Music therapy at homeconsultation on the topic

Recently, art therapy methods have become increasingly popular. Some of them have nothing to do with medicine or evidence-based science, but there are real pearls.

Music therapy is an assistive science that uses music in clinical settings to influence the human body. Music therapy can only be carried out by a certified specialist - a music therapist who is trained in specialized higher educational institutions. This science is at the intersection of music, psychology and medicine. Music therapy is suitable for both children and adults.

The origins of science go back to pre-biblical times, when music was considered an effective method for alleviating the condition of the sick. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians, the Indians of Latin America, the first Christians - they all used music to help the wounded, in the treatment of mental illness, in rituals of cleansing and healing.

In 1787, the Columbian Magazine published an article outlining the basic principles of music therapy that are still followed today:

• The impact on a person's mental and emotional state has an impact on physical health.
• Music therapy can only be performed by a trained person.

Over the next 150 years, a number of publications appeared from practitioners of various specialties describing the benefits of music therapy.

In 1944, the University of Michigan announced its first course in music therapy. Later, E. Thayer Gaston founded the first clinical internship and the first master's degree in music therapy. From that moment on, she began her triumphal march around the world.

What is music therapy

Music therapy is a treatment that involves listening to certain compositions.
This happens individually or as a group of people. Music can be played in the background in combination with several other corrective techniques that increase the effectiveness of the impact. The method is used to eliminate various emotional deviations and to correct certain fears. The positive effect of music in the treatment of some serious diseases has been noticed.

Music therapy has been known for several centuries. Even in the times of Pythagoras, Plato and Aristotle, the healing effects of music were mentioned. Avicenna, a famous doctor, used music in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system. In the modern world, the first serious mentions of the use of music therapy date back to the 19th century, when the French doctor Esquirol began to introduce listening to music in psychiatric hospitals. Then the doctor relied only on his own intuition, but later the therapy received significant scientific justification. Currently, it is actively used in psychiatry and other fields.

Diseases in the treatment of which psychotherapy is often used: neurasthenia, neuroses, insomnia, psychosis and schizophrenia. Positive aspects have also been noticed in the treatment of heart disease, ulcers, bronchitis, problems of the genitourinary system, and gastritis. This is especially useful information for patients who are allergic to essential medications.

Music therapy, unlike most other treatment methods, allows for self-medication. There are even special collections, combined into separate collections, that promote the treatment of certain ailments. Music therapy cannot completely replace necessary treatment, but it can reduce the dose of medications taken and achieve pain relief.

Music therapy for children under one year old

The main components of music therapy for newborns and infants are nursery rhymes and lullabies.

1. Every time you bathe, dress, change diapers, perform a small stroking massage, reciting poems and sayings. This stimulates the development of the peripheral nervous system, helps the baby get to know his body, expands his passive vocabulary, and forms attachment with his parents.
2. Introduce 2-3 lullabies from a folk or original ritual into your evening ritual. It's best if you sing the songs yourself. Even if you are not sure that you can sing, it is a live voice that will bring maximum benefit to your baby.

Singing lullabies helps develop a healthy sleep pattern, teaches babies to fall asleep on their own, calms and relieves stress, and also normalizes lactation in nursing mothers.

You will find more information about lullabies for newborns on our website.

The purpose of music therapy

Some genres of music have a calming effect, give a relaxing and calming effect - this has long been beyond doubt. In addition, the melody used in music therapy affects the overall mood. This does not depend on the listener's abilities, and happens on its own.

In general, a course of correction using such therapy may include the following goals:

• Emotional release.
• Regulation of emotional state.
• Dealing with personal troubles.
• Reducing stress levels.

It is also believed that some compositions can help in the fight against certain physical ailments.

Music therapy is a psychotherapeutic method used to restore, maintain and promote mental and physical health [1]. This method occupies a particularly important place in the non-drug treatment of chronic somatic diseases and diseases of the nervous system.

