The how and why relating to song and music therapy
The aim of this page is to enable readers to see the potential for song and music therapy by showing some aspects of its use.
Readers may include:
- song and music leaders
- performers
- healthcare professionals and other organisers
- healthcare students
- students of music
- carers interested in using songs and music informally with their carees
How
The main forms of my musical interaction are:
- Leading a song session wherein the audience is encouraged to participate by singing
- The same and the audience is encouraged to sing solo when the situation has been assessed.
- Some may make a contribution, perhaps with a story or poem. This helps those who are shy and who may later sing solo.
- The same as No. 1 and the audience is encouraged to play an instrument
- A song/music session wherein the audience only listens.
- The audience listens and we discuss what is being listened to
- A programme devised by discussion.
- Within the aim of making use the long-term memory (LTM) ability of carees, songs and music which fall into their LTM are the initial focus.
- Once a range of songs and music has been established, it is possible to keep records of who is able to respond to specific songs and music and at what level - to be defined.
- The next stage involves the introduction of new songs and music. No predictions are made as to when.
- Repeat 2 in the new context.
- Evaluate.
- Singing simple songs such as Coming round the mountains without song sheets
- Using song sheets or song books - example
- As 1 or 2 where the leader uses one or more musical instruments
- As 1 or 2 where the leader uses a backing track or
- As 1 or 2 where the leader uses youtube as a backing track with a Tablet etc and amplifier
- As 5 with a laptop and screen
- Karaoke.songs via 6 or witha player.
- As 3 where the carees use instruments.
Why
There exists an inherent association between songs and human contact since lyrics represent melodic verbal communication. Thus, the use of songs in music therapy can have naturally meaningful applications. Elements of song experiences--cognitive stimulation, the building of relationships, singing, and listening--can provide frameworks for tension release, integration, and pleasure.In order to most effectively use song material in music therapy,
source - p 5 here
Music therapy involves using music to aid rehabilitation. Specific treatments may include the use of rhythmic stimulation to aid movement and walking, singing to address speaking and voice quality, listening to music to reduce pain and the use of music improvisations to address emotional needs and enhance a sense of wellbeing.
source - p2 here
"Long-term memories are usually stronger than memories of recent events."
Connecting carees with mental health issues with their early memories will exercise and, ideally, improve their memory generally. Those with Alzheimer's disease are not the only ones who will benefit.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease impairs memory and affects reasoning, judgment, and the ability to learn, communicate, and perform everyday functions. People with Alzheimer’s disease can quickly become confused and disoriented. Long-term memories are usually stronger than memories of recent events. Although it can strike earlier, this progressive disease generally strikes people over age 65.
source Click the "read more" link in the Memory Loss section.
Healthline.com is owned by Healthline Networks, Inc., and is funded through advertising.
