Humans are inherently musical beings. For centuries different cultures have used music to connect, communicate, celebrate, mourn, express creativity, connect with each other or a higher power, rituals, traditions, and more. Individuals respond to music with their whole bodies, i.e emotionally, physically, cognitively, and socially. A study put forth by Bernardi and colleagues, showed that as a group, those who are singing together entrained to the same breathing patterns and had lowered heart rates (Bernardi, et. al, 2017, para 2). Their study is one example of the many health benefits music has. Other literature provides evidence of reduced stress, lower heart rate, improved blood oxygen saturation levels, distraction from stress, and increased bodily movement, among others. Music activates both hemispheres of the brain and therefore can also provide a means of communication when verbal speech is limited. Music therapy (MT) works when traditional treatments have failed or are no longer appropriate for individual clients.
MT works because of the relationships between the MT-BC and the client, the client and the music, and the music and the MT-BC. In the MT field, this is called the Iso-principle. The iso-principle sets MT apart from other professions. The iso-principle simply means “meeting the client where they are at”. MT-BCs who are attentive and practice intentionally, can use the iso-principle to gain trust and therapeutic rapport effectively. Studies have shown that individually tailored music-based interventions reduce stress, lower heart rate, improve communication, improve social skills, increase self-esteem, cue and promote physical movement, excite to maintain attention, and more. MT works because humans are inherently musical, the entire human body experiences music, and the therapeutic relationship between the MT-BC, client, and music facilitates desired change.
-Kathryn Trujillo, Music Therapy Intern
Reference
Bernardi, N. F.m Snow, S., Peretz, I., Orozo Perez, H.D., Sabet-Kassouf, N., & Lehmann, A. (2017). Cardiorespiratory optimization during improvised singing and toning. Scientific Reports. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-07171-2.pdf DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07171-2