What is Music Therapy?
Music is an intrinsic part of all of us. Pulse and rhythm are found in our heartbeat, our breathing and our movement, melody is created in our laughing, crying, screaming or singing.
© Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy / Photo: John Marshall
The whole range of our emotions can be held within the rhythms and harmonies of different musical styles and idioms. These intimate connections with music can remain despite disability or illness, and are not dependent on a musical training or background.
Music therapy uses the unique qualities of music to help children and adults live more creatively and resourcefully in the face of illness, disability or traumatic experiences. It can take place in schools, hospitals, day centres or purpose-built facilities, individually or in groups, alone or within an individualised treatment plan.
© Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy / Photo: Jason Pierce-Williams
Because the ability to respond to music is universal, people of all ages can benefit from music therapy. The emphasis in music therapy is on active participation in musical activity, and it is through this dynamic engagement in creative experience that music therapy aims to help people.
The benefits of music therapy are wide-ranging, and relate to the different reasons for which people come to receive music therapy. For those with communicative disorders it can enhance expressive and interactive ability; for people isolated by illness or disability it can provide a means of socialisation, sharing and community. Music therapy can also facilitate a process of self-exploration.
© Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy / Photo: Matthew Dixon
A recognised profession
The therapeutic qualities of music have been recognised for thousands of years, but the modern UK music therapy profession that emerged in the second half of the 20th century developed from the pioneering work of several visionary individuals, including Juliette Alvin who founded the British Society for Music Therapy in 1958, and Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins who worked together from 1959 to 1974 developing a new approach to music therapy based on musical improvisation.
Music therapy became a registered profession in 1999 and is regulated by the Health Professions Council. This is an acknowledgement of the recognition and respect that music therapy has achieved over half a century within education, health and social care services. The work is carried out by professionals who have undertaken an approved training programme, ensuring high standards of practice.
© Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy / Photo: John Marshall