The History of Music Therapy

"I have always held that the history of music therapy is a forgotten history, one of the 'small narratives' threading its way along other grand narratives about philosophy, music, and medicine." -Even Rudd

Early References of Music Therapy

Music has been believed to positively affect healing and behavior for centuries. It has been referenced within the writings of Plato, Aristotle, and within Indigenous Communities all over the world. Rituals and beliefs involving the healing powers of music evolved over time to fit the individual cultural contexts regarding both health and music. One of the earliest known articles that directly references the therapeutic use of music was published in 1744 in Spain. It proposed that music could address the psychological and emotional aspects of a patient's illness (Wheeler, 2015.) Meanwhile in America, an article titled "Music Physically Considered" was published in 1789. Shortly after the publication of these articles, music therapy found its way into two medical dissertations. The first one being published by Edwin Atlee in 1804, followed by Samuel Matthews in 1806. Both of these students were studying under Benjamin Rush, who grew to be known as The American Father of Psychiatry. While Rush most likely was not a music therapist, he advocated for the use of music as a complimentary therapy.

Researchers in the later 19th century began conducting the first music therapy interventions in medical and psychiatric settings, cementing the scientific use of music in healthcare. (Wheeler, 2015).

Formal Beginnings

At the start of the 20th century, the first organization dedicated to the promotion of music therapy was founded in America by Eva Augusta Vescelius. Vescelius was a classically trained vocalist, and focused on treating clients with varying mental illnesses. She also published the first music therapy journal, Music and Health shortly after establishing the National Society of Music Therapeutics. Multiple other associations were later formed, all with the goals of promoting the profession as legitimate. However, these associations all felt differently about how to go about implementing music therapy, which caused there to be no formal organization on the national level. It also proved that there needed to be curriculum created to teach clinicians. With that, the National Association for Music Therapy (NAMT) was formed in 1950, and universities all over America began to offer courses in music therapy. At this point in time, music therapy was gaining popularity due to the treatment of WWII veterans with PTSD.

Today

Today in the U.S., there is one major association for music therapy, known as the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). The Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) is a separate organization that aims to assure that all music therapists entering the field are clinically and musically competent. To become a music therapist, one must gain at least a Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy, complete 1200 hours of clinical work, and pass the CBMT exam. Music therapists work all over the world in various clinical settings, and are dedicated to utilizing the healing power of music.

References

American Music Therapy Association. “History of Music Therapy.” Musictherapy.org, American Music Therapy Association, 2019, www.musictherapy.org/about/history/.

Wheeler, Barbara L. Music Therapy Handbook. New York ; London, The Guilford Press, 2015.

F “Music Physically Considered” published in 1789. Following this, music therapy appeared in medical dissertations through the 1800's.article called “Music Physically Considered” published in 1789. Following this, music therapy appeared in medical dissertations through the 1800's.