Music Therapy: A New Age of Psychology

Written by Jane Seung

Everyone loves a good song. Whether or not the song encapsulates a past memory, a romantic experience or a breathtaking performance, music resides within the conscience of humans from all around the world. Music breathes emotions, and through its development via history, has added to the experiences that humans go through on a day-to-day basis. From the beginnings of Renaissance to the wonders of the Classical dynasty, the realm of music has opened up to new forms of interpretation, each embedding within the music conscience of each unique individual.

One function of music that has garnered interest amongst scholars and psychologists recently has been the notion of music therapy. Through the emotional, physical, mental social pressures that exist within the mind of an individual, music therapy looks to bring about therapeutic relief through the use of music. Even in our everyday society, the ability for one to associate with particular genres of music is something that is expressed with pride and interest.

       

How is music therapy relevant? Is it effective? How many sessions does it take for someone to feel relief through music therapy? These are questions that are asked by many who are unfamiliar with the concept of music therapy. Nevertheless, music therapists are existent in all areas of profession. From aiding soldiers that are traumatized from the harshness of war, to the elderly who seek relaxation, to the child who finds difficulty in sleeping to the middle-aged adult feeling stagnation in life; music therapy is a realm in which all these answers have the potential of being found.

Music is taken in by the senses, and transformed into memories. These memories may last however long one desires for them to linger, however as time progresses and individuals are consumed by their daily activities, these feelings and emotions that are associated with particular works of music fade away. The re-emergence and introduction of these musical works when presented to an individual who is in a state of unrest, brings about an invaluable sense of emotion.

This idea that is music therapy has allowed psychologists, scientists and musicians alike the opportunity to collaborate; sharing knowledge and searching for ways to understand the relationship music has with the mind. Through its development, and the ability to visualize the effects of music on individuals, society is able to further protect the mind that is so precious to every person. Only recently, there emerged a spellbinding footage of a man suffering from Alzheimer’s who was able to recompose himself and speak from his memories after being presented with a song that he had loved in the past.

       

In this world of ours, our minds and conscience, coupled with our experiences and emotions, are what make us unique. Music therapy may just be the new age of psychology that seeks to protect these things that are most precious to us as a human race.