History of Music Therapy

Summary

Music therapy, while rooted in ancient practices from Greece and Rome, emerged as a formal profession in the 20th century. Early physicians and thinkers recognized music’s potential to treat physical and emotional ailments, with institutions gradually integrating music to aid the blind, improve socialization, and support patients. Modern music therapy gained momentum during World War II through U.S. Army programs for wounded soldiers, leading to the establishment of professional associations, training programs, and journals worldwide. Today, music therapy is a globally recognized profession, continually evolving to meet societal needs, advance research, and enhance well-being across diverse populations.

Takeaways

• 🎵 Music has existed for centuries, but professional music therapy only developed in the 20th century.
• 🏛️ Ancient Greeks and Romans believed music could treat physical and mental ailments, such as epilepsy, gout, and venomous bites.
• 📜 In the 1600s and 1700s, physicians and authors began formally suggesting music as a therapeutic tool.
• 📰 Early medical journals documented both scientific and anecdotal evidence supporting music’s impact on health and emotions.
• 🏥 By the mid-1800s, institutions were using music to improve socialization, physical well-being, and patient care in hospitals.
• 🌟 Three early practitioners helped establish the foundation of music therapy, drawing on ideas similar to those of ancient civilizations.
• 🎖️ World War II marked the beginning of modern music therapy, with the US Army providing music programs for wounded soldiers.
• 📊 Scientific studies following the Army programs validated music’s therapeutic effects, leading to the official use of the term 'music therapy.'
• 🌍 The 1950s–1980s saw the formal establishment of music therapy associations, training programs, and journals worldwide, including the US, Britain, Europe, and Canada.
• 📈 By the 1990s, music therapy had become a globally recognized profession, adapting continually to meet societal needs and expanding in research, licensing, and job opportunities.
• 📚 Key publications and professional organizations played a crucial role in standardizing training, research, and practice in music therapy.

Q & A

When did professional music therapy begin to develop?

Professional music therapy began to develop in the 20th century, even though music itself has existed for thousands of years.

Which ancient civilizations first suggested therapeutic uses of music?

Ancient Greece and Rome were among the first civilizations to suggest therapeutic uses of music. For example, Mierqis believed music could counteract viper and scorpion bites, and Theophrastus thought it could relieve epilepsy.

What did physicians in the 1600s believe about music?

In the 1600s, three physicians suggested that music could be used to treat melancholy.

Who wrote 'A Treatise on the Effects of Music on the Human Body,' and why is it significant?

Louis Roger wrote 'A Treatise on the Effects of Music on the Human Body.' It is significant because it explored the impact of music on physical and mental health and contributed to the early literature on music therapy.

How did music therapy evolve in the 19th century?

During the 19th century, articles in medical journals discussed music therapy from both scientific and anecdotal perspectives, and institutions began using music to help the blind, improve socialization, enhance physical well-being, and care for hospital patients.

What role did World War II play in the development of music therapy?

World War II is considered a turning point for music therapy. The US Army used music programs to support wounded soldiers, systematically evaluating their effectiveness, which laid the foundation for modern professional music therapy.

When was the National Association for Music Therapy formed, and what did it accomplish?

The National Association for Music Therapy was formed in 1950 in the US. In 1956, it established the title of Registered Music Therapist, formalizing professional standards for the field.

Who was Julia Alvin, and what was her contribution to music therapy?

Julia Alvin was a key figure in the development of music therapy in Britain. She founded the Society for Music Therapy and Remedial Music Therapy, helping establish the profession in Europe.

How did music therapy expand internationally after the 1950s?

After the 1950s, music therapy spread across Europe, Central and South America, and other regions, with the establishment of training programs, professional associations, and publications such as the Journal of Music Therapy and the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy.

What is the current focus of music therapy associations worldwide?

Music therapy associations today focus on licensing regulations, job creation, research, and adapting practices to meet the evolving needs of society.

Why is music therapy considered an evolving profession?

Music therapy continues to evolve because it adapts to societal changes and the growing understanding of music's therapeutic potential, addressing a diverse range of clients and settings worldwide.