Music Therapy in Madison, Wisconsin
Music therapy is a profession in which trained professionals use music to promote physical, emotional, social and cognitive wellbeing of individuals. In Madison Wisconsin there are various music therapists working within both community settings and hospitals treating patients with various health issues.
The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) lists 61 schools offering degree programs in music therapy. Additionally, several accredited universities provide two-year equivalency programs and many music therapists have degrees from other fields like psychology.
Music therapists can be found not only in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, but also senior living centers where they provide music therapy to residents to help them cope with various illnesses, injuries or traumatic events. For instance, when someone suffers from dementia or Alzheimer’s, they may begin remembering certain people and events from the past that have had an impact on them.
One of the most effective ways to utilize music for these patients is to play songs they’ve been familiar with for some time. Singing these familiar tunes can help them recall memories from their lives, which may lead to increased comfort and an improved mood.
Another beneficial way music can enhance a patient’s life with dementia or Alzheimer’s is by helping them communicate with their therapist. A 1995 study revealed that people living with dementia found it easier to complete music evaluation tasks than those without music.
This finding is essential, as dementia progresses and people often lose the capacity to speak. Music provides an outlet for them that doesn’t rely on verbal communication – particularly beneficial for those suffering from aphasia, who have difficulty comprehending spoken language.
