Roy Underwood – A History of Music Therapy
Music can be an incredibly beneficial aid in healing and recovery. Not only does it reduce anxiety, stress and pain but it also boosts mood, confidence and control; helping people develop coping skills; increase self-expression/communication; as well as enhance concentration.
Through the 20th century, physicians and musicians have recognized the power of music therapy in treating patients. Furthermore, an increasing number of universities have launched music therapy programs to meet demand for qualified professionals.
Music therapists were first employed as unpaid part-time staff members in hospital music departments during the 1930s and 1940s. Michigan State College (MSC) offered the first formal university degree program in music therapy in 1940 when Roy Underwood founded it.
Underwood’s creative approach and strong leadership made his program a model for other institutions. He was also active in several professional associations, such as the Michigan Music Teachers Association and Phi Mu Alpha.
His publications included “Music Therapy: An Introduction to the Theory and Practice” (1944), “A History of Music Therapy in America” (1951) and “Music Therapy and the Improvisational Model” (1959). In recognition of his accomplishments, he was awarded honorary doctorates by Bethany College and Chicago Musical College.
He spearheaded the formation of the National Association for Music Therapy (NAMT) in 1950 and served as one of its first presidents. Additionally, he served on its founding Board of Directors.
In the 1960s, music therapy experienced some stability and expansion in research and publication. AAMT’s Journal of Music Therapy and NAMT’s music therapy perspective journals were published alongside International Newsletter of Music Therapy.
This decade also witnessed the formation of several new music therapy associations. In 1993, AAMT and NAMT leaders came together in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for their first joint North American music therapy conference; later that same year these two associations merged to form the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
On the eve of AMTA’s founding, music therapy experienced an era of immense growth and development. There were more intellectual property donations, expanded publication initiatives and widespread recognition and respect for this profession than ever before.
In the decade that followed, AMTA focused on government relations and advocacy at all levels – local, state and national. To combat abuse against children, they developed a music therapy program for them as well as providing disaster relief work through United Nations agencies.
In 2010, AMTA created its inaugural online magazine, imagine. Additionally, they started hosting educational conferences and workshops for health care providers and students alike.
His legacy lives on in the lives of his students and colleagues, who often credit his philosophy of music therapy with having had a beneficial influence on their lives and careers.
He was a man driven to make music his instrument, helping others heal through it. He was an inspiring visionary, educator, innovator and friend to those in need.
