Music

March 15, 2008

Music Therapy: Relating Music and Psychology

Imagine. A group of Alzheimer’s patients are gathered in a large assembly room of a nursing home. One frail, sickly man sits off to himself in his wheelchair. His eyes are empty and his mind is distant from everything in the room. In walks two young musicians—a pianist and a saxophone player. They begin to play soft, yet entertaining music. Soon, several of the residents are singing along with the musicians. Some are even dancing to the music, too. The frail old man still sits off to himself untouched by the music. He does not respond or even look up. It is as if he does not even hear the music being played at all. The saxophonist then looks at the pianist and signals one last song—“I’m In the Mood for Love,” a beautiful jazz number composed by the great Duke Ellington. Amazingly, the frail man’s eyes begin to focus. For months the old man has not smiled or connected with anyone. But, incredibly, the tunes the saxophonist creates with his instrument has roused this patient to wheel his chair towards the music, singing all the way. The exquisite melody brings memories to the man that he has not grasped in years. Eventually, the music comes to a stop. It is not long before most of the residents retreat back to their selves. But the frail old man continues to hum. He hums the same tune for hours until he, too, fades back into his familiar state of oblivion. Although only temporary, this music gave this patient a few moments of connection, happiness, and memory.

I am a music lover. I am a classically trained pianist who has spent the majority of my life perfecting my craft and learning to understand all of its depths. Playing the piano brings me such joy, because I become so relaxed while gliding my fingers across the keys. The riveting melodies produced by my piano also brings comfort and meditation to those who listen. In addition to music, I am also quite fascinated by the...