The Therapeutic Power of Music
It has long been acknowledged that music can transcend barriers between people – such as race, nationality and culture – and is often more powerful than language in forging social connections. The impact of music on human emotions and behavior continues to be a topic for research, with interesting and encouraging results. It has been found that certain types of music can be very therapeutic for people who have mental health problems, autism, dementia and depression, as well as patients who have suffered a stroke, brain injury or who are battling with a life-threatening or terminal illness. With this in mind, music charity Nordoff Robbins is dedicated to using music therapy to touch the lives of vulnerable individuals of all ages across the United Kingdom.
As the leading provider of music therapy services in the United Kingdom, Nordoff Robbins facilitates more than 50,000 music therapy sessions each year in day centers, care homes, hospitals, schools and its own dedicated centers. The charity is also working on various services and projects to introduce the benefits of playing and listening to music to more and more communities, in the firm belief that everyone responds to music. The organization notes that music can help to improve physical health; address emotional and behavioral issues; develop social and communication skills; and increase self-esteem, confidence and creativity.
Music therapists are trained by Nordoff Robbins to assist people to build life skills, with the emphasis on communication. Working with people of all ages, from babies through to children and adults, therapists tailor-make each course to meet the unique needs of individuals. Therapy sessions are conducted in groups of various sizes, or on a one-to-one basis and include playing of musical instruments, singing, listening and moving to music, creating music-based stories, performing for others and song writing. Therapists encourage participants to respond to the music in any way they feel appropriate, and the amazing thing is, that no matter how distant and emotionally unavailable the person may appear to be, everyone responds to music sooner or later.
