The Voice of the Forest: A Conception of Music for Music Therapy
Music Therapy 1991 DOI: 10.1093/mt/10.1.77 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 39 |
| Key points | Argues that music therapy requires a view of music specific to the clinical milieu, and that exploring the original functions of music, such as in shamanic and ritual uses with analogues to clinical settings, can shed light on the mechanisms of clinical music therapy. Proposes a unique role for music therapy in addressing contemporary psychological and ecological crises. |
Abstract
An adequate conception of music therapy demands a view of music specific to the clinical milieu. The view of music promoted herein has implications for training, research, and clinical practice in music therapy as it contributes to a conceptual worldview for music therapists. Because contemporary philosophy of science suggests that such a worldview is a necessary component of a progressive research tradition, its importance for music therapy is made apparent. Discussing issues of definition and function, the present author argues that exploring the original functions of music can shed light on the mechanisms of clinical music therapy process. This original function is seen in shamanic and other ritual uses of music that contain analogues to the clinical milieu. A personal vision of music is offered that connects these thoughts on shamanism and its relevance for therapy to current psychological and ecological crises. A unique role for music therapy is proposed in regards to these contemporary ills.