Currently, music therapy is developing as an integrative discipline at the intersection of neurophysiology, reflexology, psychology, and musicology. In European countries, particularly in Germany, the theoretical aspect of music therapy is being actively studied, while in the USA this method is developing more in a practical aspect [2]. Domestic scientists also made a certain contribution to the development of music therapy. Let us recall that at the turn of the 19th—20th centuries, in the studies of V.M. Bekhtereva, I.M. Dogelya, I.R. Tarkhanov presented data on the beneficial effects of music on the central nervous system and the function of other body systems.

Great importance is attached to the impact of music on the human psyche. It is assumed that under the influence of music therapy, the patient should acquire the opportunity to function more freely and effectively in the world around him, as well as achieve greater mental and physical stability [3].

When realizing the described effect, a qualified music therapist solves therapeutic problems together with the attending physician with the participation of the patient. Music therapy in this case is both part of the psychotherapeutic process and an independent method.

Music therapy is divided into three main forms: receptive, active, integrative [4].

Receptive (passive) music therapy. During this form of therapy, the patient does not actively participate in the process of the music therapy session, taking the position of a listener. Depending on the stage of treatment or the mental state of the patient, he is offered to listen to certain musical compositions, harmonies, sounds [1]. There are three types of receptive music therapy: communicative (joint listening to music aimed at maintaining mutual contacts, understanding and trust); reactive (aimed at achieving catharsis); regulatory (helps reduce neuropsychic tension).

Active music therapy is based on the patient’s active musical activity: reproduction, fantasy, improvisation. For this, both various instruments and the human voice can be used. It is known that singing is effective in the treatment of speech disorders, including controlling the patient’s breathing and rhythm of speech, improving articulation [5], while playing music on instruments, including playing in an ensemble, is used to restore coordination of movements.

Integrative music therapy combines music with other art forms. Patients are encouraged to create poems and stories after listening to music; pantomime, plastic dramatization to music, musically active games; drawing and modeling, sand therapy with music [6].

The following main directions of the therapeutic effect of music therapy are distinguished: 1. Regulatory influence on psycho-vegetative processes; 2. Development of interpersonal communication skills (communication functions and abilities); 3. Emotional activation during verbal psychotherapy; 4. Increasing aesthetic needs.

The physiological effect of music on the human body is justified by the fact that the nervous system, and with it the muscles, are able to assimilate rhythm. Music as a rhythmic stimulus stimulates the physiological processes of the body, occurring rhythmically in both the motor and autonomic spheres. The rhythms of individual human organs are always proportional. Rhythmic movements represent a single functional system, a motor stereotype. According to research data, individual elements of music (rhythm, tonality) are capable of inducing states that are adequate to the nature of the stimulus: minor keys have a depressive effect; fast pulsating rhythms have a stimulating effect and cause negative emotions; soft rhythms and consonances soothe; dissonances excite [3].

Many sources note that music can be used to correct personal development, including the regulation of psychosomatic and psycho-emotional processes [7].

The psychological mechanisms of the beneficial effects of music therapy are: relaxation, catharsis (emotional release, regulation of the emotional state, getting rid of oppressive feelings), facilitating awareness of one’s own experiences, confrontation with life problems, increasing social activity, acquiring new means of emotional expression, facilitating the formation of new relationships and attitudes. . The sedative (relaxation) function is achieved through specially organized musical activity, thereby relieving muscle and emotional tension and restoring physical and emotional strength. To achieve a stimulating function, major rhythmic dance music is used, which results in the mobilization and activation of a person’s physical and emotional capabilities [8].

Group forms of music therapy have become widespread. Most often in therapeutic practice, receptive music therapy is used with a focus on communicative tasks. During the lesson, the group listens to specially selected pieces of music, after which they discuss their own experiences, memories, fantasies that arose during the listening. Musical programs are developed on the principle of gradually changing the mood, dynamics and tempo of compositions, taking into account their different emotional load. An active version of music therapy is also used in group work. It is a therapeutically oriented, active musical activity, during which therapy participants can play various musical instruments (enter into a musical dialogue with each other, play out certain situations and topics) or sing in chorus [1, 2].

