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Article
The Selection of Music Experiences in Music Therapy
Music Therapy Perspectives
  • James Hiller, University of Dayton
  • Susan Gardstrom, University of Dayton
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Abstract

Music therapists select, design, and facilitate music experiences with clients’ primary health needs in mind. The focus of this article is the first step in this process—the selection of music experiences. The four music therapy methods, as defined by Bruscia (2014) (re-creation, composition, improvisation, and receptive or listening experiences), provide myriad variations through which a therapist might engage clients in musicking for therapeutic benefit. To determine which particular type of music experience will most benefit a client’s treatment process at any given time requires thoughtful consideration of a variety of factors and issues, including ethics, clinical efficacy, contraindications, orientation of the therapist and/or treatment facility, cultural awareness, and client preferences and readiness. The article concludes with a series of questions that therapists may find useful toward thinking through the general considerations presented as well as others specific to the needs of one’s clientele.

Inclusive pages
79-86
ISBN/ISSN
0734-6875
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Citation Information
James Hiller and Susan Gardstrom. "The Selection of Music Experiences in Music Therapy" Music Therapy Perspectives Vol. 36 Iss. 1 (2018)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/james_hiller/22/