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