The types of music therapy listed above have no age restrictions and do not depend on musical abilities. They can be used in the correction of emotional disorders, complications associated with age-related development, including when working to overcome behavioral problems in children with mental or physical disabilities [5]. For example, many foreign rehabilitation programs provide programs aimed at the rehabilitation of children with early childhood autism (ECA) [9–12]. Cases of the use of music therapy as a means of pedagogical regulation of the emotional state of children are also described - both primary schoolchildren with developmental problems and adolescents with deviant behavior [10].

Literature data [13] also indicate that the use of music therapy contributes to positive dynamics in the treatment and rehabilitation of adults with acute and chronic neurological diseases, including demyelinating ones [13].

In one of the first large studies on the topic, published in 1989, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of group music therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) over a 2-year period in 225 patients who participated in group music therapy for 4-6 weeks [ 14]. The main topics of the group courses were problems associated with MS, such as disability, uncertainty, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, etc. The data obtained during the study indicate that group music therapy can be used not only as a method of psychological support, but also as an independent strategy for overcoming stress and everyday problems caused by the underlying disease. Another study [15] assessed the effect of music therapy on respiratory muscle strength in severely ill MS patients at risk of developing pneumonia due to respiratory weakness. The results of observation of 20 patients are discussed (10 patients in the active group, 10 in the control group). An increase in respiratory muscle strength was noted in 8 out of 10 patients in the active group, although no statistically significant difference from the comparison group was obtained due to the small number of observations [15].

Another study conducted in Germany examined the effectiveness of active music therapy in the treatment of MS in terms of its effect on depression and anxiety, changes in self-esteem and quality of life scales, as well as cognitive and functional parameters. The results of observation of 20 MS patients aged from 29 to 47 years were included (10 patients in the active group who received 3 blocks of music therapy for 1 year of 8-10 sessions, 10 patients made up the control group). Indicators of neuropsychological testing were assessed before and 3 months after the course. Over time, in the active group receiving music therapy, the authors observed significant improvements in self-esteem, depression and anxiety [16].

A review published in 2006 [17] summarized the results of 7 controlled studies published at that time on the use of music therapy for MS. The authors noted that all studies at that time were preliminary, pilot in nature. However, the results of all studies clearly indicate a decrease in depression and anxiety. The greatest benefits of music therapy in psychosocial and emotional terms have been noted specifically in the complex management of patients with MS.

A number of controlled studies have been conducted on the use of music therapy in patients with MS. A series of studies [18, 19] were conducted in the USA on the influence of music therapy as a mnemonic technique on the cognitive functions of patients with R.S. The first study showed that musical mnemonics could facilitate patient learning [18]. Another study compared the effects of memorization in 38 patients, with 20 of them remembering using music and 18 using only speech. Correlation analysis showed that in patients with MS, musical memory support was more effective than speech support [19]. One of the latest studies [20] examined the musical identity of patients with MS to assess the psychological state of the patients. The authors describe the method of “musical autobiography,” which is an effective therapeutic tool through which patients describe themselves. The use of this technique helps in restoring self-identity and improves the quality of life of patients with R.S. Eight adult patients were interviewed after selecting 10–15 pieces of music that were most meaningful to them. It was found that the musical preferences of patients are characterized by personal, social, temporal and interpersonal characteristics. It has also been shown [21] that reminding MS patients of musical history improves their well-being and awareness, and also provides an alternative way of self-expression, activating and improving affective memory and promoting a sense of wholeness.

