Music therapy: an art beyond words

Abstract: Explains the purposes and techniques of MT as it is practised today to a wide audience of mental health professionals, not just music therapists, and for all those interested in the creative arts in therapy. After setting the development of MT in its historical context, and looking at its relationship with other forms of therapeutic intervention, he goes on to discuss, with practical examples, the particular contributions of the different elements of music (such as pitch, rhytm, timbre, duration and time, loudness, melody and interval + harmony) to the therapeutic process. From this sound basis of understanding the reader is then easily led into clinical chapters of the book describing detailed practice with both adults and children in schools, hospitals and the community. While not failing to acknowledge the creative and emotional power of the medium with which he works, the author makes it clear thorughtout the book that a strong research base is necessary if music therapy is to develop its full potential as a therapeutic intervention; that the way forward lies in the successful synthesis of artistic and scientific processes.

Note: reviewed by Even Ruud in Nordic Journal of MT 93024936 /mn Leslie Bunt. Includes bibliographical references (p. [190]-203) and index. MUSIC c.1 jg.

Keyword(s): Creative arts therapy. mental health. music. research

Zurück | Weiter