Music Therapy Master Song List
Music therapists utilize songs to meet a range of treatment objectives. They may play or sing familiar tunes to help patients recall memories, practice cognitive and communication skills, combat feelings of loneliness or powerlessness, and elevate moods.
Some therapists may choose to collaborate with their patients by playing songs from various cultures. This approach, known as multicultural therapy, requires an intimate knowledge of the client’s culture. Furthermore, music therapists must be able to listen carefully when speaking with patients, and gain an insight into the core cultural beliefs that matter most to them.
Although this can be challenging, with time and dedication a music therapist will become knowledgeable about various cultures and traditions. This knowledge will allow them to provide effective music therapy in various contexts.
In some instances, music therapists may use music to comfort patients during their final days or weeks of life. Studies have demonstrated that live music therapy sessions can increase quality of life for people living with terminal cancer.
Another study shows that when patients receive music therapy sessions, their primary caregivers also report improved quality of life and reduced anxiety. This finding suggests that using music as a form of hospice care is not only beneficial but necessary for those facing terminal illnesses.
One way music therapists might strive to achieve this is by selecting songs with personal significance for their client. Doing so allows the therapist to form a deeper bond with the patient.
For instance, someone suffering from PTSD might associate certain feelings or emotions to certain songs they’ve heard in the past. These reactions could be positive or negative depending on the lyrics and rhythm of the song.
If a patient is dealing with depression or anxiety, their music therapist may suggest listening or singing songs that provide comforting and soothing sounds. This can be done by asking the individual to focus on the melody, lyrics and rhythm of the piece.
Music therapists can also assist patients in creating a song on-the-spot. The melody may begin slowly and then change into an intense rhythm or song as the patient expresses their emotions. This is an excellent opportunity to deepen the relationship between therapist and patient, as well as give the therapist an opportunity to listen intently to what the client is feeling and gain more insight into them.
Music therapy commonly utilizes traditional, improvisation, and chanting music. Not only are these songs enjoyable and relaxing, but they can also help people feel better and more at ease in their environment.
Music therapy has long been used to treat mental illness and addictions. But recent studies have also demonstrated its efficacy in end-of-life care settings.
The University of Kansas has created a music therapy master song list, featuring genres from early American classics to reggae and musicals. This comprehensive resource offers an easy-to-use search function for finding songs by genre or year; additionally, this living resource can be updated and maintained by students as they build their own repertoire of songs.