In practice, it has been proven that music therapy can help relieve pain and reduce the patient’s nervous tension. Thus, a study by Austrian scientists [22] shows that the use of music therapy in combination with relaxation exercises effectively influences the healing process. Patients (65 people aged 21 to 68 years) suffering from chronic pain after surgery listened to certain music for 25 minutes a day for 3 weeks. At the end of the study, patients noted improved sleep and decreased pain.

Listening to music is known to relieve tension, which can help relieve pain. One of the latest studies [23], conducted by authors from Germany and the UK, examined the effect of music therapy on the condition of women with fibromyalgia syndrome. The study involved 30 women with an average age of 50 years. The subjects listened to certain music 5 times a day for 2 weeks. The results of the study confirmed that listening to music for the purpose of activation or relaxation increases control over the perception of pain. The authors argue that to achieve a greater effect, not only passive listening to music is necessary, but also playing music and choral singing [23].

Music therapy techniques are quite diverse and can be included in various programs that involve the use of music not only in complex therapy, but also separately as the main and leading factor of influence (listening to musical works, individual and group music playing).

Music therapy as a method of personality psychocorrection

Musical compositions have a direct impact on various systems of human organs, affecting the depth of breathing, the speed of activity of neural pathways, heart contractions, muscle relaxation or tension. Thanks to the effects of therapy, changes occur in the emotional state. Example: an anxious person begins to calm down. It has been observed that the heart rate decreases with the help of certain medications and listening to music.

Music therapy is a good helper for neuroses and the regulation of psycho-vegetative reactions. Certain compositions lead to the normalization of the emotional background, help to develop new communication skills, promote socialization, the formation of new strategies and life guidelines.

Music treatment corrects a wide range of mental conditions, but in case of serious disorders, it becomes an auxiliary function. At certain stages, therapy is not recommended at all. Patients experiencing acute psychotic states can only complicate their situation. Reason: music will make them immerse themselves in their images, fantasies, which will worsen the situation. Before leaving the acute phase, the patient’s main goal is to establish a connection with reality. When a stable state is established, then it is permissible to begin working on the emotional component.

Music treatment is not recommended for epileptics. Musical waves affect brain activity and, when resonated, can cause a seizure.

Therapy is ideal for treating low mood, but major depression must be treated with medication.

Expert opinion

One of the leading music therapists of our time, Valentin Petrushin, has been studying and practicing music treatment methods for many years. The maestro is confident that, for example, choral singing has a powerful effect on the well-being and physical performance of all participants - it adjusts respiratory and heart rhythms. This group practice can be used to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, singing during an extended exhalation provokes the accumulation of a certain amount of carbon dioxide in the body, due to which pressure decreases, the general condition stabilizes, and diseases recede.

For insomnia, Professor Petrushin recommends singing the mantra “OM” before going to bed. For depression, the music therapist “prescribes” special short songs that promote the opening of diaphragmatic breathing. Musical affirmations developed by Valentin Petrushin work more effectively than simple text formulations for pronunciation, since they are combined with musical rhythm.

Students and listeners of V. Petrushin’s webinars speak of the master with great warmth. Professor Margarita Shchetkova, a student of the professor, took an active part in the webinar with the children and confirms the effectiveness of all the proposed exercises and techniques - during the lesson, the family tried out all the subtleties and received the result in the form of a feeling of peace and tranquility. Listener Alexandra Chetverikova noted that after the lesson, the initial anxiety was replaced by a cheerful and energetic state.

Forms and types of music therapy

Let's take a closer look at the types of music therapy:

• Experimental . He studies various musical effects on humans.
• Clinical . Used for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
• Integrative . It takes place in combination with other types of therapy related to art (dancing, drawing, etc.).
• Thematic . It is based on a plot and a lecture on a certain topic (example: the work of a certain musician).
• Background . Used as a background during psychotherapeutic activities.
• Active . A person himself creates a melody by playing instruments, singing or beating a rhythm.
• Receptive . A person passively listens to a piece of music or its individual moments.

