Who can benefit from music therapy?
People who are under a great deal of stress and need to relax. People who are mentally ill or mentally retarded. People with autism spectrum disorders and other forms of communication disorders. Children and adolescents with behavior disorders or emotional disturbances. People in nursing homes, especially those with Alzheimers. People with hearing disorders and people with visual impairments.
These are only a few of the many different types of people who have benefitted from music therapy.
Stress and Music Therapy
Most people have experienced first hand the relaxing effect music can have. And research has confirmed it — listening to music can reduce anxiety. But in addition to listening to music, chronically ill adults who have taken an active roll in making music have reported a reduction in anxiety. And both listening to music and playing music provides opportunities for socialization, which in turn leads to a reduction in stress levels.
Communication Disorders and Music Therapy
Music helps people relate to those around them. It brings people together — both listening and performing. It teaches people to be together and to function together. Music has been shown to enhance a person’s self esteem, which can lead to better communication.
Singing songs can help people with speech impediments learn correct rhythmic and inflection patterns.
Therapists have found that music therapy has been very helpful for children with autism. Initial therapy involves improvization and simple imitation exercises, and progresses on to activities requiring more concentration.
Geriatric Patients and Music Therapy
Music therapy is used extensively in the geriatric population for purposes as diverse as range of motion exercises to help with arthritis, to the teaching of new skills which leads to better mental functioning.
It can also be used to help make those patients who are adjusting to new living arrangements feel less isolated, and to improve self esteem.
