Music Therapy: Education of a Music Therapist

Could you elaborate upon the education of a Music Therapist?

The education of a music therapist is unique among college degree programmes because it not only allows a thorough study of music, but also encourages examination of one’s self as well as others. The undergraduate curriculum includes coursework in music therapy, psychology, music, biological, social and behavioural sciences, disabilities and general studies.

Continue reading Music Therapy: Education of a Music Therapist

Music Therapy: Explaining Music Therapy

“People ask me as a professional music therapist, ‘How does music do these things?’ and I really couldn’t tell them, and that always bothered me,” says Professor Taylor. “And so what I’ve done is to create what I call a biomedical theory of music therapy, and that biomedical theory basically says that music affects human behavior by affecting the brain. And by knowing what those effects are, they can be replicated. My work shows how music therapy helps decrease stress, lowers anxiety and improves those areas that are damaged when anxiety and stress are at high levels, such as the immune system for example.”

Continue reading Music Therapy: Explaining Music Therapy

Music Therapy: A Health Report on the Healing Powers of Music

These reports were presented at the VII International Music Medicine Symposium held in July 1998 at the Faculty of Music, Melbourne University, Australia. All those mentioned participated and provided their input, which we record for the benefit of our readers and a better understanding of music as sheer therapy.

Continue reading Music Therapy: A Health Report on the Healing Powers of Music

Music Therapy: Melody & Rhythm in Carnatic Music

Melody and rhythm are fundamental to any music system in the world. Though they are inseparable, they can be viewed distinctly and studied separately. Different systems in the world give emphasis to one or the other, as, for example, the Ya-yueh music of China is more melody-oriented, while impressive rhythms form a prominent part of Central African music.

Continue reading Music Therapy: Melody & Rhythm in Carnatic Music

Music Therapy: Basic Characteristics of Carnatic Music and Tips for Appreciating Carnatic Music

Some basic characteristics of Carnatic music are

i. It is melody – and not harmony – based1. In simple terms, this means that by and large, the stress is on successive notes rather than simultaneous notes and chords.

Continue reading Music Therapy: Basic Characteristics of Carnatic Music and Tips for Appreciating Carnatic Music