Each type and form of music therapy has its nuances. Some are suitable for individual lessons, others for group lessons. The program is selected by a psychotherapist. If the patient chooses something that is not at all suitable for him, and his expectations are not met, then the condition will worsen.

Today, types of music therapy are divided into two schools: Swedish and American.

The Swedish school of music therapy emphasizes that music affects the physical level and can even reach the deeper layers of the personality. Therapy is used to establish contact when a person demonstrates closedness or is unable to work in a dialogue communication system. In this case, you can work with the emotions that music provokes. Music is divided into calming and activating.

The American school focuses on studying how a certain composition affects the human psyche. As a result, catalogs of works were developed to help with specific disorders. The theoretical basis is based on the theory of psychoanalysis. The main purpose of music is to open channels for the release of accumulated emotions. This helps in situations where there are fears, anxious thoughts and other mechanisms that block the natural course of emotional experiences. According to the American approach, each type of disease requires a specific composition, previously tested by specialists.

Goals and objectives

The goal of music therapy is to normalize a person’s emotional state. In accordance with the goal, the following tasks of music therapy are defined:

• create conditions for emotional release;
• improve the client’s self-regulation skills;
• develop stress resistance;
• prevent depression;
• promote improved mental and physical health;
• create conditions for the client’s personal growth.

How are music therapy sessions conducted?

Sessions usually do not take long. Sometimes one piece lasting 5-30 minutes is enough, after which the specialist offers to discuss impressions. In general, a session often ranges from 30-45 minutes. The total number of sessions is directly related to the patient's condition. You may need 10-20 visits to a music therapy room - a room with good sound insulation and comfortable furniture. It is believed that sessions without headphones have a more beneficial effect.

With an individual approach, the choice of music is based on the client's preferences, varying with each new session. Perhaps a complex will be selected for listening at home.

When group therapy is conducted, it takes longer to establish a trusting relationship. The selection of works is based on the general problems of patients (neuroses, apathy, insomnia, and so on).

Scientific research

Research is an integral component of music therapy as a modern evidence-based profession and discipline.

The study Review of the Effectiveness of Music Therapy in the Treatment of Depression examined whether and to what extent music intervention can influence the emotional well-being of people living with depression.

Depression often reduces a person's participation in social activities. It also affects efficiency and stamina in daily work and can even lead to greater susceptibility to illness. Music may be considered a new treatment option for mental health disorders that has not yet been fully discovered.

The overall result of our analysis, taking into account all significant effects, provided very strong results that music is a potential treatment tool to improve depressive symptoms and quality of life in many age groups. Daniel Lubner and Thilo Hinterberger

Music therapy for children

The advantages of music therapy make it possible to use it in working with children. Its harmlessness, availability and ease of use make it a good solution for many families. Parents usually ask a specialist to select a set of works that will help them cope with the problems that have arisen. More often, music therapy is preferred to be carried out at home, in natural conditions for the child. Even if other correction methods are necessary, music therapy remains a good help, since it is usually more profitable and accessible, both financially and in terms of time.

The structure of the child's brain is sensitive to any influence. Vibration and rhythm have an impact on the physical and emotional level, bringing harmony to many processes occurring in the body.

The child’s sensitivity makes it possible to monitor areas of abnormal organ activity and emotional state. If the compositions are chosen incorrectly or are of the same type, an undesirable effect may occur.

Music therapy is used from a very early age. This is especially useful for children who have suffered from lack of oxygen. The structural features of their brain do not provide the necessary production of enzymes, but music therapy helps to increase the activity of their production. This fact has been confirmed by many researchers. There is an improvement in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, as well as the respiratory system. The child becomes calmer and falls asleep better.

Previously, it was assumed that rhythm, not melody, had an effect, but then these theories were refuted - rhythmic sounds had a depressing effect on cellular activity, inhibiting development. It is important to take this into account when choosing musical compositions for your baby. It is preferable to choose classic works, but watch your baby’s individual reactions.

