Music and the Power of Change
Who does not like a memorable tune? The power of Beethoven and his Ode to Joy and freedom. The glorious harmonies of Mozart. The cool sass of Louis Armstrong with rhythm and blues jazz. Or the pumping beats of ABBA or Katie Perry mixed with the melodies of Ed Sheeran or Adele. Music can take us on a journey that allows the mind to soar into the magic of rhythm and harmonies (from whatever musical culture you come from), and sometimes just forget our daily troubles. It is for these reasons, amongst others, that music therapy (as part of art therapy) can be used to help people improve cognitive and sensory motor functions, self-esteem, self-awareness, and emotional resilience and release to improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Music therapy acts as a non-pharmacological intervention that influences the endocrine and nervous systems, resulting in the release of several “feel-good” hormones and neurotransmitters, such as dopamine (the pleasure or reward hormone contributing to feelings of joy and motivation). The introduction of endorphins can act as a natural painkiller during active music making, singing, or dancing. As well, oxytocin (or the “bonding hormone"), which fosters social connection, trust, and empathy, and serotonin, which helps regulate mood, anxiety, and pain, can play an equally important part in changing our mental state. Music therapy is highly effective in the reduction of cortisol (the "stress hormone"), which also reduces feelings of stress and anxiety. All these hormones contribute, in different ways, to our wellbeing when we use music therapy, playing a powerful role for those with a disability, indeed, no less than those with no disability. Working with music can bring a range of counselling benefits for clients, including communication and self-expression, managing pain, cognitive improvement and education, emotional regulation, social connection, motivation and self-coordination. Registered music therapists are supported by the NDIS, so that the power of music can and should be part of our toolkit of potential methods to work with disability clients: to understand what music they enjoy, how they react to music and their emotional state listening to music and afterwards. The great singer and musician Stevie Wonder once said, "Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision.” And his famous song “I just called to say I love you…” still resonates, whether you can or cannot see. This illustrates that whatever bad moments we might experience, music can help lift us away to a different, better place. It would be wonderful if we all took the time to explore a client’s musical world and see where that can help to empower the client along their journey to better wellbeing.