1. Music Therapy Gavin Degen, Marissa Earley, Tara Furlong, & Will Matthews

2. Background • Music Therapy (as defined by musictherapy.org) is the use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. • The national leader in music therapy is the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). • The AMTA was founded in 1998 in a merger between the National Association for Music Therapy (NAMT) and the American Association for Music Therapy (AAMT). • A certified music therapist must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Music Therapy and be certified through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

3. History • It is believed that music therapy was first mentioned in writing by Aristotle and Plato. • The profession formally began just after WWII when musicians started playing at Veterans hospitals to cheer up wounded soldiers. • As the mental & physical health of the soldiers improved, the doctors began to request on-staff musicians in the hospitals. • E. Thayer Gaston, known as the father of music therapy, spearheaded the effort to improve the quality of music therapy from an academic standpoint. • The CBMT was created in 1983 to give qualified professionals added credibility.

4. Physiological Effects of Music • Humans vs. Animals: Music Affects the Brain • As a species: brain is unlike any other species; music causes brain regions to respond in different ways. • Triggers emotions and feelings • Causes memories to resurface • Brings groups of people together: Concerts • Collectivist need. • Lyrics and beats mirror body’s processes: words speaking thoughts, pounding in the heart.

5. Music Entering the Brain • Different parts respond to different aspects. • 1. Auditory Cortex brings stimulus through ear to brain. Lasting impressions of song/melody; makes it recognizable. • 2. Frontal, Parietal, and Temporal lobes: process how it makes us feel. • Rhythm: keeping time requires auditory cortex, cerebellum, parietal cortexes, and frontal cortexes.

6. How Music Effects Areas of the Brain • Brain Imaging helped detect active parts of the n brain while listening to music. • 3. Corpus Callosum: connects brain so music interpretation is diffused. • 4. Sensory cortex: Depending on stimuli, feedback is given after playing instrument, dancing, etc. i.e.: energized or lethargic. • 5. Motor Cortex: Depending on the beat, this is where body decides how body reacts to music; foot tapping, dancing, bobbing head. • 6. Prefrontal Cortex: area of judgment for a song. Forms expectations. Success of song is decided; listening to favorite band, artist you dislike. • 7. Hippocampus: Memories associated with music; location, who you were with. Nucleus Accumbens: emotional reactions/memories to music; how you felt when you heard the song. • 8. Visual Cortex: May seem unrelated HOWEVER! As music travels through ear to brain, sights we see help form perceptions about melody. Same occurrence while reading music/watching a performance.

7. The Research • Studies have shown music therapy reduces anxiety and stress levels. • Suggested that, while paired with some drug therapy, it can reduce pain. Pain is perceived in brain; music therapy possibly neutralizing this stimuli. • Higher levels of Immunoglobin A. Strengthens body’s immune system. • Replace drug therapy? More cost effective, easier on the human body, no damaging side effects.

8. Emotional Effects of Music Therapy • Feelings: isolation, depression, tension, loss, grief & pain • Music Therapy = comfort • Whole families cope • Hope

9. Stages of Music Therapy in Cancer Patients • Contact= • Trust between the therapist, patient & family • Working Relationship • Awareness= • Focus on oneself • Feelings, needs & desires • Resolution= • Letting go • Connect to the world & themselves

10. Music Therapy is Experienced Differently • Connect sensory systems • Music helps people connect to others • Sounds send messages based on experience • Positive memories help with coping

11. Is Music Therapy Effective?

12. Is Music Therapy Effective?