Musical Therapy

As stated in our article, "Musical Therapy In A Special Education Setting,"
"Music therapy is a well-established allied health profession similar to occupational therapy and physical therapy. It consists of using music therapeutically to address physical, psychological, cognitive and/or social functioning. Because music therapy is a powerful and non-threatening medium, unique outcomes are possible."

I believe that music therapy is not only effective but needed. I read an article once that stated that music evokes emotion of the same level as loving a loved one, or mourning the loss of someone you love, or happiness to the highest degree. I believe that with these facts alone that music used therapeutically is on par for effectiveness when compared to physical therapy for physical ailments.

Because of how non-polarizing, or as the article states, "non-threatening," musical therapy can be I believe that the potential for use with patients is on a wide spectrum. In special cases where the patient is incredibly defiant to other forms of therapy music could come in to be the factor that has the calming effect on the patient.

"Music therapists typically use music activities to foster the development of motor,

communication, cognitive, and social abilities in students with special education needs. Music therapy 

can be used to address many of the goals targeted in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) 

such as the learning of academic concepts, increasing cooperation and appropriate social behavior, 

providing avenues for communication, increasing self-esteem and self confidence, improving motoric 

responses and agility, and encouraging exploration and examination of issues that impact the life of 

the student."

I think this quote above is a very strong case for musical therapy. Even in an IEP program music therapy can be highly effective. When looking at this and relating it to my own job I have not heard of this being used with students who have gotten an IEP. I wonder if I have simply not heard about music therapy not being used? Or if it is being underused? If underused I wonder why. After reading this article I firmly support music therapy even more than I did before. I think that this practice should be pushed much more with all students.