“In an instant, music can uplift our soul. It awakens within us the spirit of prayer, compassion, and love. It clears our minds and has been known to make us smarter” (Campbell 1). This quote from Don Campbell’s book about the Mozart Effect is a basic summary of centuries of research on how music is able to affect the mind. Although the research hasn’t been able to pinpoint every detail, the belief is clear that music has the ability to enhance people’s lives intellectually and emotionally.
Isabelle Peretz, a professor at the University of Montreal states that “the brain seems to be specialized for music” (Lemenick 75). Definite signs have been shown that the brain does respond to almost any musical stimulus. It has been proven to support emotional and intellectual growth (Campbell 175), and although its complete effects are still unknown, it can have great impact (Lemenick 75).
This notion dates back to Aristotle and Plato. They were presumably the first to recognize the fact that music could influence behavior, mental health, physical health, and social skills. The belief that music can help in a therapeutic way is not a new concept. On the other hand, music therapy was not looked into as a form of treatment on a wide scale until just after World War II. After the war, musicians would play at veterans’ hospitals, and significant improvements were found in the patients who heard the music (Frequently NP).
It was in 1919 that the first music therapy class was offered at Columbia University. In 1944, Michigan State University offered the first academic program, and in 1946, Kansas State University was the first to offer a full degree program in music therapy (Horden 379). Since these programs have been offered, more in-depth research has been performed in this field. The findings have furthered the case of music therapy as a legitimate treatment amongst the medical community.
A music therapy session in progress.
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The Canadian Association of Music Therapy describes music therapy as “the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health” (What NP). This is exactly what music therapy is able to do through time and effort.
Music therapy takes the forms of singing, instruments, movement, improvisation, composing, and listening. Singing can help to develop articulation and helps with speech impairments. Singing can also help patients to develop an awareness of others. Playing instruments can help to improve control and self-discipline, while rhythmic movement improves motor skills, agility, strength, and muscular relaxation. Improvisation allows for exploration and expression of emotion. Composing is a form of therapy that allows for exploration of feelings. Most often, it allows for the creation of a work that will remain as a memory for posterity (How NP). The most widely known form of music therapy is listening. Listening helps to develop cognitive skills and provides an environment for positive self-expression. It can also provide an understanding of others and different cultures (How NP).
Music therapists need to be skilled musicians that can sing and play a variety of instruments (Professional NP). To be licensed, potential music therapists need to complete a four-year program of study at an accredited university department that is consistent with the standards of the National Music Therapy Association. Most often, music therapists will specialize in treating one or more diseases or disorders to offer more support in those areas (Who NP).
According to Matthew Lee, director of the Rush Institute in New York City, “Music therapy has been an invaluable tool with many of our rehabilitation patients” (Quotes NP). Music is able to reduce tension in the muscles and increase body movement and coordination (Campbell 69). It can help with healthy individuals in stress relief, as well (Music NP). Essentially, music therapy involves the application of time, patience, love, and mental stimulation to help those who are experiencing pain or stress (Campbell 63).
There are, however, a few misconceptions about music therapy. Many people dismiss it with the mentality that music cannot cure someone of a disease. This is not what music therapy intends to do. “It’s important to point out that healing is not always synonymous with curing” (Campbell 63). Healing is the process of bringing the whole body into balance and being at peace (Campbell 64). Music therapy is meant to be used as a healing agent.
Debate has ensued over whether or not music therapy is merely a placebo or if it truly has plausible benefits (Campbell 163). After examination of the processes, the training, and the outcomes involved in music therapy, it is shown that there are some positive benefits to those who are treated with music therapy.
Music therapy is currently being made more effective through state-of-the-art research in helping with physical rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s Disease, and psychology (Frequently NP). This research will only be effective if cooperation exists between medical professionals and music therapists (Horden 378). If the two professions cannot work together to utilize the benefits of both styles of treatment, the greatest possible benefits may not be gained for a patient.
Music can also have an effect on our educational and mental development. The Mozart Effect has been widely discussed and researched in the past few years. The theory is that children who listen to and study music as their brain develops will have higher intelligence and get better grades in school.
According to Dr. Clive Robbins, a music therapist at the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Clinic, “Almost all children respond to music. Music is an open-sesame, and if you can use it carefully, you can reach a child’s potential for development” (Quotes NP). The responses to music that have been found through research are very positive and actually quite astounding.
It is not entirely certain why this is, but “what seems clear is that the ability to experience and react to music is deeply embedded in the biology of the nervous system” (Lemenick 74). Neuroscientists believe that musical stimulation can help build and strengthen connections among nerve cells within the cerebral cortex (Westley 103). This can strengthen the brain’s power and control over the body.
Richard Frackowiak, a researching neuroscientist at the Institute of Neurology in London, has found that the entire brain can be stimulated by listening to or performing music. His studies have shown music to stimulate parts of the brain before associated with only speech, listening comprehension, visual imagery, and memory (Glausiusz 28). Research shows that learning is enhanced through this process of large amounts of mental stimulation, which can help mental development considerably during childhood (Campbell 192-3).
The theory that music can have an impact on our lives has been researched and approached in different ways throughout history. In fact, this theme has even been found in literature. There is, of course, the famous quote from Macbeth Act V, Scene iii: “Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased, Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow, Raze out the written troubles of the brain, and with some sweet, oblivious antidote cleanse the stuffed bosom of that perilous stuff which weighs upon the heart?” (Shakespeare 171). Music would definitely be a “sweet, oblivious antidote” that could help one forget troublesome thoughts ans stress (Campbell 64).
Music is something very valuable on an intellectual and emotional level. It can help to heal, ease pain, and even to learn. It has power over us more than anything else on this earth. This final thought from Pat Conroy summarizes what music is to humanity: “Without music, life is a journey through the desert” (Cyber NP).
