A quick thought on Music Therapy

A number of years ago, I began studying the subject of Music Therapy, and the associated benefits that are derived from it.  Here is some of what I wrote in my personal notes - circa 1999 - and still wholeheartedly believe today:

"Music Therapy has been shown to help sufferers of Parkinson's Disease in organizing their thoughts (if only temporarily).  It has also been shown to assist stroke victims in re-learning how to speak and comprehend that which we take for granted by incorporating the pulse and rhythm of music.  Another beneficial aspect of Music Therapy is that it has been proven to assist in reconnecting damaged neurological paths in the brain.

This means that as the research and studies of Music Therapy progress, it becomes more and more obvious that it offers far more benefits and therapeutic applications than initially realized.  Music has rapidly come to be recognized as a legitimate form of therapy for all types of brain disorders.  The possibilities are endless."

So here we are in 2012, and the practice of Music Therapy has made much more progress since I wrote those notes (to myself) back in 1999, and I can't help but think that there is far more progress to be made, and the current pace toward that progress is much too slow and encumbered by the weight of lack of funding, and perhaps even lack of interest in general.  There will be much more to come on this subject (which is very near and dear to my heart) in the days, weeks and months ahead within this blog, as I am a true advocate of Music Therapy and all the potential it holds in advancing our understanding and therapeutic treatment of brain disorders and mental illnesses.

It is currently well within our grasp to make significant use of this under utilized, readily available therapeutic benefit...we simply must make a concerted effort to lead the way in making sure that those with brain disorders and mental illness receive the expert care and opportunity to experience what the world of composed and recorded music has to offer.