Music and therapy are both difficult to define, and when fused together into a single discipline, many complications arise. This book takes an in-depth look at the unique problems of defining music within a therapeutic context, and defining therapy within a musical context. Over 40 definitions of music therapy am examined and compared. A new definition is offered to address the myriad issues raised, and to embrace the diversity of clinical practice. Each segment of the definition is discussed, and in the process, boundaries are suggested for what music therapy is and what it is not. In the final chapters, eleven areas of clinical practice are identified, and each area is further differentiated by four levels of treatment. Specific examples are given of each area and level, and implications are drawn.

Music therapy is growing internationally to be one of the leading evidence-based psychosocial allied health professions to meet needs across the lifespan. This is a comprehensive text on this topic. It presents exhaustive coverage of music therapy from international leaders in the field

This book addresses the issues in music therapy that are central to understanding it in its scholarly dimensions, how it is evolving, and how it connects to related academic disciplines. It draws on a multi-disciplinary approach to look at the defining issues of music therapy as a scholarly discipline, rather than as an area of clinical practice. It is the single best resource for scholars interested in music therapy because it focuses on the areas that tend to be of greatest interest to them, such as issues of definition, theory, and the function of social context, but also does not assume detailed prior knowledge of the subject. Some of the topics discussed include defining the nature of music therapy, its relation to current and historical uses of music in human well-being, and considerations on what makes music therapy work. Contemporary thinking on the role of neurological theory, early interaction theory, and evolutionary considerations in music therapy theory are also reviewed. Within each of these areas, the author presents an overview of the development of thinking, discusses contrasting positions, and offers a personalized synthesis of the issue. The Study of Music Therapy is the only book in music therapy that gathers all the major issues currently debated in the field, providing a critical overview of the predominance of opinions on these issues.

Music, whether performed or heard, has been seen as therapeutic in the history of many cultures. How have its therapeutic properties been conceptualized and explained? Which cultures have used music therapy? What were their aims and techniques, and how much continuity is there between ancient, medieval and modern practice? These are the questions addressed by the essays in this volume. They focus on the place of music therapy in European intellectual, medical and musical traditions, from their classical roots to the development of the music therapy profession since the Second World War. Chapters covering the Judaic, Islamic, Indian and South-East Asian traditions add global, comparative perspectives. Music as Medicine is the first book to establish the whole shape of the history of music therapy in a systematic and scholarly way. It addresses the problem of defining what music therapy has meant in different cultures and periods, and sets the agenda for future research in the subject. It will appeal to a diverse readership of historians, musicologists, anthropologists, and practitioners.

The therapeutic uses of music can vary greatly from one part of a country to the next, from one therapist to the next and across national and continental lines. This groundbreaking work is the first to bring together the expertise of an international array of contributors into one resource. The International Dictionary of Music Therapy offers models, methods and interventions that range from regional to international, including several terms that have never been published before. Essential for both the seasoned and novice music therapists and those working closely with the field, it offers a comprehensive guide to key terms, explained from multiple perspectives and with reference to clinical literature. Each entry contains detailed definitions for the reader, to develop practice, to generate discussion, and to establish more of a global common music therapy language. Covering more than 450 carefully selected terms, this comprehensive reference tool is a foundational text for defining and exploring the therapeutic value of music. The ultimate companion to understanding the science and art of music therapy on an international level, the International Dictionary of Music Therapy is ideal for music therapists, theorists, educators, researchers, and students.

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.

Music and therapy are both difficult to define, and when fused together into a single discipline, many complications arise. This book takes an in-depth look at the unique problems of defining music within a therapeutic context, and defining therapy within a musical context. Over 40 definitions of music therapy am examined and compared. A new definition is offered to address the myriad issues raised, and to embrace the diversity of clinical practice. Each segment of the definition is discussed, and in the process, boundaries are suggested for what music therapy is and what it is not. In the final chapters, eleven areas of clinical practice are identified, and each area is further differentiated by four levels of treatment. Specific examples are given of each area and level, and implications are drawn.

Music therapy as an intervention in medical, educational and many other environments has a rich and diverse history of methods, approaches and models. Consolidating the many components of music therapy, this completely updated edition of A Comprehensive Guide to Music Therapy covers everything students, teachers and practitioners of music therapy need to know. Building upon the work of Tony Wigram and developments within the field of music therapy over the last 15 years, this second edition looks at the theoretical foundation of music therapy, selected models and interventions, how it can be applied in clinical practice, and the recent progress made in research and evidence-based practice. Giving a complete picture of the multifaceted world of music therapy, it is a must-have for music therapy students, teachers and practitioners.

Music therapists 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 components of such diversity, and is a comprehensive guide to accessing the ideas, theory, research results and clinical outcomes that are the foundations of this field.