The Power of Music Therapy Essay

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Ever wonder why a song may bring tears to your eyes? Or how music allows you to recall a specific memory of your past? Well others have thought of the same questions and actually have been able to harness the power of music and direct it toward healthcare. This practice is known today as Music Therapy.
Music Therapy is the prescribed use of music and music related techniques to assist and motivate a person towards specific, nonmusical goals. Music therapists use their training to effect changes in the cognitive, physical, communication, social, and emotional skills. This type of therapy utilizes music and music related activities to modify ineffective learning patterns, help to promote emotional, mental, social and physical growth and …show more content…
Although, this is merely a step to uncovering the mystery of Music Therapy, there is no doubt it is a step in the right direction.
Music promotes healing and a general sense of well-being, easing the physical and emotion pain that accompanies many medical conditions. It has been shown to decrease anxiety and depression in terminally ill patients, thereby improving the quality of remaining time. Health professionals found long ago that music enhances the care and rehabilitation of the elderly and disabled. Hospitalized heart attack patients experience significant reduction in heat rate, respiratory rate and anxiety levels after listening to relaxing music.
Studies also show that music can alleviate symptoms in patients recovering from strokes or Parkinson's disease. Music also aids patients in their battle against brain injuries, Autism, mental retardation, and physical disabilities. Investigations involving patients with dementia or those with Alzheimer's disease have yielded results concluding patients' attention and their ability to focus has significantly increased due to the involvement of music therapy (Cassileth 2).
The type of music selected is a major key to the success of Music Therapy. The therapist must come to understand the patient's musical preference, which often requires learning about the
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