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Alternative Careers in Music - The Music Therapist |
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Wednesday, 08 February 2012 03:25 |
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Music therapists use psychological and healing properties of music, in treating patients of all ages for a wide range of ailments. Drum therapy is a specific type of music therapy, derived from the ancient traditions of shamanic drumming. Far from the new-age fad that might be suggested by that description, drum therapy has stood up to modern scientific scrutiny, and has been proven by researchers to have numerous significant benefits for physical health and emotional well-being.
by RuthWilliams
Music therapists use psychological and healing properties of music, in treating patients of all ages for a wide range of ailments. Drum therapy is a specific type of music therapy, derived from the ancient traditions of shamanic drumming. Far from the new-age fad that might be suggested by that description, drum therapy has stood up to modern scientific scrutiny, and has been proven by researchers to have numerous significant benefits for physical health and emotional well-being.
Mongolian shamans and West African healers use drumming in their culture for healing. Some Native American groups have made their traditional drumming a part of alcoholism recovery programs. The drum is commonly used to unite people and bring about a trance-like state. Modern music therapists take advantage of this uniting power, and find drumming helpful to patients who find it difficult or impossible to otherwise express themselves.
Modern researchers have turned their attention to drum therapy. Its effectiveness has been proven through scientific studies, and also verified that it boosts the immune system and provides physical exercise. The exercise of drumming has been proven to release endorphins, which are the body's natural pain-killer. The teamwork of a drum circle provides the kind of emotional support associated with lengthened lifespan. As a result of the benefits which drumming has been proven to provide, researchers developed the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol. This is supported by the drum head manufacturer Remo in partnering with music therapists.
Drumming enhances thought processes through rhythm which synchronizes the brain's hemispheres and cortices. Because drumming activates so many different parts of the brain, it can help to overcome nerve damage, such as that suffered in a stroke. Drumming also reduces the damaging effects of stress. A survey of nursing home employees who took part in weekly drumming sessions found a stress reduction of up to 62%, and a dramatic reduction in staff turnover over the next year. An additional review saw a reduction in student dropout rates, while another found discipline improvements among troubled youths.
It is the job of practitioners to make their patients comfortable with instruments. Drum circles can contain participants of varying levels of musical experience, so the less experienced are brought along gradually. Drumming involves the layering of simple patterns in order to create a beautiful and complex tapestry, each individual plays an essential part. Despite playing as a group there is still the opportunity to improvise and allow self expression. The uniting effect of drumming synchronizes parts of the brain and also brings together people in drumming circles. A profession as a music therapists can be very rewarding, it offers an alternative path down which musicians can progress.
About the Author: MP
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