| If you're a music lover looking for a career that is | | | | from pioneering works by several different people. |
| completely off the beaten path, music therapy just | | | | French cellist Juliet Alvin influenced the discipline in the |
| might be right for you. Music therapy, a relatively | | | | 1960's, and in the decade before, Paul Nordoff and |
| new method of therapy in the eyes of modern | | | | Clive Robbins provided foundations for the future. In |
| medicine, is an ancient practice. Since 1944, it has | | | | fact, the Nordoff-Robbins approach is used in |
| gradually been practiced more extensively in the | | | | sessions all over the world. The Nordoff-Robbins |
| United States. In the United Kingdom, music therapy | | | | headquarters in London provides the only official PhD |
| was used in hospitals during both world wars. | | | | course in the practice. Therapists in the UK focus on |
| Music therapy dates back to the ninth century. In | | | | the learning disabilities of children and adults, as well |
| particular, the work of music theorist al-Farabi and his | | | | as forensic psychiatry and palliative care. There are |
| treatise entitled "Meanings of the Intellect" laid the | | | | master's programs available in the UK as well. |
| foundations for the modern form of the practice. | | | | Music therapy has been shown to improve motor |
| Robert Burton also wrote about the positive effects | | | | skills, spiritual awareness and social skills. It also helps |
| of music and dance on the condition of the soul in his | | | | mood disorders and depression. In particular, it can |
| work, "Anatomy of Melancholy." Both of these | | | | improve a patient's motivation and outlook on life by |
| writers used modern methods of describing very | | | | completely revitalizing a stagnant soul. Just as a great |
| ancient ideas to form the basis of the therapeutic | | | | song can set your day right, successful music |
| methods used today. | | | | therapy can change a person's life. |
| In the United States, music therapy is governed by | | | | Studies show that such therapy affects stroke |
| the American Music Therapy Association, which | | | | victims in a drastic way. By causing positive emotions |
| provides certification for aspiring practitioners. Though | | | | in victims, the therapy increases social interaction and |
| certification is not required, it definitely gives a | | | | motivation and causes a quick recovery from the |
| therapist much more credibility. The AMTA gives | | | | effects of the stroke. Often, the music is combined |
| different levels of certificates depending on | | | | with traditional therapy to increase positive results |
| completion of various studies. For example, a | | | | exponentially. Motor skills are recovered best when |
| bachelor's certificate enables someone to work | | | | the therapy is used on a regular basis in conjunction |
| together with other therapeutic disciplines such as | | | | with other methods. |
| speech therapy. Music therapists often have degrees | | | | Another aspect of music therapy lies in songwriting |
| in other disciplines as well. In New York State, | | | | and listening, especially in the elderly. The concept of |
| practitioners must be registered and licensed as a | | | | songwriting is discussed, and patients are encouraged |
| creative arts therapist by passing a standardized test | | | | to write their own songs as a treatment. |
| administered by the state. Lesley University in | | | | If you are interested in helping others and working |
| Massachusetts and Temple University in Pennsylvania | | | | with music, investigate the field of music therapy. |
| offer degrees in the practice. | | | | While it is a relatively new concept to many, the |
| In the United Kingdom, music therapy developed | | | | practice of music as medicine is ancient in origin. |