Why Some Instruments Are So Important in Music Therapy
Music Therapy is a relatively new discipline—it was established less than 70 years ago. As its benefits for human health become more apparent, it is growing in popularity. Being a therapist requires extensive psychological and biological knowledge, but in the end, it’s all about music!
In Music Therapy, instruments are widely used for their proven therapeutic benefits. Their use can help patients improve communication and coordination skills, as well as enhance and accompany emotional expression, among other key benefits.
In this post, I’m excited to share my favorite instruments for Music Therapy and explain why I would use them with my patients!
Accompanying instruments: piano, fretted instruments, and more!
Accompanying instruments, such as the piano, guitar, and other harmonic instruments, are commonly used to create different atmospheres. Their range and musical possibilities are so wide, they can mirror almost every mood and provide great emotional support for patients.
Since they are polyphonic instruments, they require multiple points of focus. Patients with movement or body coordination issues often find the piano or guitar to be valuable tools for fast, secure improvements.
Expressive instruments: woodwinds and strings in Music Therapy
Monophonic instruments, especially woodwinds and strings, are widely used in Music Therapy for either stimulating or relaxing the patient. Among these, the flute, clarinet, and cello are my favorites. But that’s only a personal opinion!
Higher pitches and faster notes activate the brain, where low notes and slower tempos help patients achieve states of introspection and calm. Additionally, wind instruments are ideal for breath control. Through their design, similar to the human respiratory system, makes them great support for breathing exercises.
Rhythmic instruments in Music Therapy
Rhythm gives life to music, and our body is a rhythmic machine: our heartbeats, our steps, even our blinks are rhythmic series. Why wouldn’t we accompany all those with some music? Have you ever noticed that?
In this vein, body percussion enhances coordination and rhythm control, encouraging the patient to actively listen to others while playing. Syncing up, staying in time, and feeling the groove together also foster stronger cohesion and can improve a group’s self-esteem.
The human voice in
Our own voice is the only instrument we can take wherever we go. It is part of our body, feels our emotions, matches our mood, and is our most powerful tool for expression. In Music Therapy, singing is just one of the ways patients can express themselves––they can shout, whisper, murmur, and, of course, speak out what they have inside.
The voice of the music therapist is just as important as any other instrument they may have on hand. It can match the patient’s mood or open a new avenue for emotional expression. Of course, therapists can’t ever forget that with the power of the human voice comes great responsibility!
Final Thoughts
Music therapists use musical instruments to help patients achieve their therapeutic goals. Polyphonic, monophonic, or rhythmic instruments, each plays a unique role in the therapeutic process––the essential thing is to never forget that the patient is the top priority!
If you’re looking for accurate transcriptions for your Music Therapy sessions, My Sheet Music Transcriptions can provide custom sheet music tailored to your needs and those of your patients.
As a professional music therapist, I’m here to assess you and help you take your practice to the next level! Get in touch with us via email or through our website.
Written by Marina E. J. – Music Therapist
Music Content Specialist at My Sheet Music Transcriptions
