Author: Graham, Richard M.

Publication Year: 1977

Media Type: Report

Summary:

Abstract:

Music therapy is much more than passively listening to music. The patient is actively involved with music under the direction of qualified personnel. The activity is planned by therapists and doctors (or other clinicians), who write out a prescription with specific therapeutic goals, defining both the disability and the desired response.

Our sessions try to promote better social behavior and to help the patient feel good. They rely heavily on the possibilities for nonverbal expression unique to music. Almost any situation involving music can be used by a therapist. Patients compose, perform, and move to music. To a lesser extent, they listen to music and discuss it, but a music therapist is not a psychotherapist and does not encourage extended conversation of any kind. Therapists must complete a college degree and a six month internship in a clinical setting to be certified by the National Registry maintained by the National Association of Music Therapy. (p. 19-20)

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