The oldest type of music therapy is lullabies. Many centuries ago, the beneficial effects of certain songs on infants were noticed. Lullabies combine several development factors: intuitive correction of the melody, contact with the mother. The presence of words in soothing compositions has a harmonizing effect - they are more useful than wordless melodies. Lullabies are reflections of the culture in which a child was born, and this has a calming effect on him on an unconscious level.

Therapy is used in children's groups not only as a method of correcting disorders, but also as a means of development. Melodies have a positive effect on the intellect and creative imagination, the internal formation of the aesthetic.

If it is customary in a child’s family to listen to good music, then he will be able to socialize better and find a way out of difficult situations. This method can expand children's perception of the world around them, where there are many opportunities and paths. It becomes easier for the child to demonstrate feelings, set and complete tasks.

History of development

Music therapy, born as a concept in the mid-twentieth century, has existed as a healing practice since time immemorial. This is evidenced by the oldest documents that have come down to us.[21] The ancient philosophers Pythagoras, Aristotle, Plato, and Plutarch also wrote about the healing power of musical influence. Pythagoras generally recommended music as a panacea for body and soul.

The music therapy practice is also impressive. In Ancient Egypt, births were performed to music. In ancient India, it was used as a way to heal wounds received on the battlefield. Avicenna treated mentally ill patients with music. Hippocrates used it to heal insomnia and epilepsy. The Roman physician Galen recommended the use of music as an antidote to snake bites, and Aesculapius - for emotional disorders. Ancient Chinese doctors believed that music could generally cure any disease and even prescribed musical prescriptions to influence one or another diseased organ.

However, ancient traditions and experience were lost. The development of materialistic consciousness and science pushed them to the “sidelines” of history - after all, Copernicus’s heliocentric picture of the world did not recognize the idea of ​​“harmony of the spheres”, the connection of music with the Cosmos, and the interest of scientists in these problems gradually faded away.

Only in the 19th century did the revival of music therapy practice begin: the French psychiatrist Esquirol began to use music therapy in psychiatric institutions. Music therapy gained further popularity after the First World War. In the 1930s, the experience of military doctors was used by German therapists in the treatment of stomach ulcers, and Swiss ones in the treatment of mild forms of tuberculosis. Austrian obstetricians used music to relieve pain during childbirth. The use of music and sound as an anesthetic began to be used in dental and surgical practice. All this practice became the basis for the development of music therapy after the Second World War.

In the second half of the twentieth century, technical capabilities in the study of physiological reactions that occur in the body during the process of musical perception expanded disproportionately. It has been proven that music actively influences the functions of all vital physiological systems, the intensity of various physiological processes, breathing and the cardiovascular system, blood circulation, and even leads to certain hormonal and biochemical changes.

In many countries of Western Europe and the USA, music-psychotherapeutic centers began to be organized and gained great popularity: in Sweden and Austria - Osterreichisch Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Musiktherapie, Switzerland - Schweizer Forum fur Musiktherapie, Germany - Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Musiktherapie.[18] By now, music therapy has become widespread throughout the world, where it has been practiced since the mid-20th century. is developing as a separate industry. The rapid spread of music therapy is facilitated by the systemic crisis of medical care and the general negative social background.

Music therapy for older people

Previously, music therapy was not widely used with elderly patients, but then its positive aspects were nevertheless appreciated - this turned out to be a real discovery.

Listening to music has become both a way of contacting the outside world and a way of perceiving it. At the same time, existing violations are corrected. What is the influence process based on? It's simple: the vibrations of music resonate with the vibrations emanating from the human body, as well as its individual systems and cells. When harmony is disturbed, the vibrations of the body change - the melodies can again be adjusted to the correct and familiar rhythm. This is noticeable in the activities of individual systems. Example: some compositions improve memory, others normalize blood pressure.

