What Is Active Music Therapy?
Active music therapy utilizes sound waves to penetrate people’s minds and promote a more tranquil state of being. This concept is often at the heart of many music therapy interventions, particularly those that aim to manage stress.
Music therapy has been practiced since ancient times, when people sang or danced to cope with difficult times in their lives. Therefore, music has an inherent healing capacity that can benefit individuals in any circumstance.
Music therapy in a clinical setting consists of various musical interventions and activities tailored to meet clients’ individual needs. These may include lyric analysis, drumming, song writing, imagery, and relaxation techniques.
Music therapy mainly falls into two categories: active and receptive. The former involves getting clients involved in creating their own music, while receptive involves listening or responding to it.
Improvisation is a popular technique in music therapy, in which clients and therapists create new pieces of music from scratch. This gives them an outlet to express their emotions in an original and lasting way.
Krings emphasizes that this process teaches individuals to pay attention to their body and its needs, which can reduce anxiety and tension. Furthermore, it fosters a sense of self-expression.
Music therapy techniques that engage the brain and promote self-awareness are those which engage both body and mind. Examples include relaxation techniques, soothing music, and guided visual imagery.
Guitars, keyboards and ukuleles are some of the most commonly used instruments. They can be played solo or by multiple people simultaneously. Plus, these lightweight instruments make them easy to transport which could benefit those with mobility issues, according to Stewart.
Guitar, ukulele and keyboard are often chosen due to their portability. Plus they’re fun and bring some joy into each session!
Drumming is a popular music therapy tool that can be used to improve mood, stress levels and overall health. It boosts cellular activity which may aid in combatting disorders like neurological or endocrinological ones.
Guitars and other stringed instruments possess a soothing acoustic quality that mirrors human heartbeat, making them ideal choices to reduce stress and promote restful relaxation.
The ideal improvised music usually reflects both the client’s own taste and those of their therapist. A good therapist will motivate their patients to make changes and try different instruments, from their favorite one to something completely new they have never played before.