What is Therapeutic Music?

What is therapeutic music? Therapeutic music is music that helps those experiencing pain, anxiety, dementia, palliative care, hospice, & end of life issues.

The training of a therapeutic musician includes the study of music that will enhance relaxation, relieve anxiety, stabilize respiration and heart rate, lower blood pressure, distract from pain, lift spirits, and provide caregiver support. The recordings that Anthony provides are meant to achieve these goals. In his career he has become intimately (and painfully) aware of the many challenges created by illness, debilitation, decline, delirium, trauma, grief, uncertainty, and the extreme anxiety created by critical care situations. The patient or client is the passive recipient of therapeutic music’s benefits.

How the music is played becomes the most important part of the service. Generally speaking, the music is played slowly. Research has shown that music played closer to the tempo of a regular heartbeat (60 to 80 beats per minute) encourages entrainment, where respiration and heartbeat slows to a speed closer to the tempo of the music. Also supported by research is the effect the music will have on lowering blood pressure. The music is played simply, with melodic and harmonic patterns played often with just one or two notes at a time. Anxiety lessens, relaxation deepens, allowing for a stronger sense of well-being. Finally, the familiarity of the music brings comfort, and often triggers memories which can lead to very meaningful communication with loved ones and caregivers.

Therapeutic music needs to be distinguished from formal music therapy. Anyone certified as a music therapist is a musician and a therapist. Music Therapy, as a profession, involves active engagement with patients or clients, using music as a means to facilitate interaction, process feelings, promote physical rehabilitation, and manage stress. The goals of a therapeutic musician are different. They are not engaged in formal therapy with patients.