The United States of America is experiencing a mental health crisis. There have been many mass shootings and acts of violence in the country. According to Everytown Research & Policy, “between 2009 and 2020, 1,363 people in the United States were killed and 947 more were wounded in 240 mass shootings, an average of 20 shootings each year. Among the casualties were at least 362 children and teens killed as well as 21 law enforcement officers killed and 35 wounded” (paragraph 5). Because mental health disorders are so often present by the time someone is in their mid-20s, it is important for a person to receive appropriate intervention as soon as possible. In addition to other therapies, Music Therapy (MT) is indicated in the treatment of mental health disorders. Researchers Clements-Cortes and Yu (2021) conducted a literature review concerning the benefits of improvisational music therapy with university and college age students experiencing mental health issues. The body of literature suggests that improvisation plays an integral role when it is difficult for clients to verbally express their emotions ( Clements-Cortes et al., p1). Hans Christian Anderson is well known for once saying, “where words fail, music speaks.”
Clements-Cortes and Yu explore clinical improvisation and improvisational MT research outcomes. First a general explanation of mental health issues and MT is offered. The purpose of Clements-Cortes and Yu’s article is to explore the mental health benefits of improvisational music therapy for young adults through literature review of fourteen articles and research studies. The literature review provides hope for those living with mental health issues and provides evidence for the use of MT as a non-invasive treatment of mental health concerns. Musical improvisation in MT sessions, as studied by Erkkilia, et al. (p. 32 as cited by Clements-Cortes and Yu) resulted in positive outcomes for those with depression and increased their personal well-being compared to the control group. Maraos’ study found that active music making provided clients with novel aesthetic, relational, and physical experiences thus ameliorating mental health challenges (p. 32 as cited by Clements-Cortes and Yu). General findings confirm that MT benefits those with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, autism, trauma, and schizophrenia.
Musical improvisation can be active playing or receptive listening. According to Bruscia, “active improvisation involves spontaneous exploration of one's own character, while receptive improvisation involves listening to improvisations to build support, openness, and provoke physical responses from those who might otherwise be reluctant to participate” (p. 31, as cited by Clements-Cortes and Yu). It is not the therapist, or other group members, but the music that is the medium for regulating and processing client emotions and mood states. MTs facilitate structured or free-flowing sessions in which they provide prescriptive support, such as written prompts for the clients, or in which they support the direction set by the client(s). Improvisation of voice, instruments, and body is important because musical improvisation becomes an emotional coping mechanism for clients.
Below is a case study for how MTs use improvisational music to address mental health concerns:
Client A: 16-year old female with depression and anxiety
Therapy Goals: to grow in self-confidence, self-esteem, create a positive sense of self, and gain more creative coping skills
Procedure: Treating MT first provides instrument choice for Client A to manipulate during improvisation intervention. MT then offers pre-determined prompts for Client A to choose from. For example “relaxing on the sand sounds like…” or “crying while it rains sounds like…” If appropriate, after improvisation finds a natural end, both Client A and MT discuss the experience.
Here are two visual examples of how music improvisation can be used with adults participating in MT sessions: can this be listed after the case study as more examples? It belongs there, not as a conclusion. And then maybe just conclude by listing where people can get MT services for mental health--I’m sure this in the AMTa website
Music Improvisation - Loneliness https://youtu.be/5ALShMMbJ-k (Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia, 2011)
Music Improvisation - Anger https://youtu.be/GS5EX1EhPHc (Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia, 2011).
It is important that professionals invest their time and resources in mental health research, treatment planning, and advocacy efforts in order to reduce the stigma around mental health. MT has been recognized as a non-invasive treatment for mental health diagnoses and many MTs continue to advocate for continuing MT services in settings such as hospitals, psychiatric facilities, hospices, assisted living homes, schools, private practices, and more. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing mental health issues, contact your healthcare provider or seek referrals for a MT assessment.
-Kathryn Trujillo, Music Therapy Intern
Reference(s):
Mass shootings in America 2009-2020. 2021, June 4th. Everytown for Gun Safety. https://everytownresearch.org/maps/mass-shootings-in-america-2009-2019/
Clements-Cortes, A., & Yu, M. T. (2021). The mental health benefits of improvisational music therapy for young adults. Canadian Music Educator, 62 (3), 30-33. http://0-search.ebscohost.com.pacificatclassic.pacific.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=149346483&site=eds-live&scope=site&CUSTID=s8968023
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia. (2011, July 5th). Music improvisation - loneliness [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/5ALShMMbJ-k
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia. (2011, July 5th). Music improvisation - anger [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/GS5EX1EhPHc