Over the years, the harmony of the body ceases to be a given - it requires care and support. This need cannot be ignored - it threatens the body with diseases. In addition, the psyche, which previously coped with many emotional stresses, becomes more sensitive with age, and long-standing psychological traumas come to the surface.

The most popular area of ​​use of psychotherapy among older people: normalization of blood pressure, sedation. The first session can demonstrate positive results. There are often cases when the effectiveness of treatment with melodies was noticed during rehabilitation after strokes and various complications. Due to increased cell activity, the recovery process accelerates.

The treatment has proven effective in stimulating intellectual abilities and improving brain activity. In old age, this is the prevention of senile dementia and any memory impairment. As you know, an indicator of the youth of an organism is the ability to search for new ways to adapt to environmental conditions. This is true. It has been noticed that if the life of an elderly person is filled with a variety of musical melodies, they adapt more successfully, are in constant development, and master previously unfamiliar areas. It is important to remember: this effect does not occur when listening to the same type of music. The opposite happens: a person degrades in development. This applies not only to old age, but to any other age.

During age-related crises, music therapy is very important. It is believed that the most difficult is the midlife crisis, but it is followed by an equally important period when goals, worldviews, and priorities change. A person loses more and more loved ones, the capabilities of the body change, as does the general way of life.

These changes are not often talked about, but in their strength they are not inferior to the teenage period - their impacts are no less intense. A person does not know how to adapt to a constantly changing world, what to expect from himself and from others.

Music therapy makes it possible to release emotions in a new way and reconsider attitudes towards different events. It is recommended to listen carefully to the rhythm of the works - thanks to this, it is easier for a person to find new strategies for building his future life. Many people stop panicking because time is quickly passing. They seem to “slow down”, learn to enjoy the present, and look for new opportunities for fulfillment.

What is the Mozart effect

The phenomenon has long been known in the medical world. The Mozart effect is the harmonizing effect of the famous composer’s music on brain activity, energy, and physical well-being.

Classical music undoubtedly has a positive effect on the human body. Often such compositions are recommended for pregnant women to listen to. Doctors say that this has a beneficial effect on the unborn baby, who will subsequently find it easier to reveal their talents. At the end of the twentieth century, the topic of the amazing impact of Mozart’s music on the human brain was especially often raised in scientific circles. The unique influence was called the Mozart effect. To this day, the debate continues between scientists discussing the nature of this feature. However, the facts speak for themselves.

The first experiments on this topic were carried out on rodents. For about two months, the rats were forced to listen to the same thing for 12 hours a day. It was Mozart's Sonata in C major. Listening to it led to the activation of their cerebral cortex - they seemed to become wiser. It turned out that after such music therapy, the rodents began to run through the maze 30 percent faster than before. In addition, they now made mistakes 27 percent less often than normal rats.

Speaking of people, scientists have begun studying brain activity using magnetic resonance. According to research, any music has an effect on the human brain. It has an exciting effect on the area that is the auditory center. Parts of the brain responsible for emotions may be stimulated.

But only listening to Mozart's music can stimulate the activation of the entire cortex. Why is this happening?

There are interesting scientific theories on this matter. The power of musical compositions to influence the brain has received evidence in two directions: the frequency of sound and the frequency of rhythm changes.

The latter is due to the fact that our brain is cyclical in its activity. Simply put, the nervous system has a rhythm of about 20-30 seconds. According to scientists, resonance in the cerebral cortex is caused by sound waves oscillating at the same frequency. American researchers decided to analyze the frequency characteristics of the music of several dozen composers to determine how often waves of 20-30 seconds in length are present in their compositions.

After combining all the data into one table, it became obvious that the authors of most modern pop projects were at the very bottom in this indicator. Mozart, meanwhile, remains in the top position. His compositions, which have unique nuances, the flow of musical sounds and overflows, truly have unique properties that are ideally suited to the biorhythms of the human brain.

