Shakespeare once said: “If music be the food of love, play on.” the power of music on the human mind is enormous. Music therapy is the use of music for therapeutic purposes, administered by a trained professional or an ordinary human with loving intent. The idea of using music as a healing influence dates back to the time of Plato and Aristotle. In today’s world, the field of music therapy has emerged as musicians played as volunteers for war veterans being treated for physical and emotional trauma. Since most patients responded well, nurses and doctors began requesting the services of musicians for daily or weekly sessions.

Music therapy has become known as an effective and scientifically proven treatment. The graduate program of music therapy had been established by 1944 in the state of Michigan. An American-trained music therapist gauges the emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning and cognitive skills through the patient’s reactions to the music. After the evaluation is complete, a practitioner designs music sessions for individuals or groups. Therapeutic music is made and the client’s needs using music improvisation, song writing, lyric discussion, imagery and music therapy can be used for healing purposes. Music can be used to reach children and adolescents. elderly and disabled people in developing and studying people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and age-related problems and acute pain in humans also benefit from music therapy. Music therapy is an effective way to help people express feelings who otherwise would not have a good outlet. Professional music therapy is commonly found in rehabilitation facilities, psychiatric hospitals, medical hospitals, drug and alcohol programs, housing, prisons, schools and institutions.

Some people mistakenly believe that patients need some particular music ability to receive therapeutic benefit from music therapy but that is definitely not the case!   Also, there is no one specific style of music that is more therapeutic than the rest.   Every style of music can be just as effective, depending on what type of music the individual patient likes.   Anybody can be a patient.  We never know when illness or an accident might strike.  The  patient’s background, needs, and history will help determine the type of music is needed and wanted.   Healthy people can also use the healing powers of music for simply energizing or calming themselves. Listening to or making music, playing, or drumming can significantly reduce stress and improve productivity.   Studies show that music is extremely important to encourage physical exercise. Music therapy is even said to help those working in the hospitals, music therapy is used to relieve pain and is often used in conjunction with anesthesia or pain medication.