| Music Therapy is the practice of improving living | | | | dedicated to this course of study. |
| clinically through the use of music and all its co-joining | | | | So why Music? It is scientifically proven that music |
| forces such as the physical, emotional, mental, social | | | | affects the brain. Heck, just look at yourself. The end |
| and spiritual. The intent is to improve overall health. | | | | of tough day you need something to relax to so you |
| For many years, and even to a lesser extent today | | | | start to drive home and what do you do? You reach |
| there was little to no confidence in the power of | | | | for the radio and find the type of music that suits |
| music and its connection to overall well-being. | | | | the mood that you are trying to create for yourself. |
| However, with the therapeutic results that have | | | | Music, in particular affects emotions and interactions. |
| occurred using the tenets, it is truly an alternative | | | | Music as a therapeutic tool is good for all ages. It is |
| that can be considered. | | | | used in many clinical conditions including psychiatric, |
| The practice of this therapy style is considered new | | | | medical, stroke treatment and physical handicap. |
| (20th century) where in actuality it has been around | | | | Primarily, it strives to improve overall health. In |
| for centuries. The study and practicality of using | | | | addition to specific conditions it is also used very |
| music as a respite for a tired soul first was identified | | | | successfully to build self esteem, reduce stress and |
| in Europe. The link between music and the soul was | | | | support physical exercise. It is used very extensively |
| first captured by Alpharabuis (872-950) when he | | | | in children who need to learn how to stay calm, |
| talked at length about the correlation to music's | | | | address aggression or find an outlet by which to |
| impact on the soul. Robert Burton (17th century) also | | | | express themselves. It is very closely linked at times |
| made the connection between music and dance in | | | | to art therapy because it draws on the same |
| the treatment of mental illnesses. | | | | creative energy that tends to connect with persons |
| A recognized profession, the first undergraduate | | | | emotions and state of mind. Music Therapy is a great |
| degree in Music Therapy was offered at Michigan | | | | alternative treatment style and in widely used |
| State. And in 1998, two prominent psychology | | | | throughout the United States and abroad. |
| associations joined forces to become the American | | | | One last note, obviously to practice Music Therapy |
| Music Therapy Association. The study of this | | | | you must be proficient in an instrument or vocals. |
| alternative therapy style has continued to grow in | | | | Your proficiency will then be tailored to a clinical tool |
| both theory as well as patients. Today there are | | | | that you can use with your patients. |
| Master's as well as PhD level course curriculum | | | | |