My experience

For three months I taught music art therapy classes with teenagers. The main form of working with music was receptive. This experimental course allowed me to formulate recommendations for colleagues on organizing similar classes:

1. For conducting classes, it is better to use professional stereo digital recordings. This is a guarantee of high-quality sound without interference and unnecessary noise.
2. Do not overload the lesson with musical compositions. In my opinion, it is better to organize the psychocorrection process in such a way that within the framework of one lesson, work is carried out with one piece of music. In addition to the receptive form of music therapy, I use such correction methods as: relaxation techniques, right-hemisphere drawing, dance therapy.
3. Don't turn the audio on too loud: the sudden rush of adrenaline is not useful for all people.
4. Fast compositions should be used only occasionally. Constantly listening to fast melodies excites the nervous system and exhausts it.
5. It is easier to concentrate on the sound of the melody and the emotions it evokes with your eyes closed. When we consciously “turn off” the visual analyzer, our auditory perception is enhanced.

Examples of therapeutic music

Atmospheric music is suitable for music therapy, helping to achieve complete relaxation and psychological relief. This music is recommended for people suffering from chronic fatigue or recent stress, or those who have a very intense lifestyle. In general, we are talking about people who need a “break.”

Therapeutic music includes classics by Mozart, recordings with sounds of nature, and various soothing melodies. It is also worth paying attention to the works of Jeffrey Thompson, who is an expert in the field of producing stimulating sound recordings. Being an outstanding musician and composer, he was able to develop a method of using modulated sound impulses to influence the human condition, namely a positive effect on the body and mind.

Examples of music therapy effects

— the fact has been repeatedly confirmed: Mozart’s D major sonata stops attacks of epilepsy and even gets rid of it;

- the newspaper “Facts” dated 01.01.01, talking about the experience of the Kazatinsky rehabilitation center for seriously ill children (cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, genetic diseases), reports that “12-year-old Anya, suffering from cerebral palsy, thanks to music lessons, learned to walk and dance and became the winner of four international variety competitions”;

- the famous French actor Gerard Depardieu got rid of stuttering in 3 months, listening to Mozart’s music every day on the advice of his doctor.

— Brazilian scientists conducted an experiment in which 60 patients who suffered from various visual impairments took part. Half of the participants prepared for a vision test while listening to the music of Mozart. Others waited in complete silence for testing to begin. Patients who waited for the test to begin while listening to Mozart's music focused their vision better and completed the task significantly faster than those who prepared for the test in silence.

— a unique method of treatment — bell therapy

— tested at the oncology clinic in Arkhangelsk. Bells were used to treat cancer patients back in Ancient Rus', but the experience of treating cancer patients with bells is the first in Russia. The basis of the treatment session is canonical church bells. The experiment continues;[29]

- Doctors believe that music helps relax muscles, especially during fast walking and running, and can be used as an additional rehabilitation therapy to maintain good physical shape for heart patients and people suffering from obesity. In addition, music has a stimulating effect on mood and emotions, helping to maintain the athletic spirit and thereby influencing long-term fitness achievements.[30]

— Doctors have come to the conclusion that favorite music can help dilate blood vessels and lower cholesterol levels in the blood.[31]

- Listening to certain types of music can slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Researchers tested different combinations of music and silence and found that melodies that had rich accents and alternating fast and slow beats worked best on blood flow and the heart. Verdi's arias, which are preceded by 10-second musical introductions, were found to be perfectly synchronized with the cardiovascular rhythm.[32]

— S. Shabutin. S. Khmil, I. Shabutina [8] give possible options for the therapeutic use of music: • affects skin receptors; • activates the functions of the nervous system; • reduces the pain threshold; • regulates the release of hormones, which reduces stress; • affects heart rate and pulse; • may increase or decrease blood pressure; • reduces muscle tension and improves coordination of movements; • eliminates discomfort, affects body temperature; • affects digestion; • affects the energy-informational potential of the body; • can improve memory and learning ability; • stimulates intrauterine development of the fetus.