World and local issues (war, impact of climate change, systemic racism, and health issues) have created ongoing anxiety. This article examines how music and music therapy can shift negative thinking toward release, relaxation, and rehabilitation.
Research on the impact of music interventions on quality of life shows significant improvements in mental health and smaller improvements in physical health. The article summarizes intervention techniques from music therapy and specifically focuses on the benefits of listening to music, learning or playing an instrument, and singing (with the last one having the added benefit of improving lung function).
The Power of Music Therapy
In honor of World Music Therapy Week, WAAM would like to say a huge thank you to the incredible music therapists who dedicate their skills and their lives to making others’ lives better.
Musician-turned-therapist Chris Mills, MA, MT-BC, explains the power of music therapy on health and well-being—at the neurological and emotional levels, at all stages of life. Through his work in the hospital, Chris has seen the positive impacts music can have on the body and mind.
“I got into music because I was interested in what it did for people and what it did for me…helping me feel less isolated, making me feel connected to the world,” Chris said. Now, as a music therapist, he’s “using music for what I originally wanted to do with it…helping people connect with themselves when they’re in really difficult situations.”
Watch Chris’s interview with WAAM co-founder David Zusman to learn more about his journey to becoming a music therapist and the proven, effective benefits of music therapy.
Research shows that music therapy can help people with Alzheimer’s (and their caregivers), Parkinson’s,
post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, depression, and much more. Visit WAAM’s Music Impact
Research Center to view our compendium of research demonstrating music’s profound impacts on
mental and physical health, education, and socioeconomics.
