The ethnomusicology of music therapy.

Abstract: A historical, descriptive, and analytic study of music therapy from the perspective of ethnomusicology. Fieldwork was conducted over a three-month period at a state institution for persons with developmental disabilities. Four theoretical principles were generated directly from observations: (1) Music therapists design music experiences that take into consideration extramusical factors related directly to the well-being of those served; (2) the therapist's moment-to-moment decisions are ultimately guided by the maintenance of musically related affect; (3) the behavior of therapists and clients reflect movement toward and experiencing of shared mutual values; and (4) culturally derived musical expression provides the context for congruence between the therapist's symbolic interpretation of music therapy and the residents' experiential participation. (author)

Keyword(s): ethnomusicology . research tools and techniques

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