This book is written for entering students in music therapy programs. It presents the major approaches to music therapy used at this point in time. The process of reviewing these systems of therapy will likely renew the reader's admiration for the versatility of music, and prompt appreciation for the diversity of approaches that comprise the profession of music therapy. The procedures for most of approaches are quite distinct; nevertheless there remain important commonalities among all of the approaches. The intent of each approach is to stimulate positive changes in the client through music, although some approaches emphasize changes in a specific area of human functioning: cognitive, physical, psychological or social. All of the approaches depend on the appeal and influence of music to bring about changes in the client, all of the approaches provide valid avenues for therapeutic work, and all of the approaches require training to be used effectively. The differences in approaches are well suited to the diversity of practicing clinicians and the clients they serve. The book is organized into three major sections with similar organization of chapters, which begin with an overview of a specific approach to music therapy. Also included in each chapter is the history or background of the approach, description of the approach--including philosophical orientation, clinical applications of the approach, related research, summary or conclusions, and suggestions for further reading.

Presents an overview of the music therapy profession, introducing the basic concepts of music therapy, investigating the clinical populations most often served by music therapists, and providing information about accountability, research, and future trends.

This is the first and most comprehensive textbook on music therapy research to be published, with 24 chapters, edited and authored by eminent researchers and scholars. The book begins with an overview of issues in music therapy research, followed by a survey of the current literature; then different types of quantitative and qualitative research designs are described in detail, including philosophical and historical modes of inquiry. Several chapters describe the actual process of doing research, and throughout the book, numerous examples of music therapy research are provided. This is a standard reference for students and professionals in the field.

In this new third edition, the author has pleasantly included 14 years of literature appearing since the second edition and made changes in terminology to reflect the publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Ed. (DSM-5), which was published in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association. This book is divided into three major sections. Part I defines music therapy and discusses the music therapist’s education and training. Part II gives the historical background for music therapy, the perspective of the use of music in healing practices from ancient times to the present. Part III begins with a discussion of general guidelines for using music in therapy, followed by specific examples of music therapy clinical practices with various client populations. The final section concludes with an overview of several approaches to music therapy practice and a discussion of the importance of research for the practicing clinician. Some of the specific information to gain from this text is enumerated in the introduction to each section. Each chapter concludes with a summary, questions to help the reader reflect upon or apply the information, and suggestions for further reading. Since it is an introduction to music therapy, this book is directed primarily toward students in introductory music therapy courses; and professionals in related disciplines who desire a basic knowledge of the scope of music therapy. In addition, those who use this text should be aware that its construction was guided by the philosophy that introductory courses in music therapy should primarily emphasize the use of music as an integral part of the treatment process, since using music and music-based experiences as their primary treatment modality is what sets music therapists apart from other therapists.

Music therapists, as in medical and paramedical professions, have a rich diversity of approaches and methods, often developed with specific relevance to meet the needs of a certain client population. This book reflects the many components of such diversity, and is a thoroughly comprehensive guide to accessing and understanding the ideas, theory, research results and clinical outcomes that are the foundations of this field. Providing a detailed insight into the field of music therapy from an international perspective, this book enables the reader to see the complete picture of the multifaceted and fascinating world that is music therapy.

Available for the first time in paperback, this low-cost, high-quality guide to music therapy thought, research, and practice is the ideal text for a one semester overview and the perfect handbook for the practicing professional. You'll find that Davis, Gfeller, and Thaut's detailed descriptions of the populations most likely to receive music therapy are strongly supported by background material and extensive references, helping students build a firm base from which to explore the range of current healing modalities.

Rick Soshensky presents a groundbreaking introduction to music’s power to heal and transform, weaving a collection of uplifting case studies from his music therapy practice with ideas from spiritual traditions, philosophies, psychological theorists, and music therapy researchers. Going beyond just theoretical and clinical information, The Music Therapy Studio: Empowering the Soul’s Truth centers on the stories and experiences of people with disabilities—marginalized people for whom the world allows little time or place but whose extraordinary musical journeys teach us about the unseen depths and indomitability of the human spirit. Soshensky investigates core concepts of a music-centered approach—the experience of music as a creative art with clients that has intrinsic value and supersedes diagnostic labeling and behavioral goal setting. The result is unique and inspirational text that leads us towards a deeper understanding and appreciation of music therapy and music’s spiritual benefits.

It is now an established fact that music helps all living creatures - from plants to birds and animals and man - to grow and rejuvenate. This book dwells heavily on the findings from ancient India and the masters of today who have made music therapy a viable healing alternative. It is the most comprehensive guide on the healing powers of sound & music.