The Importance of Relational Music

I have now been in the music therapy business for 17 years. A lot has happened in this time.  Back in 1991 faxes were still being well-used, email was not a household term and most people still had a cassette player handy. No one knew what an MP3 player was, let alone an iPod. Pearl Jam, and Nirvana were still fairly new, and C+C Music Factory were making “Everybody Dance Now.”

Throughout the last decade we have observed the Backstreet Boys and the Spice Girls dance and sing their way to the top (a couple of times). We have witnessed Brittany Spears reach the top 10 (on music charts and in the worst dressed list) and now we experience people conveniently going to many coffee shops  logging onto WiFi for to check their email while drinking their $5.00 coffee.

Through these exciting years of music and technology, the biggest thrill to me continues to be the personal relationship that comes from being a music therapist. Seeing people get excited about what music can do for their health and wellness not to mention communication and attention span. Being able to witness a child, young adult or senior light up after they realize they have just understood something new or when they speak for the very first time is a gift beyond measure. Being given the chance to see their art unfold and flourish is treasured.

As a caregiver, I know you understand, that it is very rewarding to be a part of the growth of even just one person. Some people just need someone to have faith in them.

The second week in March is set aside to celebrate Music Therapy in Canada.  It is during this week that workshops across the country are being set up to demonstrate the benefits of music therapy and the relationships that can be established. A time to celebrate the work and the people who’s lives have already been changed. With their unique challenges, music celebrates the courage and creativity they possess daily.

Both North American Associations, the Canadian Music Therapy Association (www.musictherapy.ca) and the American Music Therapy Association (www.musictherapy.org) take great care to assure that all persons who classify themselves as music therapists have completed their education, their internship and their registration process.  They also require that in order to retain your status as registered or accredited music therapist that you undergo continuing education.

In other words music therapists have trained long and hard for the privilege to serve your loved one to the best of their abilities and with the research that is available to them.

Both countries have high energy and insightful conferences every year (you can well imagine how much music there would be).  If you hear of one coming to your community do not hesitate to find out if there is a community forum where music therapy research and practice is being discussed openly.

We know where we have been and where we are now.  I am sure the future holds many more remarkable advancements but at the end of the day I believe it is the relationships we have in work or in play that frame the core of who we are – therapist, caregiver, parent, or friend.

Related posts:

1. Communicating Through Music
2. One Musical Moment Can Make a Difference
3. The Musical Brain
4. A Love Song
5. Resonating with your Environment