic work, and all of the approaches require training to be used effectively. The differences in approaches are well suited to the diversity of practicing clinicians and the clients they serve. The book is organized into three major sections with similar organization of chapters, which begin with an overview of a specific approach to music therapy. Also included in each chapter is the history or background of the approach, description of the approach--including philosophical orientation, clinical applications of the approach, related research, summary or conclusions, and suggestions for further reading.