Music Therapy: The Soothing Medicine

Music therapy in the U.S. on the late 18th century. Although the U.S. started using it in the late 18th century, there is evidence of music being used to heal dating back to ancient times. This evidence is in the form of historical writings of ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China and India. The ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome also have evidence of using music to heal. Music therapy is much different now than how it was originally used in ancient times. Music therapy is also evident in biblical scriptures. Although music therapy is not very well heard of but it can be very useful and beneficial to people in a range of ages and those with health issues. There can be some negative effects but research is being done to help a wider range of people, and for the most part music therapy is a wonderful thing. (Notecard 9)
In the 1950s a professional organization was formed by a collaboration of music therapists who worked with veterans and mentally retarded people. They also worked with hearing or visually impaired people and psychiatric people. The organization they created was called the NAMT. NAMT stands for National Association for Music Therapy. Then in 1998 the NAMT joined another music therapy organization. They joined the American Association for Music Therapy and created the American Music Therapy Association. (Notecard 9)
The overall mission of music therapy is to increase and advance public awareness of music therapy and its benefits. Boosting access to quality music therapy services is also part of the mission of music therapy. Music therapy can be used for many different purposes. Music therapy can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress and alleviate pain. It can also be designed to express feelings, ...

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...usical vocabulary of their own. (Notecard 14)
Music therapy is not just for group or one on one sessions though. Music can also be used in the workplace as a calming therapy. Music that is played in the workplace can have various benefits. In undemanding or repetitive jobs it can improve the overall productivity. Music being played where physically ambitious jobs it can improve performance of employees. Music being used in the workplace as a soothing therapy can also improve morale. Morale is the confidence, enthusiasm and discipline of a person or group at a particular time. Yet another advantage of music playing in a work environment is that employees are more inclined to collaborate with one another and be supportive of one another. (Notecard 15)
Music therapy not only works on adults in the workplace but also on premature babies, infants, and children as well.