Therapeutic music is live acoustic music specifically tailored to the client’s immediate need. An art based on the science of sound.
How will music sessions work?
All sessions are in-person. Each session is 45 minutes. This may include:
Listening to live, acoustic music
Learning to play the harp
What is therapeutic music?
The main benefits include physical and mental tension relief and improvement in mood.
Therapeutic music may be:
1. Familiar or Unfamiliar
2. Structured or Improvised
3. Rhythmic or Non-rhythmic
Is there evidence to support therapeutic music?
Yes. Many controlled studies have demonstrated the efficacy of therapeutic music in reducing stress, anxiety, and pain:
Stress
Salivary alpha-amylase levels indicate stress levels. Energizing music increases while relaxing music decreases alpha-amylase levels.
Relaxing music decreases the body’s production of hormones involved in the stress response and increases those involved in emotional regulation.
Anxiety
Music can reduce anxiety by redirecting thoughts and feelings.
Pain
Music stimulates sensory pathways that compete with pain pathways and causes the brain to release chemical opioids, ultimately relieving pain.
Who can practice therapeutic music?
Therapeutic Musicians receive training from a therapeutic musician training program. Standards of practice have been established by the National Standards Board for Therapeutic Musicians (NSBTM): www.nsbtm.org.
Therapeutic Musicians are trained to assess behavior and condition to meet the patient’s immediate needs with appropriate music.
