(T-T1) Survey of Music Therapy

Effects of Music Therapy

EXPERIENCE
Promoting aesthetic sensitivity and quality of life experience
Increasing sense of safety and well-being
Increasing enjoyment of life

BEHAVIOR
Fine-tuning physiology including:
Respiration
Heart rate
Blood pressure
Body temperature
Brain waves
Stress hormones
Generating endorphins, which promote pleasure and boost the immune system
Helping reduce tension and manage stress
Helping in and through the grieving process
Helping cope with the dying process
Facilitating adjustment to permanent changes in ability
Assisting in assuming responsibility for own healing process
Using music to change or support nonmusical behaviors
Helping to improve sensory/motor abilities
Helping to improve sensory/perceptual abilities
Increasing general awareness
Increasing awareness of time and space
Helping to improve decision making abilities
Increasing concentration and stamina
Assisting in controlling impulses
Assisting in addiction recovery
Assisting in abuse recovery
Improving task-specific behaviors (e.g. work songs)

COMMUNICATION
Eliciting verbal or motor responses
Helping people interact socially, or develop social skills
Developing cohesion and participation within a group
Team-building in organizations
Helping individuals or groups learn to communicate more effectively

Sources:
Music Therapy Study Guide by Michael G. McGuire, M.M., MT-BC,
Eastern Michigan University
A Tapestry of Many Voices - 1996 Joint Conference of Music Therapists, Nashville, TN
The Mozart Effect, by Don Campbell